Gin and Tonic recipe // 3 Ways (2024)

by Erin

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This Gin and Tonic recipe makes perfecting the gin & tonic at home easy. Learn how to make the tastiest version of this classic drink and how to garnish it in three different ways.

Gin and Tonic recipe // 3 Ways (1)

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Ingredients Needed

What is the Ratio of Gin to Tonic

How to Make It

Blood Orange Gin and Tonic Recipe

Charred Lemon Gin and Tonic Recipe

More Gin co*cktail Recipes

Gin and Tonic Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition

The gin tonic is such a simple, no-nonsense co*cktail, you may think, what can really be done to “perfect” it? Well, I believe that with a few simple tips you really can make the tastiest version of this classic drink.

I have had some really badG&Ts (gin & tonics) in my day. I would say that most of those have come from bars in my college days. My tastes back in those days weren’t too discriminating. Well gin of the cheap sort, pre-cut limes that have been sitting in that little plastic bin for who knows how long (!!!), and flat tonic that comes from one of those point and shoot soda guns.

Well, with my age has come wisdom, and I have realized that the gin tonic can be made much, much better! You may have a favorite gin – and I would say to go with that. I prefer Tanqueray or Sapphire.

Note: You can also make a vodka and tonic. Learn all about the differences between gin vs. vodka here.

But, the most important ingredient is going to be your tonic water.

As you may, or may not, know, tonic water is a carbonated soft drinkthat has quinine added. It was originally used as a prophylactic to ward against malaria and was consumed in the tropical areas of South Asia and Africa, where the disease was an epidemic. The first commercial tonic was created in 1858. It now contains much lower amounts of quinine, which is what gives tonic its slightly bitter characteristic.

Recently, brands such as Fever Tree and Q Tonic have entered the premium tonic water marketplace. Thesebrandsplace an emphasis on using real quinine and natural sweeteners, as opposed to quinine flavoring and corn syrup. One taste and you’ll realize that there is quite a difference!

Ingredients Needed

  • Gin
  • Good-quality tonic water

What is the Ratio of Gin to Tonic

The perfect ratio of gin to tonic is 1:2. So, I like to use 2 ounces gin to 4 ounces tonic water.

How to Make It

  • Fill a glass with ice and add the gin and tonic water. Stir gently to combine. Garnish.

What to Put in a Gin and Tonic

I like to serve my gin tonics in the style of a Spanish Gin & tonic. In a large wine glass with the following garnishes for flavor:

  • Lime wedges
  • Mint sprigs
  • Juniper berries
  • Peppercorns

You can also change up your gin tonic garnish to make other variations.

Gin & Tonic Variations

Blood Orange Gin and Tonic Recipe

  • Gin
  • Tonic
  • Blood Orange Slices
  • Juniper berries
  • Peppercorns

Charred Lemon Gin and Tonic Recipe

  • Gin
  • Tonic
  • Grilled Lemon Slices
  • Rosemary
  • Juniper berries
  • Peppercorns

Which of these gin tonic recipes would you choose?

Gin and Tonic recipe // 3 Ways (8)

More Gin co*cktail Recipes

  • Aviation Gin co*cktail
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  • French 75 Champagne co*cktail
  • Aviation Gin Fizz co*cktail
  • Bees Knees co*cktail
  • More → 25+ Gin co*cktails

Did you try this gin tonic recipe?

If you loved this gin and tonic with peppercorns I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me onInstagramusing the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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Gin and Tonic recipe // 3 Ways (9)

Gin and Tonic Recipe

Perfecting the Classic Gin & Tonic is easy with this Gin and Tonic recipe. Learn how to make the tastiest version of this classic drink at home.

5 from 13 votes

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 co*cktail

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

  • ice
  • 2 ounces good-quality gin (Tanqueray or Sapphire)
  • 4 ounces good-quality tonic water (Q Tonic or Fever Tree)
  • Lime wedges (for garnish)
  • Sprig of mint (for garnish)
  • Peppercorns & juniper berries (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Fill your glass with ice, all the way to the top.

  • Add your gin and the tonic water.

  • Squeeze two lime wedges into your co*cktail and stir well to combine.

  • Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint if desired.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 209kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

Watch the web story here.

This gintonic post was originally published in 2019. It was updated in 2023 to add new content. The gin tonic recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

Gin and Tonic recipe // 3 Ways (2024)

FAQs

What is the formula for the perfect gin and tonic? ›

Pour 50ml (a double shot) of gin over the ice. Stir around the edge of the glass gently. Top up with tonic water. Many gin professionals in the industry will encourage you to use around 200ml for every 50ml , but really this is entirely up to you and your personal taste!

What is the ratio of gin to tonic water? ›

The ratio of gin to tonic varies according to taste, strength of the gin, other drink mixers being added, etc., with most recipes calling for a ratio between 1:1 and 1:3. It is usually garnished with a slice or wedge of lime. To preserve effervescence, the tonic can be poured down a bar spoon.

How to make a gin and tonic Tanqueray? ›

Tanqueray London Dry Gin & Tonic
  1. Add ice to a copa glass and pour in 1.5 oz of Tanqueray London Dry Gin.
  2. Add 4 oz of fresh tonic water.
  3. Stir.
  4. Add a wedge of lime to garnish.
  5. DAMN FANCY co*ckTAIL TIP. Gently stirring the Tanqueray & Tonic with a bar spoon before serving creates a uniform liquid.

What makes a good gin and tonic? ›

When gin and tonic are mixed, quinine and the flavor molecules from the juniper berries combine to make a perceived flavor that is different than just the sum of the individual parts. The molecules from the gin and the tonic can do this because they look alike; the molecules are similar.

What are the 3 key ingredients in gin? ›

The primary three ingredients used in the majority of gins are juniper, coriander and angelica. Even though these are the most popular, there are hundreds of flowers, roots, fruits, berries and nuts that are used to create a palate for each gin that makes it distinctive.

What is the golden ratio for gin and tonic? ›

The ratio of gin to tonic is dependent on the strength of alcohol in your selected gin; we generally recommend 1 part gin to 3 parts tonic (50ml, or a double measure, to 150ml tonic). Measuring your gin in a jigger will help with accuracy and achieving balance in your drink.

Do you pour gin or tonic first? ›

To craft the perfect G&T at home, simply fill a highball glass up to the top with ice cubes (a pre-chilled glass is an added bonus). Then, pour in your gin, top with tonic water and lift with drinks stirrer or long spoon from the bottom to mix without disrupting the fizz. Garnish with a wedge or twist of fresh lime.

What is the healthiest mixer for gin? ›

11 of the best low-calorie and low-sugar mixers for gin:
  • Aqua Libra Fruit-infused Sparkling Water. Save. ...
  • TwelveBelow Tonics. ...
  • PURA Soda Cucumber & Lime. ...
  • Upstream Grapefruit & Bergamot. ...
  • Nexba Strawberry & Peach Kefir. ...
  • Dash Water Rhubarb & Ginger Soda Water. ...
  • The Artisan Drinks Co. ...
  • London Essence Pomelo & Pink Pepper Tonic Water.

Why do you put lime in gin and tonic? ›

A Scottish doctor named George Cleghorn studied how quinine, which comes from the bark of a cinchona tree, could be used to treat the disease. The quinine was turned into an extract and combined with tonic water. However, the taste was so bitter people began adding water, sugar, lime and gin to make it more palatable.

How to make gin for beginners? ›

Directions
  1. Combine vodka and juniper berries in a sealable glass jar and steep for 12 hours.
  2. Add coriander, chamomile, lavender, cardamom, bay leaf, allspice, and grapefruit peel. ...
  3. Strain out solids through a strainer lined with cheesecloth, then strain through cheesecloth again into desired bottle.

Should you keep gin in the fridge? ›

Must I Refrigerate Gin? You should! Many experts suggest that the best way to store gin is in the fridge, especially if you do not have ice to keep your drinks cool. Of course, since they have a lot of alcohol, you don't have to put them in the fridge.

What is the best brand of gin for gin and tonic? ›

Best Overall Gin for Gin and Tonic

Hendrick's was the first gin I got to work with that changed my opinion about gins being one-dimensional (namely due to the juniper). Being a flora-forward gin, Hendrick's was an olfactory delight for me. The subtle cucumber notes shine through in a G&T with a Japanese cucumber slice.

What is the strongest gin and tonic? ›

Anno Extreme 95 Gin packs more punch and flavour, drop for drop, than any other spirit in the world. Being the world's strongest gin - just a 5ml measure gives you a full flavoured G&T with 75% less alcohol than a 50ml measure of 40% ABV gin.

Why is gin and tonic so expensive? ›

The truth is quite simple really; the demand for luxury, artisan products, including gin and tonic, has been on the rise. And it will come as no surprise that premium products are more expensive than commercially available industrial goods.

What is the formula for the perfect co*cktail? ›

There's definitely a formula, My basic ratio for any co*cktail is usually 2 part of alcohol, to one of tart, to one part of sweet. The formula for achieving this balance is 2:1:1. That's basically 2 parts alcohol, 1-part sour, and 1-part sweet.

What is the chemical formula of gin? ›

GIN : Summary
CodeGIN
FormulaC23 H22 F3 N3 O2
Formal charge0
Molecular weight429.435 Da
6 more rows

What is the best dilution for gin? ›

Whenever possible, be sure to use fresh-squeezed lime juice for mixing, and remember that a little usually goes a long way — most co*cktails use a 2:1 or even 3:1 gin-to-lime ratio, often with some simple syrup or liqueur for sweetness.

What's the best gin for gin and tonic? ›

A Quick Look at Our Top 10 Gins for Gin and Tonic
  • Best Overall Gin for Gin and Tonic: Hendrick's Gin
  • Best Japanese Gin for Gin and Tonic: Suntory Roku Japanese Gin
  • Best American Gin for Gin and Tonic: Bluecoat American Dry Gin
  • Best British Dry Gin for Gin and Tonic: Tanqueray London Dry
Sep 29, 2023

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