Gone are the days when choosing between lemon and lime was the height of gin garnish sophistication. In the ever-evolving world of mixology, particularly with the influence of garnish-rich Spanish G&T culture, an array of culinary and botanical wonders are now used to enhance the humble G&T.

From fragrant herbs to fresh fruits and vibrant vegetables, the modern home mixologist has a treasure trove of ingredients at their disposal for crafting inventive gin cocktail recipes.

Equip yourself with a Copa de Balon glass – a broad goblet that provides ample space for your garnishes to impart their flavours – alongside a bottle of our Brilliant London Dry Gin and some premium tonic water. Dive into this list of unique gin and tonic garnishes to give your G&T a distinct character.

• Lavender: Not just a nostalgic fragrance, lavender, in just the right amount, brings a warm, floral note to your G&T. Elevate it with edible flowers for an aesthetically stunning garnish.
• Rosemary: This robust herb infuses a savoury, piney essence, complementing the juniper flavours beautifully. Try our Botanical G&T recipe for a refreshing twist.
• Cinnamon Sticks: A dash of cinnamon adds a sweet, spicy dimension. Pair with a robust gin like our London Dry Gin, but resist stirring with the cinnamon to maintain the G&T’s fizz.
• Peppercorns: Spanish G&Ts often feature peppercorns floating amongst the ice. Black peppercorns add a savoury touch, while Sichuan peppercorns introduce a unique heat.
• Star Anise: This versatile spice offers a slight menthol hint and is visually striking. Add a few for a G&T that’s both flavourful and pleasing to the eye.
• Tomatoes: Teamed with basil leaves (lightly slapped to release their aroma), tomatoes lend a summery vibe, perfect for outdoor sipping.
• Lemon Thyme: For lemon lovers, lemon thyme offers a herbaceous, citrusy twist.
• Vanilla Pods: Best for special occasions, vanilla enhances gins with a rich, buttery profile, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Apple: For a subtle, sweet, floral touch, fan out thin apple slices in your G&T, and spritz with lemon to prevent browning.
• Lemongrass: Introduce an exotic flair with lemongrass stalks, paired with cilantro for added freshness.
• Pink Grapefruit: Sweet, acidic, and slightly bitter, grapefruit complements the tonic wonderfully.
• Strawberry: Versatile and delicious, strawberries work well with various pairings such as basil, elderflower, and mint.
• Juniper Berries: For juniper enthusiasts, a handful of these berries intensifies the gin’s inherent flavours.
• Rhubarb: A quintessentially British choice, rhubarb adds a fruity, tart element. Use a vegetable peeler for decorative crimson ribbons.
• Frozen Peaches: A clever alternative to ice, frozen peach wedges chill your drink without excessive dilution.

Share your favourite gin garnish with us by tagging @brilliantgin in your cocktail creations on social media. For more gin cocktail ideas, sign up to our Brilliant Gin Club newsletter