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Gin and Tonic Recipe (+ 3 Ways to Customize It!)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

May 21, 2025

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5 from 13 votes

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WHAT TO PUT IN GIN AND TONIC PINTEREST IMAGE.
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This Gin 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.

Three glasses of gin tonic cocktail garnished with limes and mint.

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Table of Contents

  • Ingredients Needed
  • Favorite Gins for a Gin + Tonic
  • What is the Ratio of Gin to Tonic?
  • How to Make It
  • What to Put in a Gin and Tonic
  • Gin + Tonic Variations
  • Full Recipe

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 Monkey 47.

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

Three gin and tonics on counter.

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!

Ingredients Needed

  • Gin
  • Good-quality tonic water
Bottle of Bombay gin.

Favorite Gins for a Gin + Tonic

Of all the gins I’ve tried, here are my favorites:

  • Monkey 47 – This is a new favorite and both Rick & I love it! Super balanced and loaded with flavor.
  • Empress Gin – This gin comes with a pretty purple hue thanks to the butterfly blossom that’s added to it. It makes a beautiful drink.
  • Aviation Gin – I’d consider this gin to be on the lighter side and is perfect for those who have never tried gin before.

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 – Look for these in your grocery store’s spice aisle. They come in bottles just like the other spices. Or, check out your store’s bulk spices section.
  • Peppercorns – You’ll find these in the spice section as well. They’re the same ones that you’d fill your pepper grinder with.
Three gin and tonics arranged on table next to lime wedges.

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

Gin + Tonic Variations

Variation 1

Blood Orange

  • Gin
  • Tonic
  • Blood Orange Slices
  • Juniper berries
  • Peppercorns
Charred Lemon Gin & Tonic

Variation 2

Charred Lemon

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

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Three glasses of gin tonic cocktail garnished with limes and mint.

Full Recipe

Gin and Tonic

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
Print Pin
Serves 1 cocktail
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins

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 (for garnish)
  • 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 cocktail and stir well to combine.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint if desired. 

Nutrition

Calories: 209kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

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

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5 from 13 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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32 responses

  1. Christine
    April 17, 2015

    Wait. Mint? *mind blown*

    Reply
  2. peter
    May 1, 2016

    Instead of the mint you can also take a kaffir lime leaf to give it an asian touch

    Reply
    1. Erin
      May 2, 2016

      Sounds great Peter!

      Reply
  3. Keith
    October 12, 2018

    Add a sprig of Rosemary and it will blow your mind!

    Reply
  4. Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life
    May 23, 2019

    5 stars
    I love a good G & T! These are beautiful, Erin! And Fever Tree and Q Tonic really are the best, especially in gin & tonics!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      May 28, 2019

      Thanks Marlynn!

      Reply
  5. Katie Carrick
    May 23, 2019

    5 stars
    I made the switch from Cape Cods to G&Ts in mid-20s and I’ve never looked back. I might try some nicer tonic water next time though (to taste the difference.)

    Reply
    1. Erin
      May 28, 2019

      It definitely makes a difference Katie!

      Reply
      1. Carles Branch
        November 14, 2020

        5 stars
        Over the years I have purchased everything offered in the Class Six store and I can honestly say that the 6oz glass bottles of Food Lion (grocery store) brand Tonic Water are as good as I have had. NEVER, never, never buy bottled in plastic. Charles Branch

        Reply
  6. Catherine @ To & Fro Fam
    May 23, 2019

    5 stars
    A gin and tonic was the very first cocktail I ever tried – I think I was like 13. I hated it! But I can still taste it so vividly and remember the moment: We were on the final day of a Rogue River kayaking trip, sitting on a sand beach after a long day of paddling, and I had a drink of a friend’s. Although the gin and tonic still isn’t my go-to, I have such fond memories of it!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      May 28, 2019

      Love that Catherine!

      Reply
  7. Waz
    May 24, 2019

    5 stars
    Yes! I always love a good gin & tonic. The variation with blood orange sounds perfect. Can’t wait to give that a try!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      May 28, 2019

      Thanks Waz!

      Reply
    2. Charles
      April 26, 2024

      At Ft. Bragg, {Home of the AirBorne} we had a glorious bar tender who was Brittish and a very beautiful lady. I am not lying (nor drunk yet!) but that Lady could pour a perfect drink straight from the bottle. The above drink reminded me of her and after 31 years of service and 27 years of retirement I wish that I could remember all of the various drinks that she poured. This list comes close. Bless America……and all of you!

      Reply
  8. Becca
    May 25, 2019

    5 stars
    These are so beautiful!! I think the charred lemon one is my favorite, and not just because it’s pretty, it looks delicious, too! I’m not sure if I’ve ever even tried a gin and tonic but I think I may need to try one now.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      May 28, 2019

      It’s such a refreshing cocktail Becca!

      Reply
  9. Renee | The Good Hearted Woman
    May 25, 2019

    5 stars
    I could in no way be categorized as a beverage expert, but even I can tell the difference between good tonic water and the low-shelf stuff. With the former, the bitter flavor eases smoothly into the gin, like an otter into a slow-moving river. With the latter, it’s more like a belly flop into a public pool. Always get the good stuff!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      May 28, 2019

      Agreed Renee!

      Reply
  10. Noel
    July 10, 2019

    Living in Spain 4 months out of the year I’m obsessed with the vast choices of gins and garnish. My summer fav is muddled cucumber with a squeeze of lime or more. Let the Hendricks sit in the bulb glass with the cucumber and lime for a bit then fill the glass with ice cubes and Fever Tree light cucumber flavored tonic. Smooth refreshing. A grown up slushy.

    Reply
  11. Jen
    July 13, 2019

    What variety peppercorns do you recommend?

    Jen

    Reply
    1. Erin
      July 22, 2019

      Hi Jen – I use standard black peppercorns that you would use for grinding pepper. But you can definitely get creative with pink peppercorns too!

      Reply
  12. Watermelon Agua Fresca | Stress Baking
    July 15, 2019

    […] Gin and Tonic from Platings and Pairings […]

    Reply
  13. Dan
    September 21, 2019

    5 stars
    I have always been a beer drinker ‘ and tequila ‘drinker but now definitely GT drinker.its smooth and great taste ”so i thought” till i changed my tonic ”to fever tree wow what difference.

    Reply
  14. Stephanie Beatty
    March 28, 2020

    Might I suggest the hottest and most delicious gin I have ever tasted?? Blue Ash Farm Gin from Argyle, WI. It is sublime and the most refreshing gin with hints of cucumber and rose and 19 botanicals. I grew up with founder, Bill O’Donnsll, who spent 30 years trading commodities and is now the maker of fine spirits. Check it out!

    Reply
  15. The Ultimate Cocktail Recipe List {75 Cocktails} – Sarah's Bites
    May 3, 2020

    […] to make the tastiest version of this classic drink and how to garnish it in three different ways. Get Recipe Rum Old Fashioned Rum, sugar, bitters, orange zest and ice is all you need. Sweet but not too […]

    Reply
  16. Tonics and Tunes for Summer: Friday Favorites | CircleSquareOval
    July 10, 2020

    […] classic gin and tonic, individualized with multiple garnish possibilities? Look no further than Platings and Pairings for information on how to choose the right gin and the right tonic (quality ingredients create a […]

    Reply
  17. A Burst of Flavour: A Few Combos that Would Go Great with Gin – Brands List
    April 16, 2021

    […] Gin with Tonic is the most iconic out of all the combinations there is. Everyone has at least heard of it, and a lot of people have tried it out and agreed that it’s the signature combo. Tonic, like gin, also has some medicinal origins where it is used to bring you back to good health. It has a bitter taste to it that often goes well with gin’s spice. […]

    Reply
  18. Gin Tonic Recept – Holland Nieuwste
    May 14, 2021

    […] Gin and Tonic Recipe // 3 Ways to Customize the Classic Cocktail […]

    Reply
  19. Joe OLeary
    September 6, 2023

    5 stars
    Great article. Variations are quite elegant. However, where do I get juniper berries?
    Totally agree on tonics. Q or Fever Tree for me. There are a few other good ones out there, but don’t go by price. Some bad but expensive ones on the market.
    Have you tried it with basil? I love my basil smash.
    Nice work!!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 7, 2023

      Hi Joe – I’ve found juniper berries in the bulk spices section. Or, even with the jarred spices. Basil sounds like a delicious addition too!

      Reply
  20. Kathy
    December 3, 2023

    Simple recipe but what a pain to follow/figure it out with the many ANNOYING popup ads. Made me dizzy. So hard to follow any recipe anymore.

    Reply
  21. Sara
    June 2, 2025

    Thank you for the charred lemon idea. This upgrades the normal Gin Tonic and is a unique way to pimp a Gin Tonic.

    Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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