Euphoria Botantical 'gin' Recipe

Prepare infusion

Place the neutral spirit or vodka in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (at least 1.5–2 cup capacity). Add the oolong tea leaves, lightly crushed juniper berries, crushed coriander seeds, cracked cardamom pods, dried orange peel, and lemon zest. Seal the jar.

Let the mixture steep at room temperature for 12–18 hours. Check at 8–10 hours for flavor: oolong infusions can develop tannic bitterness if left too long. Aim for a pronounced oolong aroma, juniper presence, and citrus brightness without harsh tea astringency.

After steeping, strain the infusion through a fine mesh sieve lined with a paper coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove all solids. Discard solids. You now have an oolong-infused botanical spirit (your 'euphoria botanical gin').

Combine the dry vermouth and sweet vermouth in a measuring vessel. Add the optional light botanical liqueur (1 tsp) if using — this will lift floral/bittersweet notes and bridge the vermouths with the oolong infusion.

Taste the vermouth blend and adjust: if you want a drier final profile, use a little more dry vermouth; for rounder, sweeter notes, increase sweet vermouth slightly (adjust in 0.25–0.5 tsp increments).

Fill two highball or large wine glasses with ice (about 2 cups ice per glass).

For each serving, pour 2.5 fl oz (approx. 75 ml) of the oolong-infused spirit into each glass. If you prefer a lower-ABV drink, use 2 fl oz (60 ml).

Add 0.75 fl oz (approx. 22 ml) of the vermouth blend to each glass.

Top each glass with 6–8 fl oz (180–240 ml) chilled tonic water, pouring gently to preserve carbonation. Stir once gently with a bar spoon (3–4 slow turns) to marry ingredients.

Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon wheel or a long lemon twist and a sprig of mint. Clap the mint gently between your palms first to release aroma before tucking it into the drink.

Serve immediately while tonic is effervescent.

The oolong-infused spirit can be prepared up to 2 weeks ahead if refrigerated; bring to cool room temperature before mixing. Vermouth blend keeps for several days refrigerated in an airtight bottle. Assemble cocktails just before serving to maintain tonic fizz.