Espresso martinis are so 2013! Although it’s been knocking around for a few years now, another coffee cocktail has been making headlines this year due to the surge in popularity of both cold brew and gin: the Turbo Gin and Tonic.
The summer has got off to an unusually roaring start here in the UK and we are all down on our hands and knees worshipping the god of sun, Apollo, asking that he gives us just one good year. Glastonbury as always is once again at risk. Come on Apollo, just one good year.
In any case, although an ice cold alcoholic beverage is better consumed in a beer garden, or a sun-trapping roof terrace, we have a drink that will fit any occasion, even if you’re locked indoors with the rain gushing down outside.
Fundamentally, it’s just a gin and tonic, with a shot of cold brewed coffee added. If you don’t know what cold brew is already, it’s exactly what it says on the tin; coffee that has been brewed with cold water for an extended period of time, perhaps 6-24hrs. All that waiting around does a great job of extracting subtle flavours including some delectable boozy notes that are perfect for this bevvy!
Turbo Gin and Tonic Recipe
The picture at the top is of course just a gin and tonic – here’s a proper picture of what this should look like:
If you haven’t tried it before, definitely give it a shot at home or the next time you’re at the bar. And wouldn’t it be impressive if the bar you’re at, just happen to stock cold brew especially for this drink? (Perhaps we need to start keeping a list of bars that stock the right ingredients.)
To make one yourself, grab the following:
- Fresh bottle of cold brew coffee — try making it yourself! (25ml)
- Gin (50ml)
- Tonic (whatever your usual strength, but try 100ml to start)
Standard stuff to begin with: you start with ice, followed by the gin, and then top up with tonic. Easy.
Lastly, the final touch is to ‘float’ the cold brew, pouring slowly at the end to give the drink a dark and moody cap. Very pretty.
It’s clean, it’s fresh, it’s got coffee. So what’s not to like? Join in us in our prayers for good weather in good ole Blighty, and get your chops around this delicious cocktail.
