Low-Calorie Gin and Tonic Alternative

by Michele Foley 0

It may be my obsession with Downton Abbey and the BBC's Sherlock, but lately I've been craving classic English cocktails: gin and tonics, for example. The problem is, tonic water is not diet-friendly. Most store-bought brands contain corn syrup and just as many calories as a sugary soda.

This gin and tonic variation substitutes zero-calorie soda water for the tonic, and the splash of elderflower liqueur complements the juniper flavor of the gin, giving it a clean and refreshing finish. The next time you are in need of a G and T, opt for an elderflower gin cordial instead — it's free of corn syrup and falls under the 200-calorie mark.

Learn how to make this cocktail after the break!

From Nick Van Tiel, Pernod-Ricard

Elderflower Gin Cordial

Ingredients

2 ounces gin (recommended: Plymouth Gin)
4 ounces soda water
Ice
Splash of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (or elderflower cordial)

For garnish:
Lemon peel or wedge

Directions

1. In a glass with ice, combine gin and soda water, then float with splash of elderflower liqueur; garnish with lemon and serve immediately.

Makes one drink

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