![Ginger Lemon Tonic](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/eZQ2WDrm7OLrNTt8JUDWHPYcMV0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GINGER-LEMON-TONIC-FT-MAG-RECIPE-0624-e14b6c6831a74912a138f49db3fab8cc.jpg)
Linda Xiao / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Christina Daley
This refreshing drink is inspired by memories of my grandmother giving me ginger ale with a spritz of lemon as a child. The combination of warming ginger and tart lemon would soothe an upset stomach or sore throat.
Instead of sugary ginger ale, I now lean on a combination of bittersweet tonic water and spicy ginger syrup for a more balanced drink.
Tonic water contains quinine, a compound historically used to fight malaria that also works as a very subtle muscle relaxant, and in larger doses, has been used to treat night-time muscle cramping. Medicinal properties aside, well-made tonic water is utterly delicious.
This three-ingredient tart and fizzy drink is complex, incredibly refreshing, and makes for a satisfying alternative to a Gin & Tonic.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
This drink is delicious on its own but could also be easily spiked. For a gingery twist on a Gin & Tonic simply add an ounce and a half of gin, preferably something made with citrus-forward botanicals, like Monkey 47 gin.
Ingredients
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1 cup tonic water
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3/4 ounce Ginger Syrup
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1/2 ounce lemon juice
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Garnish: lemon slice, optional
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Garnish: candied ginger slice, optional
Directions
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Stir together tonic water, ginger syrup, and lemon juice in an ice-filled glass
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Skewer lemon slice and candied ginger slice on a cocktail pick for garnish.