The Troop Tonic is a modern take on a classic gin and tonic. This cocktail combines navy strength gin, honey syrup, lime juice, and celery bitters, then tops it with tonic water for a bright and balanced drink.

The drink gets its name from its use of high-proof “navy strength” gin. Sailors once stored this gin near gunpowder on naval ships.

This strong spirit, when mixed with the other ingredients, creates a cocktail that packs more punch than a standard G&T.

Bartenders often make this cocktail during warm weather months. Its clean, crisp flavors work well for outdoor sipping.

The honey adds subtle sweetness. Celery bitters bring an earthy depth that sets it apart from other gin drinks.

Troop Tonic Cocktail Recipe

The Troop Tonic is a gin-based cocktail with botanical notes, citrus, and bubbles. You only need a few basic tools and ingredients to make it.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Collins glass or highball glass
Jigger or measuring tool
Bar spoon

Ice scoop
Citrus peeler or knife
Small cutting board

Ingredients

2 oz London dry gin
4-5 oz premium tonic water
1 lime wedge

1 sprig fresh rosemary
Ice cubes

Optional garnishes:

Orange peel

Juniper berries
Cucumber slice

Instructions

Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes to the top.

Pour 2 oz of gin over the ice.
Add tonic water slowly while stirring with a bar spoon.
Squeeze the lime wedge into the drink and drop it in.

Place the rosemary sprig against the inside of the glass.
Add any optional garnishes you choose.

Notes

Choose a London dry gin for its strong juniper notes. This type of gin makes a big difference in the drink.

Use fresh tonic water for the best results. Opened tonic water loses its bubbles quickly, so use a new bottle when possible.

Keep all ingredients cold before mixing. Warm tonic water goes flat faster and dilutes the drink too much.

This recipe serves one person. Double the amounts to make two drinks, but mix them separately for the best results.

Must Have Ingredients

Image	Title	Buy
	Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack	Buy On Amazon
	Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer	Buy On Amazon
	Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale	Buy On Amazon
	Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt	Buy On Amazon
	WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint	Buy On Amazon
	Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar	Buy On Amazon
	Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Original Bloody Mary Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit	Buy On Amazon
	Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners	Buy On Amazon
	1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer	Buy On Amazon
	Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker	Buy On Amazon
	Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails	Buy On Amazon

Tasting Notes

Troop Tonic has a bright, citrusy aroma. The blend of gin and tonic creates a classic botanical base that’s crisp and refreshing.

The first sip balances sweet and bitter notes. Fresh lime juice adds tang, and elderflower liqueur brings subtle floral sweetness.

Primary Flavors:

Juniper from gin
Quinine bitterness
Elderflower sweetness

Fresh lime zest

The drink starts crisp and ends with a clean, dry finish. Light carbonation from the tonic water creates tiny bubbles that dance on the tongue.

Elderflower notes linger pleasantly without overpowering the drink. This adds a sophisticated twist to the traditional gin and tonic.

Temperature Note: Serve the cocktail very cold at 34-38°F (1-3°C). Ice dilution helps blend the flavors and keeps the drink refreshing.

The mouthfeel is smooth yet effervescent. Each ingredient complements the others without any single flavor taking over.

Substitute

If you don’t have Angostura bitters, use Peychaud’s bitters or orange bitters. The taste will be slightly different but still good.

For ginger beer, use any non-alcoholic ginger ale. The drink won’t be as spicy, but it keeps the fizzy element.

No tonic water? Mix equal parts club soda and lemonade. This creates a bubbly, tart base similar to the original drink.

Replace lime juice with lemon juice at a 1:1 ratio. The citrus notes stay bright and fresh.

Quick Substitution Guide:

Bitters: Peychaud’s or orange bitters
Ginger Beer: Ginger ale

Tonic Water: Club soda + lemonade
Lime Juice: Lemon juice

These swaps help keep the drink’s basic character. Each substitute maintains the balance between sweet, bitter, and fizzy elements that make Troop Tonic special.

Troop Tonic Cocktail Recipe