null

Welcome to Surdyk's Staff blog. Here you'll find our best tips, expertise, party ideas, and more.

Gin + Tonics Around the World: A Global Twist on a Classic

Gin + Tonics Around the World: A Global Twist on a Classic

Posted on May 13th 2025

Written by
Surdyk's Staff

Summer has shown up early here in Minnesota - to the delight of some and the dismay of others. But whether you bask in the warmth or search for shade, there is one silver lining: it is officially Gin and Tonic season.


While many gin lovers stick to their tried-and-true favorites, we think this early start to summer is the perfect excuse to shake things up. If you haven’t already made the switch to premium tonic water, consider this your friendly nudge—your gin deserves better.

 

How we G+T:


We don’t believe in exact measurements.

 
Instead, grab the gin, fill your glass with ice, and pour with your heart.
Fill the remaining space with tonic. Garnish, and voilà. You are good to go.

 

With plenty of warm days still ahead, why not take your taste buds on a journey? We have rounded up globally inspired twists on the classic Gin + Tonic to keep things fresh, fun, and delicious all season long.


CLASSIC LONDON DRY G+T

 

You know what they say…if it ain’t broke, pour it over ice and enjoy.
Here is our favorite “classic” G+T recipe of the moment. Juniper-forward Tanqueray delivers a more luxurious mouthfeel than other London Dry gins, and even though we would not be mad using any of the premium tonics available, Top Note has a special crispiness that makes this drink off the charts refreshing


GIN-TONIC

 
Spain has elevated the Gin + Tonic into an art form—served in large balloon glasses, thoughtfully garnished with herbs, spices, and citrus to enhance the gin’s botanicals. Premium tonic is necessary, and is often enjoyed as a post-dinner ritual, turning a simple cocktail into a full sensory experience.


YUZU G+T

 
A Japanese-inspired Yuzu Gin + Tonic offers a bright, citrusy twist on the classic. Yuzu, a fragrant fruit native to East Asia, tastes like a blend of lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit—adding a tart, aromatic lift to the drink.


SPICE ROAD G+T

 
An Indian-inspired Spice Road Gin + Tonic layers bold, warming flavors onto the classic cocktail. Garnishes like fresh ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and lime do more than just decorate the glass—they infuse the drink with aromatic depth and a subtle spice. It is a vibrant, sensory journey that pairs beautifully with a bold, juniper-forward gin and a crisp tonic to balance the warmth.


HERBAL G+T

 
A German-inspired G+T brings a lush, herbaceous twist to the mix with Monkey 47—a gin known for its intense blend of 47 botanicals. Paired with Fever-Tree’s Refreshingly Light Cucumber Tonic and garnished with mint, basil, and cucumber, this cocktail is crisp, complex, and garden-fresh. It is a refined, aromatic experience that highlights the botanical depth of both gin and tonic.


NORDIC G+T

 
A Nordic-inspired G+T channels the wild, clean flavors of the North with Vikre Spruce Gin, known for its forest-forward profile. Mixed with Jack Rudy Elderflower Tonic Syrup and garnished with a lemon wedge and fresh spruce tips, it’s a bright, woodsy cocktail that feels like a walk through the Scandinavian wilderness. Crisp, floral, and invigorating—this one is perfect for cooling down without losing that sense of adventure.


Shop our selection of OVER 150 Gins here:

Search Articles