Gin and Tonic Recipe

The key to a great gin and tonic recipe is to balance the bitterness of tonic water against the gin. Never tasting one too much more than the other. We share our favorite recipe and tips so you can make a balanced, refreshing cocktail at home.

How to Make the Perfect Gin and Tonic Recipe

So we already know that there’s gin, tonic water and ice, but how much? What kind of gin and don’t forget the lime, right?

What Kind of Gin Should I Use?

Since we’re only talking gin, tonic water, ice and lime,  ingredients really matter, here. There’s no where to hide. Choose something mid- to high-shelf. A London dry gin (such as Beefeater), Plymouth or Bombay work well. London dry gins will be more straightforward in flavor while Plymouth gin will be a bit more aromatic. We’ve also used Bombay Sapphire and loved it, but we really enjoy Sapphire’s extra spiciness.

The Tonic

Your best bet is to buy tonic water in the smaller, single-serving bottles. The tonic will be fresh and you won’t lose any fizz. In our research, many are partial to Schweppes, but we can’t say we have noticed a difference enough to specify on that one.

Let’s Talk Ratio

In our opinion, a gin and tonic should be crisp and refreshing, never boozy or heavy.

After doing some research, ratios can vary. Some enjoy equal parts gin to tonic, others reduce the gin and double the tonic. For us, we liked it right in the middle, which kept the drink light and crisp, but still aromatic from the gin.

Use Fresh Lime

To us, a classic gin and tonic recipe needs fresh lime. It should be refreshing and never flat on flavor. Fresh lime helps with this and brightens everything up.

Did you enjoy our gin and tonic recipe? If so, we bet you’ll love these:

• Perfect Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe from Inspired Taste
• Blackberry & Meyer Lemon Gin and Tonic Recipe from Spoon Fork Bacon
• Classic Gin Fizz Cocktail from Inspired Taste
• Gin and Tonic from All Recipes
• Classic Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail Recipe from Inspired Taste

4.0 from 2 reviews

Gin and Tonic

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

 

The key to a great gin and tonic recipe is to balance the bitterness of tonic water against the gin. Never tasting one too much more than the other. We share our favorite recipe and tips so you can make a balanced, refreshing cocktail. A London dry gin (such as Beefeater), Plymouth or Bombay work well. London dry gins will be more straightforward in flavor while Plymouth gin will be a bit more aromatic. We’ve also used Bombay Sapphire and loved it, but we really enjoy Sapphire’s extra spiciness.

Created By: Joanne and Adam Gallagher

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 3 ounces (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) gin (reduce to 2 ounces for less alcohol)
• 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) lime juice
• 4 ounces (1/2 cup) tonic water
• lime wedge or slice
• ice

Method

1. Fill a high ball glass with ice. Add gin and lime juice. Then, top with tonic water. Garnish with lime wedge or slice.

3.1.09

About the Author

Joanne

I'm Joanne Gallagher and alongside my husband, Adam, I develop, test and share favorite recipes from our kitchen. I'm completely in love with food and you'll most likely find me covered in flour, chocolate or both.