The gin and tonic is a classic cocktail with a rich history. It dates back to the British colonial era and has gained universal fame throughout the years.
It’s a simple drink with few ingredients. That being said, no two gin and tonics ever taste exactly the same. The wide variety of gins available has a lot to do with that.
For example, a gin and tonic made with London dry gin will taste subtly different from one made with Plymouth gin. So, even if it’s your drink of choice, you’ll never get bored.
After all, experimenting is half the fun!
Gin and Tonic
So, why is the gin and tonic such a classic and popular drink?
First, it’s simple. Anyone can combine gin and lime juice and top it with tonic water. You don’t have to be a mixologist to do that.
Second, it’s crisp and refreshing, so it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it by itself, with a good meal, for happy hour, or any other time.
And finally, it’s budget-friendly. There are several great-tasting gins out there that aren’t super expensive. And tonic water and limes certainly won’t break the bank.
In short, there are many reasons to love the gin and tonic, so take your pick!
Ingredients
You need only a few ingredients for this classic cocktail:
- Ice – Use regular or large ice cubes for best results. Small cubes will melt and dilute the drink.
- Gin – Select a high-quality dry gin you enjoy. Not all gins are the same. Some are gently floral-flavored, while others are herby. Pick one you like best, as its flavor will shine through.
- Limes – Add freshly squeezed lime juice to the drink and slide a lime wedge on the rim for a garnish. Be sure your limes are fresh.
- Tonic water – Open a new tonic water bottle or use a freshly opened one to ensure maximum carbonation. A flat tonic can make the drink feel less refreshing.
What Is the Best Gin to Tonic Ratio?
The best gin to tonic ratio depends entirely on the drinker’s taste.
Some people like to use equal amounts of gin and tonic. Others prefer a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of gin to tonic. This recipe uses a 1:2 ratio. (i.e., 2 ounces of gin to 4 ounces of tonic water.)
I’ve found it’s the flavor ratio I enjoy most. It’s crisp, refreshing, not too boozy, and not overly sweet. But play around with the balance to see what you like best.
You may prefer a more proportional drink or one with a larger tonic percentage.
How to Make a Gin and Tonic
You can’t really “mess up” a gin and tonic. It’s super simple to prepare.
1. Combine the ingredients. Fill your glass with ice, and pour in the gin and lime juice. Top the drink off with tonic water.
2. Stir. Stir the mixture briskly to combine the ingredients.
3. Garnish and serve. Garnish your drink with a simple lime wedge. Then, serve it, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cocktail
Remember these tips for the very best cocktail:
- Quality is king. The gin and tonic is a simple cocktail, so the quality of each ingredient shines through.
- Have fun and experiment. Different gins have different botanical profiles. Some are more citrus-forward, while others are more herbaceous or floral. Experiment to find your preferred flavor balance.
- Go wild with garnishes. Try other garnishes like cucumbers, a rosemary sprig, grapefruit peel, or juniper berries.
- Infuse your gin with botanicals. Try using combinations like cucumber and mint or rosemary and grapefruit. Frozen cranberries and blood orange make an excellent Christmas cocktail.
- Fresh is best. For the best, freshest flavor (and most zing), crack open a new bottle every time you make your drink.
- Make tonic ice cubes. This tip takes a little forethought. However, if you make tonic ice cubes, they won’t dilute your drink when they melt.
Gin and Tonic Cocktail
1
servings5
minutes5
minutesYou can’t go wrong with a classic gin and tonic! With gin, limes, tonic water, and ice, you’ll have a crisp drink that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
ice
2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
4 ounces tonic water
1 lime wedge (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the gin and lime juice. Top up the glass with tonic water. Stir it to combine.
- Garnish it with a lime wedge on the rim or dropped into the glass.
- Serve and enjoy!
