Clementine Rosemary Gin & Tonic Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, there’s nothing like putting a little spin on a classic, and this Clementine Rosemary Gin & Tonic is one of those drinks that just works. The bright, zesty clementine mixed with that earthy rosemary? It’s a combo that somehow feels both comforting and a bit fancy.

You don’t need any over-the-top tools or weird ingredients either. Just a handful of steps, and suddenly you’ve got a drink that looks like something you’d get at a cool bar—without leaving your kitchen. The sweet clementine and fragrant rosemary really stand out, but it’s still super easy to sip.

I keep coming back to this cocktail for laid-back nights or when friends pop over. It’s light, crisp, and honestly, it comes together so fast. There’s just something about it that feels a little special, but not fussy.

Clementine Rosemary Gin & Tonic Cocktail Recipe

The way this drink balances the clementine’s brightness with rosemary’s herbal kick is just right. You get gin, tonic, a little rosemary syrup, and somehow it all comes together as both refreshing and interesting.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I usually grab this to chill everything evenly.
• Strainer – Helps keep ice and stray rosemary out of my glass.
• Bar spoon – Perfect when you want to stir instead of shake.
• Citrus juicer or reamer – Makes squeezing clementines way less messy.
• Measuring jigger – I rely on this so I don’t go overboard with the gin.
• Highball glass – Tall glasses just work better for gin & tonics.
• Ice cubes – I’m a fan of big cubes; the drink stays cold without getting watery.
• Small saucepan – Handy if you’re making rosemary syrup from scratch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin – London Dry is my go-to for that crisp base.
• 4 oz tonic water – I usually pick one that’s not too bitter.
• 1 oz fresh clementine juice – Sweet, a bit tart, and blends right in.
• ½ oz rosemary simple syrup – Just enough herbal flavor.
• Ice cubes – Enough to fill your glass, obviously.
• Fresh rosemary sprig – For garnish and that amazing aroma.
• Clementine wedge – Totally optional, but it does look nice.

If I’m out of rosemary syrup, I’ll just simmer equal parts sugar and water with a couple sprigs until my kitchen smells incredible.

Instructions

• Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
• Add the gin, clementine juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
• Give it a gentle shake, about 10 seconds—don’t go wild.
• Strain into a highball glass packed with fresh ice.
• Top off with tonic water, then stir slowly with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a little wedge of clementine.
• Serve right away while it’s cold and bubbly.

I’ve found that shaking too hard makes the juice look a bit cloudy, so I stick to a gentle shake.

Notes

Fresh rosemary sprigs make a big difference—the oils really come through. Sometimes, if I want something lighter, I’ll swap a little tonic for club soda.

If I’m craving more rosemary, I let the syrup steep with the sprigs a bit longer. For extra citrus, I’ll toss a thin clementine slice straight into the glass.

The gin you use totally changes things. London Dry keeps it sharp, but if you go with something floral, the rosemary pops even more. I usually tweak the syrup depending on how sweet I’m feeling that day.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip? It’s crisp—almost startlingly refreshing, honestly. The clementine brings in this mellow sweetness that just barely tames the tonic’s bitterness.

It’s bright, but not in that harsh, puckering way some citrus drinks can be. I actually like that balance.

Then there’s the rosemary. It’s got an earthy, herbal vibe that hangs around after each sip. Not overpowering, but definitely present.

It kind of grounds the citrus, keeping things from getting overly sweet or cloying. I’m a fan of that combo, to be honest.

There’s also this faint piney note from the gin. It sneaks in and ties itself to the rosemary, and somehow, the finish ends up feeling really clean.

When I take a whiff, the citrus is what jumps out first. The rosemary follows up with this woodsy, almost fresh-from-the-garden scent that makes the whole thing feel a bit special.

Flavor highlights I notice:

• Citrus: sweet and lively from the clementine
• Herbal: fresh rosemary with a soft earthy edge
• Botanical: classic gin notes of juniper and spice
• Finish: clean, slightly dry, with a herbal aftertaste