The Best Gin and Tonic
How to make a perfect gin and tonic. We share all our tips, including the best gin to use and the ideal ratio of gin to tonic. The key to a great gin and tonic recipe is to balance the bitterness of the tonic against the gin, never tasting one too much more than the other. Use a bit more tonic than gin for the best gin and tonic. For one cocktail, I combine 2 ounces of gin with 4 ounces of tonic water, which tastes crisp, refreshing, and not too boozy. For a stronger cocktail, use 3 ounces. I always add lime to my gin and tonics, both a squeeze of fresh lime and a wedge or slice in the glass itself. For more cocktails, see all of our cocktail recipes. Key Ingredients Gin: When making gin and tonics, choose a mid-to-high-shelf gin. A London dry gin (such as Beefeater), Plymouth, or Bombay work really well. London dry gins are more straightforward in flavor, while Plymouth gins are more aromatic. We’ve also used Bombay Sapphire and loved it, but we really enjoy Sapphire’s extra spiciness. Tonic water: I prefer the tonic water sold in smaller, single-serving bottles. The tonic will be fresh, and you won’t lose any fizz. Many people swear by Schweppes, but we can’t say we have noticed a difference enough to specify. We particularly enjoy the Fever Tree and Q tonics. For a lower-calorie cocktail, use a light tonic. Just be aware that light tonic has less flavor. Lime: A classic gin and tonic needs fresh lime. It should be refreshing and always fresh on flavor. Fresh lime helps with this and brightens everything up. If you don’t have lime, lemon is an excellent substitute. Gin: When making gin and tonics, choose a mid-to-high-shelf gin. A London dry gin (such as Beefeater), Plymouth, or Bombay work really well. London dry gins are more straightforward in flavor, while Plymouth gins are more aromatic. We’ve also used Bombay Sapphire and loved it, but we really enjoy Sapphire’s extra spiciness. Tonic water: I prefer the tonic water sold in smaller, single-serving bottles. The tonic will be fresh, and you won’t lose any fizz. Many people swear by Schweppes, but we can’t say we have noticed a difference enough to specify. We particularly enjoy the Fever Tree and Q tonics. For a lower-calorie cocktail, use a light tonic. Just be aware that light tonic has less flavor. Lime: A classic gin and tonic needs fresh lime. It should be refreshing and always fresh on flavor. Fresh lime helps with this and brightens everything up. If you don’t have lime, lemon is an excellent substitute. More Gin Cocktail Recipes Classic Gin Fizz Cocktail Sloe Gin Fizz Southside Cocktail Rosemary Gin Fizz Classic Gin Fizz Cocktail Sloe Gin Fizz Southside Cocktail Rosemary Gin Fizz The Best Gin and Tonic PREP 5 mins TOTAL 5 mins PREP 5 mins TOTAL 5 mins The best gin and tonic recipe balances tonic water’s bitterness against the gin’s aromatics. London dry gins (such as Beefeater), Plymouth, or Bombay are great. London dry gins are more straightforward in flavor, while Plymouth gins are a bit more aromatic. I also like Bombay Sapphire’s extra herbal spiciness. 1 drink You Will Need 2 ounces gin (1/4 cup) 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon) 4 ounces tonic water (1/2 cup) Lime wedge or slice Ice Directions 1Fill a high ball glass with ice. Add gin and lime juice. Then top with tonic water. Garnish with lime wedge or slice. 1Fill a high ball glass with ice. Add gin and lime juice. Then top with tonic water. Garnish with lime wedge or slice. Adam and Joanne's Tips Adjust the amount of gin called for in our recipe based on how strong you enjoy your cocktails. Increase to 3oz for a strong cocktail. If you really want to up your game, make homemade tonic ice cubes. This way as they melt in your drink, it won’t dilute with water. The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. Adjust the amount of gin called for in our recipe based on how strong you enjoy your cocktails. Increase to 3oz for a strong cocktail. If you really want to up your game, make homemade tonic ice cubes. This way as they melt in your drink, it won’t dilute with water. The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. Nutrition Per Serving Serving Size 1 drink / Calories 269 / Protein 0 g / Carbohydrate 12 g / Dietary Fiber 0 g / Total Sugars 11 g / Total Fat 0 g / Saturated Fat 0 g / Cholesterol 0 mg AUTHOR: Joanne Gallagher We’re Adam and Joanne, a couple passionate about cooking and sharing delicious, reliable recipes since 2009. Our goal? To inspire you to get in the kitchen and confidently cook fresh and flavorful meals.More About Us Previous Post: Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Thighs Next Post: Best Homemade Cherry Pie