by Erin
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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.
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Ingredients Needed
What is the Ratio of Gin to Tonic
How to Make It
What to Put in a Gin and Tonic
Blood Orange Gin and Tonic Recipe
Charred Lemon Gin and Tonic Recipe
More Gin co*cktail Recipes
Gin and Tonic Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition
The gin tonic is such a simple, no-nonsense co*cktail, 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 badG&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 drinkthat 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. Thesebrandsplace 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
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
- Peppercorns
You can also change up your gin tonic garnish to make other variations.
Gin & Tonic 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?
More Gin co*cktail Recipes
- Aviation Gin co*cktail
- Aperol Sour
- French 75 Champagne co*cktail
- Aviation Gin Fizz co*cktail
- Bees Knees co*cktail
- More → 25+ Gin co*cktails
Did you try this gin tonic recipe?
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Gin and Tonic Recipe
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
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 co*cktail
Created by Platings and Pairings
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 co*cktail and stir well to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint if desired.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
Nutrition
Calories: 209kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
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This gintonic post was originally published in 2019. It was updated in 2023 to add new content. The gin tonic recipe remains the same. Enjoy!