Zest for Life: My Perfect Lemon Vodka & Tonic Ritual

August 20, 2025 | Deborah McCormick

If you know me, you know I live for that first spark of citrus, that juicy, sunlit moment when a spritz of lemon awakens every sense. It is why I created Herban Essentials Lemon Towelettes, to bring that fresh squeezed feeling with me wherever I go.

And today, I want to share one of my favorite and EASY rituals, my perfectly zesty Lemon Vodka & Tonic cocktail recipe. It is the perfect uplifting cocktail for golden afternoons, garden parties, or just a Tuesday when you need a little magic.

Step One: Set the Mood

Before mixing, wipe your hands with a Herban Essentials Lemon Towelette and breathe in the aroma. That burst of essential oil doesn’t just cleanse, it lifts your spirit and prepares you for the ritual ahead.

Step Two: Gather Your Ingredients

This isn’t just any G&T, it’s a layered citrus symphony (and made with vodka). Here’s what you’ll need:

Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka – 2 oz
Franklin & Sons Sicilian Lemon Tonic – 4 oz
Fresh lemon slices – for garnish
A sprig of rosemary or lavender – for garnish
Mandy Aftel’s Blood Orange Edible Essential Oil Spritz – part of her Chef’s Essence Basic Set

Step Three: Mix the Magic

Fill a crystal glass with oversized ice cubes, because beautiful rituals deserve beautiful details.
Pour in 2 oz of Grey Goose Le Citron.
Top with 4 oz of Fever-Tree Sicilian Lemon Tonic.
Add a twist of lemon peel for brightness and maybe a sprig or rosemary or lavender for a something extra
Finish with a delicate mist of Mandy Aftel’s Blood Orange Edible Essential Oil Spritz.

I’ve been using these little bottles of magic for years, and trust me—they are not to be missed. Mandy is a pioneer in natural perfumery, and her edible spritzes are made with the same care and artistry as her fragrances. Just one fine mist adds a burst of pure botanical flavor that transforms a simple cocktail into something unforgettable.

Step Four: Sip & Savor

Take your first sip slowly. Let the brightness unfold on your palate: crisp, aromatic, and sunlit. And don’t forget to keep a Lemon Towelette handy for that final citrus flourish.

Because every cocktail should feel like a little moment of magic.