Curry Leaf Vodka Tonic

This refreshing vodka tonic recipe is a twist on the classic cocktail. Made with fresh mint and curry leaves, you’re sure to love it!

You may have noticed that many of Sukhi’s spice mixes and sauces include curry leaf. The fragrant foliage of the curry tree, known as curry or sweet neen leaf, adds an aromatic punch to many dishes in Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. Buy fresh curry leaves, if available, because they lose their aroma as they dry out. Sauté leaves with onions and spices before adding meat or vegetables. Curry leaves add brightness to a variety of dishes, including bread, potatoes, and seafood.

But while many people know to add curry leaves to savory dishes, few realize how delicious they are in mixed drinks and cocktails. Take this curry leaf vodka tonic, for example. The fresh curry leaves and mint pair nicely with the tonic water and vodka to create a dry, refreshing cocktail you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. If you’ve never made anything with fresh curry leaves before, this is an easy recipe to start with!

What’s in a Vodka Tonic?

A classic vodka tonic is typically made with vodka and tonic water, and it’s usually garnished with a lemon or lime wedge. The ratio of vodka and tonic water will vary from bar to bar, but the key ingredients are always the same. This curry leaf vodka tonic recipe uses fresh curry and mint leaves, lemon, sugar, vodka, and tonic water.

How to Make a Vodka Tonic

If there’s one easy cocktail recipe you should master, it’s this one. To make a vodka tonic with curry leaves, simply muddle the fresh herbs, lemon slice, and sugar in a glass. Then pour the vodka and tonic water on top and add crushed ice. This vodka tonic recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a few friends.

Tips for the Best Vodka Tonic

This cocktail recipe is fairly straightforward, but there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Choose a high-quality vodka — The vodka really shines in this cocktail, so it’s worth paying a few extra dollars for a nicer bottle.
Use fresh curry leaves — Dried leaves (or curry powder) will NOT give you the same results. You want to use fresh curry leaves and fresh mint in this vodka cocktail.
Make it non-alcoholic, if desired — You can make this drink non-alcoholic by replacing the vodka with additional tonic water or sparkling water.
Adjust the sweetness to taste — If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add more sugar as needed (add a teaspoon at a time until you get it just right).

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