Name: Gin and Tonic Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
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)

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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.

The gin tonic is such a simple, no-nonsense cocktail, 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 bad G&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 drink that 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. These brands place 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!

Gin and Tonic Ingredients

2-ounces gin
4-ounces good-quality tonic water

How to Make Gin and Tonic

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

How to Garnish a Classic 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

Three gin and tonics arranged on table next to lime wedges.

You can also change up your gin tonic garnish to make other 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 Cocktail Recipes:

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