Spiced Fennel Gin Tonic

This spiced fennel gin tonic is a unique and refreshing take on the classic gin and tonic. The homemade citrus-and-fennel tonic, combined with a spiced apple-celery juice, adds a delightful twist to this cocktail. Garnished with fragrant fennel and star anise, it's a complex and flavorful drink that is perfect for any occasion.

Spiced Fennel Gin Tonic

A unique and refreshing gin and tonic with a homemade citrus-and-fennel tonic and a spiced apple-celery juice, garnished with fragrant fennel and star anise.

4.02 from 19 votes
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice
  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons citric acid
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce anise tonic (see above)
  • 1 ounce club soda
  • 1/4 Granny Smith apple, cored
  • 1/4 stalk celery
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • Fennel frond and star anise, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mix fresh lemon juice and grapefruit juice in a bowl, then pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.
  2. Simmer grapefruit juice, fennel seeds, cinchona bark powder, star anise, lime zest and juice, orange zest, and water in a saucepan until slightly reduced.
  3. Add sugar, citric acid, and salt to the simmered mixture and cook until sugar is dissolved. Strain the tonic and chill.
  4. Grind fennel seeds and chile into a powder, then transfer to a plate and stir in salt.
  5. Purée apple and celery in a food processor to extract juice.
  6. Rub a lemon wedge on the rim of a rocks glass and dip in fennel salt, then add lemon ice cubes.
  7. Squeeze the lemon wedge over a cocktail shaker, add gin, tonic, and ice. Shake vigorously and strain into the glass.
  8. Garnish with fennel frond and star anise.