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. 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
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:
Gin and Tonic Recipe
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 cocktail and stir well to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint if desired.
Nutrition
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.
Wait. Mint? *mind blown*
Instead of the mint you can also take a kaffir lime leaf to give it an asian touch
Sounds great Peter!
Add a sprig of Rosemary and it will blow your mind!
I love a good G & T! These are beautiful, Erin! And Fever Tree and Q Tonic really are the best, especially in gin & tonics!
Thanks Marlynn!
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.)
It definitely makes a difference Katie!
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
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!
Love that Catherine!
Yes! I always love a good gin & tonic. The variation with blood orange sounds perfect. Can’t wait to give that a try!
Thanks Waz!
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.
It’s such a refreshing cocktail Becca!
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!
Agreed Renee!
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.
What variety peppercorns do you recommend?
Jen
Hi Jen – I use standard black peppercorns that you would use for grinding pepper. But you can definitely get creative with pink peppercorns too!
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.
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!