How to Make the Perfect Gin and Tonic

Jump to the Gin And Tonic recipe

It is one of the simplest and most popular cocktails in the world, but there is more to creating the perfect G&T than you might think. If you take the time to get all the elements just right, you can take your favourite drink to a whole other level.

Choosing Your Ingredients

Getting the gin right can be the difference between a cocktail that is so-so and one that is so-good! This ingredient is often a matter of preference, but if you want the most authentic cocktail, then you’ll be looking for a dry, piney gin. The Gin and Tonic cocktail was first created in India in the 19th century, where quinine was needed to combat malaria. The gin was added to make the quinine easier to drink, so getting the alcohol right is the most important part of the battle.

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Gin And Tonic

Recipe card

4.5 / 5

Highball glass

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Invented

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(1900)

Base ingredient

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Gin

Calories

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95 calories

Garnish

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Lime

Alcohol content

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4% | 1.2 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

Stirred

<p>The Gin and Tonic is a classic cocktail known for its refreshing and simplistic nature, often enjoyed as a casual drink or a sophisticated aperitif. It combines the herbal, sometimes floral or citrusy, complexities of gin with the quinine-based bitterness of tonic water, balancing the two for a pleasantly crisp and effervescent beverage.</p><p>Typically served in a highball glass, the drink is garnished with a slice of lime which adds a zesty, aromatic twist. This garnish is not only decorative but also contributes to the cocktail's bright and clean taste profile, making it a popular choice in social gatherings and a staple in bars around the world.</p>

Ingredients

Gin

Tonic water

Method

How to make a Gin And Tonic

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Place a shot of gin into a tumbler over ice then top up with tonic water

Add a lime slice to garnish, stir and serve

~ One of my visitors suggested that she enjoys her G&T with a slice of lime rather than lemon. Give it a try you might well love it, I know I did. ~

Makers mode

View the full recipe

When it comes to the tonic, quality matters. Cheaper tonics tend to be filled with
additives that will negatively affect the taste of your cocktail. Look for
finer bubbles and shorter ingredients lists for best results.

Getting the Mix Right

A good Gin and Tonic is all about ratios. As a rough guide, your drink should be made up of one part gin and three parts tonic. If you prefer a double measure of gin, you’ll want to double up your tonic too!

It has become fashionable to enjoy G&T in a large bowl glass, but a Collins glass
is still the preferred shape for this classic cocktail. This straight, tall
glass is better at containing the bubbles so that you don’t lose any of your
drink to the effervescence.

Finally, large ice cubes should be used. These solid chunks melt slowly, unlike ice shavings which will dilute your drink before you have had a chance to finish it. The ice cubes should be placed in the glass first, followed by the gin and then the tonic. Resist the temptation to stir your drink, as this will reduce the bubbles. This fizzy sensation is a key part of what makes this drink so delicious!

Finishing Touches

Of course, your Gin and Tonic isn’t complete without a good garnish. There are varying opinions on what makes the best garnish for your G&T, but most mixologists agree that a good wedge of lime works well. You can either squeeze the lime into the drink and then add it to the mixture, or balance it on the rim of the glass.

If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well. Use these tips to get your Gin and Tonic right every single time!