Juniper berries, lemon, and tonic mix in this crafty cocktail created by longtime TABLE contributor Quelcy Kogel. She uses Red Ribbon Tonic Water, which is a bit on the sweeter side (to our benefit!). It’s the perfect tonic to add to any of our favorite spirits, especially when it’s combined with a juniper simple syrup that mimics the flavors of a good, dry gin. Follow the cocktail recipe below and add your favorite gin for a refreshing, fruity happy hour.
How to Have This Juniper Lemonade Tonic as a Mocktail
There are a couple of different ways you can mix up this Juniper Lemonade Tonic to be a mocktail. Simply take out the gin and use only the juniper syrup, lemon juice, and tonic water. Or, another solution is to sub the gin for a zero-proof version, Try adding in Ritual’s Non-Alcoholic Gin Alternative or Monday Zero Alcohol Gin.

Juniper Lemonade Tonic
Description
Whether you have this recipe as a cocktail or mocktail we promise it’ll brighten your day!
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 4 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 to 1 oz juniper syrup
- Red Ribbon Tonic Water
- Juniper berries (optional)
For the juniper syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tsp juniper berries
- 3 bay leaves, slightly crushed
Instructions
- In a Collins glass, combine the gin, lemon juice and syrup over ice.
- Top with tonic, garnish with juniper berries, and serve.
For the juniper syrup:
- Combine sugar, water, juniper berries, and bay leaves in a small saucepan; stir to disolve sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- When mixture boils, reduce the heat to medium and simmer until mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep 15 to 20 minutes. Strain syrup to remove herbs, and transfer to a container with a tight-fittting lid. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Recipe and Styling by Quelcy Kogel
Photography by Adam Milliron
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.