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.
Table of Contents
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.
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
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.
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
Variation 2
Charred Lemon
- Gin
- Tonic
- Grilled Lemon Slices
- Rosemary
- Juniper berries
- Peppercorns
More Gin Cocktail Recipes
Did you try this gin tonic recipe?
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Full Recipe
Gin and Tonic
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
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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