The BEST Gin and Tonic you will ever have! This one adds a fresh cucumber slice, lemon and star anise! Recipe from the AC Hotel Lounge here in Madison, Wisconsin!
I’ve always been a wine drinker. . I love a glass of wine with my food, or when I’m munching on appetizers or something. But my love for cocktails has grown over the years. I am always in awe of the work of bartenders and mixologists for their craft. Mixing up delicious and exciting concoctions and figuring out the exact measurements for everything, what would compliment certain cocktails .. how to incorporate new, seasonal and exciting things. It’s amazing.
And when you have a great drink, you remember it.
Tomorrow, I will be writing about my recent stay at the new AC Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. My husband and I recently stayed there for their grand opening weekend and it was beyond fabulous. While we were there, we had the most delicious and refreshing Gin and Tonic ever! I’ve never been a huge fan of gin and tonic but I think that’s because the others I’ve had never really stood out.
Craig, who is the bartender at the AC Lounge in the AC Hotel Madison Downtown, made the Gin and Tonics for us and showed me how to make them. You will see by the recipe what makes this highball cocktail different. If you’re ever in Madison, Wisconsin, be sure to stop into the AC Lounge in the AC Hotel Madison Downtown and tell Craig hello and most definitely, order this AC Lounge Gin and Tonic!
You won’t regret it!
The Best Gin and Tonic
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- fresh cucumber slice
- star anise
- 2 to 3 ounces gin recommended: Hendricks
- 4 ounces tonic water recommended: Fever-Tree
- lemon twist or lemon peel
- Lemon wedge for garnish; optional
Instructions
- Place the ice cubes, cucumber slice and star anise in a chilled glass (preferably). Add in the gin, then the tonic water, then the lemon twist, stirring well. Garnish with a lemon wedge if desired, and enjoy immediately.
I didn’t get this exact recipe from Craig; these measurements are what I figured out at home.
Cheers!
This looks delicious, I’m a gin & tonic girl from way back! My daughter lives in Madison and we visit often, I didn’t know you lived there Alice! I’m going to have to check out this hotel next time we’re in town!
Hi Sue!! Yes, we moved here almost 4 years years ago from Seattle! Let me know the next time you are here! I’d love to meet up! and yes, please do check out the AC hotel the next time you are here. . it’s fabulous. I’ll have a full post on the hotel up tomorrow!!
I had my best G&T at the ACLounge in Downtown Chicago. Added touch was rubbing the rim with the lemon rind. We just gave them a call to ask about the tonic. It was a cocktail to recall fondly and try to duplicate!