Gin and Tonic Sgroppino

Updated Aug. 5, 2025

Overview

A vibrant, Italian-inspired cocktail that marries the crisp botanicals of gin with the creamy texture of sorbet and the effervescence of dry tonic water. Ideal for warm gatherings or as a palate-cleansing aperitif, this recipe balances lightness with depth, showcasing seasonal sorbet for a refreshing twist on classic gin and tonic.

Technical Specifications

• Total Time: 5 minutes (includes chilling time for tools and glassware)

• Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 3 ounces (½ cup) high-quality lemon or lime sorbet (≈2 medium scoops; opt for artisanal varieties with minimal added sugars)

• 1 ounce London dry gin (e.g., Tanqueray, Beefeater, or premium craft gin for complexity)

• 2 ounces dry tonic water (chilled; Definition: Dry tonic water has reduced sugar content and subtle herbal bitterness, providing a crisp, low-sweetness contrast to gin)

• Freshly grated lime zest (from 1 small lime; avoid the bitter white pith for bright aroma)

Preparation Instructions

1. Equipment Prep

• Chill Glassware: Place a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or fill with ice water for 10 minutes and discard before use to prevent rapid melting of sorbet.

• Pre-Chill Mixing Bowl: Freeze a small stainless steel or glass bowl for 15 minutes to maintain low temperatures during mixing.

2. Base Mixture Creation

• Transfer 3 ounces (2 medium scoops) of sorbet into the pre-chilled bowl.

• Add 1 ounce gin and 1 ounce chilled dry tonic water.

• Gently stir with a silicone spatula or hand whisk until the sorbet partially melts and integrates with the liquids, achieving a smooth yet slightly textured consistency (retain subtle sorbet granules for textural contrast).

3. Assembly

• Pour the base mixture into the pre-chilled glass, filling it ¾ full.

• Slowly top with the remaining 1 ounce of chilled dry tonic water, allowing it to rest on the surface to preserve carbonation and create a subtle color gradient.

4. Garnish & Service

• Grate fresh lime zest over the cocktail using a microplane zester (focus on the bright yellow outer layer).

• Serve immediately to preserve the sorbet’s creamy texture and the tonic’s effervescence.

User-Tested Variations

• Gin-Forward Ratio: Increase to 2 ounces gin and 2 ounces sorbet for a more pronounced botanical profile (per user feedback).

• Vodka Alternative: Substitute gin with vodka for a vodka-sorbet tonic (e.g., “Since I don't like gin, Made it with vodka. Refreshing!”).

• Herbal Sorbet: Use homemade shiso sorbet with Hendricks Oasium gin (1.5 ounces gin) for an aromatic twist (per “Used Shiso Sorbet” comment).

• Tonic Water Tips: Fever Tree Dry Tonic is recommended for a balanced profile (note: availability may vary; Schweppes Dry Tonic works as a substitute).

Glossary

• Dry Tonic Water: A tonic water with reduced sugar and enhanced herbal notes (e.g., quinine, citrus, and cinchona bark), designed to complement gin’s botanicals without excessive sweetness.

Enjoy this bright, effervescent sipper—adjust ratios to suit your taste!