The Gunga Din* is a modern cocktail that was created by St. John Frizell at Fort Defiance in New York City, New York. Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s literary work, the recipe is a clever tiki-inspired variation of the classic Gin & Tonic that features all of the same ingredients of the original plus a couple of wild cards, such as Scottish gin and cardamom pods, which are native to India and offer a unique herbal twist.
Add cardamom pods and simple syrup to a shaker.
Using a muddler, gently muddle for 5-7 seconds.
Add gin, pineapple juice, and lime juice to shaker.
Fill shaker with cubed ice.
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
Fill a tiki mug with fresh cracked ice.
Using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer, strain into tiki mug.
Top with tonic water.
Using a bar spoon, stir for 3-5 seconds.
Garnish with pineapple fronds and pineapple wedge.