The classic gin and tonic is a light, fresh, and easy 3-ingredient cocktail. Learn how to make a perfect Gin and Tonic at home with this easy to follow recipe and guide.
Gin and Tonic
The gin and tonic. My all-time favorite cocktail. Delicious, versatile, and perfect year-round rain or shine. There are many reasons to love this light and airy cocktail.
That said, there are several key factors to keep in mind when making a gin and tonic. For example…
What gin should you use? Will any tonic water work? Does the ratio of gin to tonic really matter? And what about the lime– does it need to be fresh?
Don’t worry, I have answered each of these questions for you below.
Gin and Tonic History
This is actually quite interesting…
The Gin and Tonic was brought to India by the British East India Company in the early 19th century. Due to the tropical climate faced by India and the surrounding regions, malaria became a revolving issue for all who lived there. When it was discovered in the 1700s that quinine could be used to prevent the disease, people began to drink it in tonic water. Quinine, however, has a very bitter taste.
Fast-forward to the early 19th century…soldiers thought to add a combination of water, sugar, lime, and…GIN…to the Quinine to make it more tolerable. It was then that the gin and tonic came to be.
Thank you, malaria…
just kidding. malaria is awful, horrible, miserable.
Gin and Tonic ingredients
Classic g&t ingredients are just these four. However, feel free to mix-up, spice-up, or sweeten-up your drink with all your favorites.
- gin
- tonic water
- fresh lime wedges
- ice
Gin and Tonic Ratio
I don’t care what anyone in this world says, this is not an exact science.
That said, don’t start dumping. If you’ve never made a gin and tonic before, I highly recommend a ratio of 2:5.
As in, 2 parts gin to 5 parts tonic (let’s not get TOO wild and crazy here).
If, however, you know you’re going to be using fabulous gin and you don’t mind the taste (aka you’re not trying to hide the taste) try for 3 parts gin, 5 parts tonic water. OR, a simple 1:2 ratio.
A great starting point, however, is 2:5.
How to make a gin and tonic
- Chill your glasses. Approximately 20 minutes prior to serving chill your glasses in the freezer. This is optional, but if you can remember this step it really does help keep your drink cooler, longer.
- Add ice. Once ready to prepare, add ice cubes to the chilled glasses. Larger ice cubes work best as they provide less surface area for the ice to melt.
- Add the gin plus the first lime. Pour the gin over the ice and squeeze in one lime.
- Add the tonic water and second lime. Fill each glass with tonic water and garnish with an additional lime wedge.
Tips and Tricks for making the best gin and tonic
The honest truth here is that if you are a person who absolutely hates gin, then you may never really come to enjoy a good g&t- and that’s ok. But, don’t rule it out until you’ve tried these simple tips!
- Fresh lime is a must. That concentrated stuff? Don’t do it.
- Speaking of lime, use two lime wedges, not just one. The first after you add the gin and the second after you add the tonic.
- Always use freshly opened tonic water. Trust me, you guys, flat (or going flat) tonic water is nasty.
- In other words, don’t buy big, giant bottles of tonic water. Smaller is better.
- One last thing about the tonic water- all tonic water are NOT created equal. Some are sweeter, some are better carbonated. Often tonic water from a glass is better. Fan favorites include Q-Mixers and Fever-Tree as these have been made specifically for mixed cocktails like the gin and tonic.
- The gin. I’m not suggesting you should go for the top of the top, but keep in mind the ingredient list. After all, the gin and tonic is, quite literally, all about the gin…and the tonic.
- The ice. Larger ice cubes are better as they have a smaller overall surface area for them to melt.
- Finally, measure the quantities. Too much gin and your drink will literally taste only like gin. Too much tonic water and…what’s the point?
TIP- If you are more of a vodka person, follow these simple tips, simply swap the gin for vodka.
g&t variations
Of course, not everyone is always in the mood for a classic g&t. Lucky for us the gin and tonic is super versatile.
Using the classic gin and tonic ingredients as a base- gin, tonic, lime- you can mix and play with fruits, liqueurs, or even vegetables to make it uniquely your own!
For example, cupcakes, cheesecake, or this Gin and Tonic Granita.
Of course, if you’re sticking with cocktails you can always add a splash of juice, flavored simple syrup, or flavored liqueur.
In Spain, the Gin-Tonic is becoming more and more popular and is often garnished with a flavor highlighting that of the gin used in the drink.
What is the proper glassware for a gin tonic?
Usually, you will see this light and refreshing cocktail served in a rocks glass or high ball glass.
Why I love this fantastic cocktail
- The insanely short ingredient list. I have never had the luxury of extra space and storage in any of the homes I have lived in, so knowing that I can easily store a bottle of gin away for weekends is pretty awesome.
- However, my main love comes from the absence of added sugar. Yes, there is sugar in all gin and tonics thanks to the tonic water BUT it is pretty minimal- at least when compared to the oh so popular simple syrup. Now that I am old and I require daily naps, I simply can’t party like I used to. In other words, more than one super sugary drink knocks me out…for the week.
- Finally, the gin and tonic really are so dang easy to make. And easy-to-make alcohol containing beverages that basically make themselves are kinda my favorite.
If you try making your own gin & tonic, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
For more cocktail recipes check out,
- Fall Sangria Recipe
- Blackberry Cranberry Moscow Mule
- Spicy Orange Margaritas
- Frozen Peach Wine Slushies
- Holiday Peppermint White Russian
DON’T FORGET TO PIN AND SHARE THIS GIN & TONIC RECIPE TO MAKE FOR HAPPY HOUR, FOOTBALL PARTIES, HOLIDAYS, OR ANYTIME YOU WANT A LIGHT AND REFRESHING DRINK.
RECIPE CARD
How to make a Gin and Tonic
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2 fluid ounces gin
- 5 fluid ounces tonic
- 2 lime wedges
Instructions
- Chill your glasses. Approximately 20 minutes prior to serving chill your glasses in the freezer.
- Add ice. Once ready to prepare, add ice cubes to the chilled glasses. Larger ice cubes work best as they provide less surface area for the ice to melt.
- Add the gin plus first lime. Pour the gin over the ice and squeeze in one lime.
- Add the tonic water and second lime. Fill each glass with tonic water and garnish with an additional lime wedge. Enjoy!
Jessica's Notes
- Use fresh lime.
- Always use freshly opened tonic water such as Q-Mixers and Fever-Tree as these have been made specifically for mixed cocktails like the gin and tonic.
- The gin. I'm not suggesting you should go for the top of the top, but try to pick a gin you enjoy drinking.
- The ice. Larger ice cubes are better as they have a smaller overall surface area for them to melt.
- If you are new to the g&t I highly recommend measuring the quantities.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
One thing that I do is to keep the gin in the freezer. It keeps the drink much colder, which means slower ice melt and a less-diluted drink. I pour 1/2 of the gin over the ice in the glass initially, which micro-melts the sharp surface irregularities of the cubes and results in fizzier tonic (those little sharp things on the ice surface are where a lot of the tonic’s carbonation will come out). Then I slowly add some of the tonic, (and possibly a quick lime squeeze), then the rest of the gin, then slowly top it off with tonic and a big squeeze of lime. The goal is to respect and maintain the tonic carbonation, and keep the drink lively for its duration. And of course, the tonic should be cold in the fridge. Our G&Ts come out at around 2/3.3 – 2 oz gin, about 3.3 oz. of tonic, which means that for a small bottle of Fever Tree, we get 2 drinks.
I also love ice-cold gin Doug 😀
No metric option. Grams of gin and tonic? Maybe you didn’t use the correct FL OZ and used oz only. That would explain it, please update so the rest of the world can do it.
So light & refreshing! I make it with diet tonic for myself & regular for my husband. Both excellent.
I use fever-tree light to less carbs and calories, not as good as original or any tonic but better then diet for my palate, goes great with Bombay sapphire, I’ve yet to splurge to the Tanqueray 10
Loved the tutorial, chilling the glass forehand was a great tip! My go-to gin is Bombay Saphire, though when a bar has it Opihr is my favorite choice, also Tanqueray and Hendricks make good G & T’s.
Like the recipe but metric system measurements in grams? Really? 😀
Perfect in every way!
Nice recipe. Especially with my go to gin Monkey 47.
Thanks for the kind feedback Linda, I am going to have to try that gin 🙂
All I drink is Gin mostly. I just picked up a bottle from Finland called “Arctic Blue”, apparently it won some awards. My second pick has always been Tanqueray, I really enjoy the Number 10 and the Rampur lime version!
I made gin and tonic last night with a double shot of gin and 1. Whole lime and tonic water it was light and refreshing I loved it as well as my daughter and her friends this was my first time making it I will definitely make this again.
First time tryer – didn’t have any lime so used lemon. Wasn’t too bad – or maybe I’m not fussy! Will definitely get some limes for next one and compare. I just need someone to make me some cucumber sandwiches now.
I write gourmet cooking newspaper columns for which I retain the copyright. Am I allowed to post a very special link to cucumber sandwiches and references to Hendricks gin? Lady R
Secret: Spritz your cucumber with gin before making sandwiches or salads. Lady R
Thanks Jessica. This is a perfect recipe and everything you point out really matters. My 2 favorite gins, Plymouth and Hendricks. I cant imagine drinking a gin and tonic unless I have Q or Fiverr Tree. I love that you don’t need sugar too.
Cheers. G+T is my favorite summer cocktail. And your tips helped perfect it.
2:5 works perfectly…hendricks gin…fever tree light…iced highball glass. cheers!
Any recommendations on gins you like? Thanks!
Hi PZ,
While I do like most Gins – one that comes to mind is Hendrick’s Gin.
That has to be my favourite Gin brand too.
Jessica, have you tried Ryan Reynolds Aviation Gin yet?
Kris
Hi Kris,
I have not yet – I will have to give it a try!
Great tutorial and pictures – thanks you!