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.
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?
More Gin co*cktail Recipes
Aviation Gin co*cktail
Aperol Sour
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?
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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