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Cocktail History
The Trellis Gin & Tonic is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as a modern twist on the classic G&T designed to bring a fresh, garden-inspired profile to a time-tested favorite. While the standard Gin & Tonic has been beloved since British officers in India popularized it in the 19th century, the Trellis elevates this combination by adding eye-catching layering thanks to its use of purple butterfly pea blossom gin and pink tonic water, both of which are mellowed out with a dash of lime. Since its inception, this variation has become popular on spring cocktail menus, appealing to those who appreciate a beautifully garnished and thoughtfully layered drink, and it’s also been dubbed the “Most Bisexual Cocktail” by online communities.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Butterfly Pea Blossom Gin: This is a type of gin made by redistilling a neutral spirit with juniper berries and other botanicals, then infusing it with butterfly pea blossoms to develop a bright, crisp flavor and vibrant purple color.
Rose & Cucumber Tonic Water: This is a carbonated beverage made with rose and cucumber flavoring, quinine, water, and sugar, which are infused with carbon dioxide gas to develop a fizzy, earthy-bitter flavor.
Lime Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe limes that has a zesty, sour flavor and light green color.
Cucumber Ribbon: This is a strip of cucumber that has been thinly sliced lengthwise.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.
Peeler: This is used to cut the cucumber into strips. I used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.
Cocktail Pick: This is used to hold the garnish. I used one from the I-MART Stainless Steel Cocktail Pick Set.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Purple and pink color with an ombré effect
• Aroma: Cucumber, tonic, and citrus
• Taste: Bold quinine flavor that blends into a savory floral and botanical gin note
• Finish: Tangy lime and tonic aftertaste
Kendall’s Take: “Most cocktail enthusiasts often start out their journey with a Gin & Tonic from a local bar, but I did not and still to this day do not care for the bitterness of tonic water. I have to say though, I do like this version thanks to the addition of lime and complexity of the colorful gin. By going with the butterfly pea blossom version, you not only get additional cosmetic character but also extra botanicals that take the tonic to the next level. If you already enjoy the template, the Trellis Gin & Tonic is a dazzling garden-inspired beverage that is great for springtime.”
Recipe
Trellis Gin & Tonic
Description
The Trellis Gin & Tonic is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as a modern twist on the classic G&T designed to bring a fresh, garden-inspired profile to a time-tested favorite. While the standard Gin & Tonic has been beloved since British officers in India popularized it in the 19th century, the Trellis elevates this combination by adding eye-catching layering thanks to its use of purple butterfly pea blossom gin and pink tonic water, both of which are mellowed out with a dash of lime.
Ingredients
Method
Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
Add pink tonic water to highball glass.
Using a bar spoon, carefully top with gin.
Add a dash of lime juice.
Using a bar spoon, gently stir for 3-5 seconds to create an ombré effect.
Garnish with rolled cucumber ribbon.
