Why We Love The Gin and Tonic Cocktail
The classic Gin and Tonic is such a simple and refreshing beverage. However, so many people mess it up! Today, we’re talking about what makes the BEST gin and tonic recipe: the proper ratio, the kind of gin you should use, the kind of tonic you should use, appropriate garnishes, and more. With just a couple of simple ingredients, you too, can make the absolute best gin & tonic cocktail at home!
What’s the Best Gin for Gin and Tonic?
When I come across someone that doesn’t like the taste of gin, I often wonder what brands they have tried. Good gin should have a light clean citrus flavor with a slight herbal evergreen note, from the addition of juniper berries. It should be smooth, delicate, and refreshing. (So no, it should not taste like Pine-Sol.) Therefore, when you’re making a cocktail that only requires three ingredients – gin, tonic water, and lime – it’s important to pick a really good gin and a really good tonic water. Although there are many good gins out there, the one that I consider my go-to for the perfect gin and tonic is Hendrick’s Gin. This is a gin you should be able to find anywhere in the United States. If you happen to live in a region that has good local distilleries it’s worth giving them a try as well. We often buy The Botanist or Uncle Val’s gin here in the Southeast.
Ingredients You Need For G&Ts
Premium dry gin Premium tonic water Lime slices (or lime wedges)
What Kind of Tonic Water is Best for Gin & Tonic?
The same goes for tonic water. Tonic water is essentially carbonated water with a touch of quinine to give it a slightly bitter mineral flavor. However, as with anything else, some of them taste better than others. My personal favorite, which you should be able to find nationwide, is called Fever Tree. Again, if you have a great local wine or cocktail market, you may find some artisanal tonic waters that are fun to experiment with. So essentially, the best drink is made with equal parts gin and tonic and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. That’s it!
How to Make Gin and Tonic
For each drink: Set out a lowball glass and fill it in half full with ice. Pour in 3 ounces of gin and 3 ounces of tonic. Squeeze one lime slice into the glass then drop in the slice. Stir well. Garnish with a second lime slice, if you like. Done!
Optional Garnishes
If you go to restaurants, you will often see fancy gin and tonics topped with all sorts of garnishes! You might try juniper berries, of course, thinly sliced cucumbers, mint leaves, edible flowers, other fresh citrus like lemon or a grapefruit slice, and other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. I’ve shown mine here with juniper berries because we had them on hand. None of these things actually flavor the gin and tonic much and make it taste better than it would as a standalone cocktail.
What are the best gin and tonic glasses?
As for glassware, you can serve a gin and tonic in any kind of glass, a highball glass, a lowball rocks glass, or a wide-stemmed Copa-style glass. I personally like to select a shorter glass with a wide rim over a highball glass. This helps release the aroma of the gin and the tonic water, resulting in a better overall experience.
Can I use soda water to make gin and tonics?
This gin cocktail will taste significantly better with tonic water! Tonic water and soda water are not the same thing. Soda water is simply carbonated water, whereas tonic water adds some sugar for extra flavor!
How many drinks does this cocktail recipe make?
The recipe portions here are to make 1 drink. Keep the gin and tonic ratio the same and multiply by however many drinks you need.
What does gin and tonic pair well with?
The light, crisp, and slightly citrusy flavors go well with lighter foods, snacks, and appetizers. A few of our favorites for a “fancy” yet casual gathering are Clams Casino, Maryland Crab Cakes (Baked or Sauteed), Salmon Sushi Bake, Whipped Ricotta (Sweet and Savory Options), Mini Cheese Balls, Ultimate Steak Tartare Recipe (Beef Tartare), and Antipasto Platters. And seafood dishes in particular are delicious to pair with these classic cocktails! Enjoy with Fish Ceviche (Ceviche de Pescado), Lobster Tostadas, Seared Scallops with Wilted Greens, or Garlic Lime Oven Baked Salmon.
Looking for More Classic Cocktail Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Texas Ranch Water Cocktail Rosemary Old Fashioned How to Make a Mint Julep Salty Dog Cocktail The Champ Bourbon Cocktail Perfect Manhattan Recipe Best Old Fashioned Recipe Best 75 French Cocktail Recipe
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