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5 from 3 votes

Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic

This cranberry thyme gin and tonic is the most refreshing holiday cocktail. It's the perfect effervescent refresher to make if you have cranberries laying around.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 12 cocktails
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Ingredients

Cranberry Syrup:

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • Splash of orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cocktail Assembly:

  • Fresh English Thyme leaves
  • Gin of choice I used St. George
  • Tonic of choice I used Fever Tree

Instructions

To Make the Cranberry Syrup:

  • Optional: Make a orange zest sugar rim by combining the zest from the orange and 1/2 cup white granulated sugar. Rub the zest into the sugar and add to a small shallow plate. When you slice open the orange, rub the orange around each of the glasses and dip the rim into the sugar mixture.
  • In a small saucepan, mix together the cranberries, sugar, water, splash of orange juice and vanilla extract. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, pressing the cranberries with the back of your spoon until they pop (beware--they'll splatter!). Add the fresh thyme and smash with the back of your spoon--this will release its aromatics. Note: The mixture should be much looser than traditional cranberry sauce. Pour the mixture through a strainer, discarding the solids, and reserving the cranberry syrup.

To Assemble the Cocktails:

  • I like to make two at a time (that's usually how much I can fit in my shaker). To the shaker, add ice, 2 fluid ounces of syrup and 4 ounces of gin. Shake it vigorously. Add ice to two glasses and divide the cocktail among the two. Top with tonic. Garnish with a few pieces of thyme. Repeat until you've made as many cocktails as you like.

Notes

To Make a Big Batch Cocktail:
Double the cranberry sauce recipe and add to a large pitcher. Combine with 14 ounces of gin. When you serve the pitcher, be sure to include a bottle of tonic next to it so guests can top each serving off with about 2 ounces of tonic. 
My Favorite Gin Brands: 
Hendricks | St. George | The Botonist Gin | Tanqueray

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal