Gin Thing Cocktail Recipe

The Gin Thing is a delightful cocktail that combines the botanical notes of gin with the earthy, aromatic qualities of fresh thyme.

This refreshing drink strikes a perfect balance between herbal complexity and bright citrus, making it ideal for any occasion from casual gatherings to sophisticated cocktail parties.

Gin Thing Cocktail Ingredients

• 2 oz premium London dry gin
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz thyme-infused simple syrup
• 1/4 oz elderflower liqueur
• 3 oz tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
• Lemon wheel for garnish

For the thyme-infused simple syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 8-10 fresh thyme sprigs

Cocktail Step by Step Mixing Guide

1. Prepare the thyme simple syrup: Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Add thyme sprigs, bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Let steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain into a glass jar and refrigerate until chilled.
2. Chill your glass: Place a highball or collins glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before preparing the cocktail.
3. Mix the base: In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, fresh lemon juice, thyme simple syrup, and elderflower liqueur.
4. Shake it up: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Strain and build: Remove your chilled glass from the freezer and fill with fresh ice. Strain the mixture into the glass.
6. Top with tonic: Slowly pour tonic water into the glass, allowing the bubbles to integrate gently.
7. Garnish: Add a fresh thyme sprig and a lemon wheel to the rim of the glass.
8. Serve: Present immediately while the cocktail is cold and the tonic is still fizzy.

Alternative Ingredients and Substitutes

• Gin alternatives: Replace London dry gin with botanical gin, Plymouth gin, or even a citrus-forward gin for different flavor profiles.
• Sweetener options: If you don’t have time to make thyme simple syrup, use regular simple syrup with a muddled fresh thyme sprig instead.
• Citrus swaps: Substitute Meyer lemon for a sweeter profile or lime juice for a sharper tang.
• Non-alcoholic version: Skip the gin and elderflower liqueur and use extra tonic water with a splash of non-alcoholic botanical spirit for a refreshing mocktail.
• Liqueur variations: Replace elderflower liqueur with St. Germain, Aperol, or a splash of Cointreau for different flavor dimensions.

What I Really Like About the Gin Thing

What makes the Gin Thing special is how the earthy thyme interacts with the botanical notes in the gin. This isn’t just another citrus cocktail – the thyme adds depth and complexity that transforms a simple drink into something memorable.

I particularly appreciate how versatile this cocktail is throughout the seasons. In summer, it’s refreshingly crisp and cooling. In cooler months, the herbal thyme notes provide warmth and comfort. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to make on a quiet evening at home.

Cocktail History and the Creator

The Gin Thing represents a modern evolution in the world of gin cocktails, drawing inspiration from classic gin and tonic traditions while incorporating fresh botanical elements. While not a centuries-old classic, this contemporary creation belongs to the category of herb-infused gin cocktails that gained popularity during the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2010s.

The exact origins of herb-infused gin cocktails trace back to creative bartenders who started experimenting with garden-fresh ingredients to complement gin’s natural botanical profile. The combination of gin and thyme specifically emerged as mixologists began exploring how herbs could enhance and play off the juniper and other botanicals already present in quality gins.

This style of cocktail represents the modern mixology approach where fresh ingredients and homemade components elevate traditional spirits to create new taste experiences.

Cocktail Taste Profile

The Gin Thing presents a complex and layered taste experience:

• First impression: Bright, refreshing citrus notes hit your palate initially, followed by the effervescence from the tonic water.
• Mid-palate: The botanical complexity of gin intertwines with the earthy, slightly minty notes of thyme, creating a harmonious herbaceous character.
• Finish: A gentle sweetness from the elderflower liqueur balances the tartness of lemon, while the thyme leaves a lingering aromatic quality.
• Mouthfeel: Crisp, refreshing, and medium-bodied with pleasant effervescence.

The overall effect is sophisticated yet approachable – a drink that offers complexity without being intimidating.

Serving Suggestions for the Gin Thing

The Gin Thing is versatile enough to be served in various settings:

• Glassware: A highball or collins glass works best to showcase the cocktail’s vibrant color and garnish, though a large wine glass can enhance the aromatic experience.
• Temperature: Serve very cold with plenty of ice for the best taste experience.
• Occasions: Perfect for garden parties, brunches, early evening gatherings, or as a refreshing aperitif before dinner.
• Seasonal serving: Garnish with additional fresh berries in summer or a cinnamon stick alongside thyme in fall for seasonal variations.

Great Appetizers to Pair with the Gin Thing

The herbal notes and citrus brightness of the Gin Thing make it an excellent companion to various appetizers:

• Cheese pairings: Soft goat cheese with honey and thyme, or a mild brie with lemon zest.
• Seafood options: Lemon-herb marinated shrimp skewers or smoked salmon with capers on cucumber rounds.
• Vegetable choices: Roasted olives with herbs, thyme-roasted mushroom tartlets, or fresh vegetable crudités with herb dip.
• Charcuterie selections: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, herb-crusted salami, or a Mediterranean-inspired board with hummus.
• Light bites: Lemon-thyme shortbread cookies, parmesan crisps with fresh herbs, or marcona almonds with sea salt.

The herb-forward profile of this cocktail makes it especially compatible with Mediterranean-inspired appetizers where fresh herbs play a starring role.

Cocktail Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

The Gin Thing has a moderate alcohol content compared to other cocktails. With approximately 2 ounces of gin (typically 40% ABV) and a small amount of elderflower liqueur (about 20% ABV) diluted with non-alcoholic mixers, the final ABV comes to approximately 12-15%.

This moderate strength makes it an ideal choice for social occasions where you want to enjoy a cocktail without overwhelming potency. The refreshing nature of the drink can mask its alcohol content, so be mindful when enjoying.

Nutritional Values of the Cocktail

While cocktails aren’t typically consumed for their nutritional benefits, it’s helpful to understand what you’re drinking:

• Calories: Approximately 180-200 calories per serving
• Carbohydrates: About 15-18g, primarily from the simple syrup and tonic water
• Sugar: Around 14g per serving
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Potential benefits: Fresh thyme contains small amounts of vitamins C and A, as well as manganese and iron

For a lighter version, you can reduce the simple syrup to 1/4 oz and use diet tonic water to lower the calorie and sugar content significantly.

The Gin Thing exemplifies how quality ingredients combined thoughtfully can create a cocktail experience greater than the sum of its parts. The interplay between the gin’s botanicals and fresh thyme creates a unique flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and refreshing – truly a cocktail worth experiencing.