Raspberry Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing cocktail pairs homemade raspberry syrup with the distinctive sweetness and tang of sloe gin, a traditional British red gin made from blackthorn (sloe) fruit. The result is a fruity, slightly tart gin and tonic that feels both familiar and new.

If you love gin and tonic, this variation is an easy way to add depth and color to the classic. The raspberry syrup lends bright berry notes while the sloe gin introduces a mellow, autumnal fruitiness that complements tonic water perfectly.

With National Gin and Tonic Day coming each year, it’s a great moment to try a creative twist. Below you’ll find ingredients, step-by-step instructions, equipment suggestions, and tips to get the best results.

🥘 Ingredients

• Sloe gin: A red British gin made with blackthorn fruit. It brings a sweet, fruity aroma and a subtle bitterness that pairs well with tonic.
• Raspberry syrup: Homemade syrup works best for freshness and balance. You can use a cooked syrup or a no-cook infusion; store-bought syrups also work for convenience.
• Tonic water: Choose a quality tonic to balance the sweetness and highlight the botanicals.
• Cubed ice: Use plenty to keep the drink cold and refreshing.
• Garnish: Lime or lemon wedge and an optional straw.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

🍸 Step-by-Step

🔪 Instructions

This cocktail is built directly in the glass for simplicity and to preserve carbonation. Follow these quick steps.

• Step 1: Fill a chilled highball glass with cubed ice.
• Step 2: Pour in sloe gin and raspberry syrup.
• Step 3: Top with tonic water to taste.
• Step 4: Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge and serve with a straw if desired.

Enjoy your raspberry sloe gin and tonic while it’s cold and fizzy.

👍 Best Glass: Highball

A tall highball glass is ideal for gin and tonic cocktails. Its vertical shape preserves bubbles and gives plenty of room for ice, liquid, and garnish so your drink stays cold and effervescent longer.

🤔 What is a “Built” Cocktail?

A built cocktail is assembled directly in the serving glass over ice, rather than shaken or stirred in a separate vessel. Ingredients are poured in sequence and mix naturally. This approach works especially well for long, carbonated drinks like gin and tonics.

🍽 Equipment

• Jigger or measuring tool
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Chilled highball glass
• Optional: reusable drinking straw

💭 Top Tips for a Perfect Gin & Tonic

• Chill glasses before serving for the best temperature and mouthfeel. Freeze for 30 minutes or chill overnight for parties.
• Keep handling of the glass to a minimum to avoid warming; hold by the base or stem when possible.
• If you’re short on freezer space, fill the glass with ice and discard it just before building the drink to chill quickly.
• Use reusable metal or paper straws for environmental reasons, or skip the straw entirely.
• Experiment with tonic brands and the gin-to-tonic ratio to find your preferred balance.

⛑️ Food Safety

• Wash hands, utensils, and work surfaces before preparing drinks.
• Use clean glasses, jars, cutting boards, and utensils.
• Keep perishable ingredients chilled until ready to use.
• Do not leave perishable drinks at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour above 32 °C / 90 °F).
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly in airtight containers.

If you try this recipe, rate it and leave a comment to share your notes. Tag your photos on social channels so others can discover your version.