5 Cocktails You Can Make with Flavoured Tonic Water, Beyond Gin

There’s something timeless about a gin and tonic. Crisp, refreshing, and effortlessly balanced, for generations it’s a serve that has stood the test of time. But what if we told you that tonic water is far more versatile than you think?

While gin may be its most famous partner, tonic water is one of the most flexible mixers behind the bar. Its gentle bitterness, sparkling lift, and botanical complexity make it an ideal pairing for all kinds of sprits, from liqueurs and vermouths to aperitifs and sherry.

What’s more, when you introduce flavoured tonic water, the possibilities expand even further. With a little imagination, and the right mixer, you can pair flavoured tonic with almost any spirit to create cocktails that are fresh, balanced, and full of character.

Here at Franklin & Sons, our range of flavoured tonic waters have been crafted to complement more than just gin to bring new dimensions in every spirit. Whether it’s the citrus zing of Sicilian Lemon Tonic Water, the savoury depth of Rosemary and Black Olive Tonic Water, or the floral brightness of Elderflower and Cucumber Tonic Water, each flavour is designed to elevate your cocktail with minimal effort. Whether you love something bright, herbal, or delicately sweet, there’s a tonic to match.

So, if you love the sophistication of a G&T but want to explore serves beyond it, here are five cocktails that prove that there is so much more you can do with tonic water, beyond gin and tonic.

1. Crimson Bloom

Featuring Franklin & Sons Grapefruit and Bergamot Tonic Water

The Crimson Bloom is a vibrant, bold and citrus-forward aperitif. Savoia Americano provides a rich base of herbs and spice, while Franklin & Sons Grapefruit and Bergamot Tonic Water adds a bright citrus tang and floral complexity. The grapefruit cuts through the sweetness, while the bergamot lends elegant depth, creating a cocktail that’s both refreshing and sophisticated.

View recipe here

2. Solera Sunrise

Featuring Franklin & Sons Sicilian Lemon Tonic Water

For those who love citrus-led drinks, the Solera Sunrise places Franklin & Sons Sicilian Lemon Tonic Water as the star of the show. The tonic’s clean lemon zest and delicate bitterness lifts the nutty richness of sherry, resulting in a cocktail that feels effortlessly bright yet beautifully balanced. This refreshing combination proves that a well-made tonic can complement everything from sherry to vermouth, offering a delicious alternative to a spritz or traditional gin-based serve.

View recipe here

3. Olive Grove

Featuring Franklin & Sons Rosemary and Black Olive Tonic Water

Using Franklin & Sons Rosemary and Black Olive Tonic Water, this cocktail brings together Amaro Montenegro and Metaxa 12 for a distinctly Mediterranean feel. The rosemary provides a fragrant herbal lift, while the subtle salinity of black olive introduces a dry depth that makes each spin moreish. This tonic water is perfect for bold, grown-up flavours, pairing perfectly with charcuterie or a small plate of olives.

View recipe here

4. Orchard Breeze

Featuring Franklin & Sons Rhubarb and Hibiscus Tonic Water

Delicate, fruity, and refreshing, Orchard Breeze proves that tonic water can be the secret to a perfectly balanced low-ABV cocktail. The Rhubarb and Hibiscus Tonic Water bring gentle acidity and a floral undertone that lifts Bianco Vermouth and Crème d’Abricot without overwhelming them. The result is a beautifully light serve with a blush hue and bright, layered flavour, perfect for daytime sipping or an early-evening aperitif.

View recipe here

5. Elderflower Spritz

Featuring Franklin & Sons Elderflower and Cucumber Tonic Water

If you’re after something floral, crisp, and wonderfully refreshing, this cocktail is a crowd pleaser. Combining elderflower liqueur and crisp white wine with Franklin & Sons Elderflower and Cucumber Tonic Water, it delivers soft sweetness, gentle fizz, and a clean cucumber finish that keeps everything balanced. The tonic’s natural floral character enhances the lighter notes of the wine, creating a cocktail that’s elegant and effortless, perfect for a garden party or long lunch in the sun.

View recipe here

Feeling inspired? Find out more about our full range of flavoured tonic waters, available to purchase directly from Good Time In and Amazon.