The Perfect Gin and Tonic Recipe
This recipe for the Perfect Gin and Tonic is a super refreshing 2-ingredient cocktail that’s simple to make after a long day. It takes just minutes to master the best gin and tonic at home. Plus this gin cocktail has endless delicious variations!
Why you’ll love this gin cocktail
This easy Gin and Tonic recipe is a cocktail that I think everyone can master. It only requires pouring and mixing but the result is a sophisticated drink that is perfect for sipping whenever.
Can I call this gin and tonic recipe a recipe? Just barely.
There’s a reason gin and tonic is a classic. Tonic water really is the perfect partner for gin. The sweetness and bitterness of quinine give it it’s signature flavor. And it helps make gin (which can have a bit of a harsh taste) even more drinkable.
Related: Aperol Gin and Tonic
The perfect gin and tonic is all about balance and you won’t believe how refreshing a gin and tonic is on a hot day. And it’s been one of my favorite gin cocktails since I figured out this gin and tonic ratio.
I’m going to show you how to make a gin and tonic at home that will taste just as good, or even better than if you ordered it at a bar!
Ingredients
Here’s all you need to make a gin and tonic:
Use your favorite gin here because you can really taste it in this gin and tonic recipe.
Good quality tonic water is also essential as the mixer makes up most of the drink. I used Spectacular Tonic Water from Q Mixers here, but Fevertree is also a good brand to look out for. If you’re looking for a lighter drink both brands make really great diet tonic options you can use here.
If you don’t have limes to hand, lemon is also a classic choice to garnish a gin and tonic.
See the printable recipe card for quantities and full recipe.
Directions
Step 1
In a tumbler muddle the lime slices.
Step 2
Add ice before pouring over the gin.
Step 3
Top up with tonic water.
Step 4
Stir gently and garnish with more lime, if desired.
I think this recipe is the perfect gin and tonic ratio but experiment and mix the drink however it tastes best. You do you!
Variations
- Flavored gin – this gin and tonic recipe will work for all types of flavored gin from fruit-flavored gins to gins infused with extra herbs and botanicals.
- Flavored tonic – use elderflower tonic water for a floral G&T, or grapefruit tonic for something a bit fruity.
- Add bitters – if you want to add a little complexity to your gin and tonic add a few splashes of bitters.
- Garnishes – different aromatics suit different gins and will take your gin and tonic to the next level. Check the flavors listed on the gin bottles for ideas. and look to see if a brand calls out what pairs well with their product. For example, Gordon’s recommends you serve their gin with cucumber slices or lime. I think cucumber, citrus, and sprigs of fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary always elevate a drink but feel free to experiment!
What is the best glass to serve a gin and tonic?
I serve my gin and tonics in short tumbler glasses as I find they make the most balanced drink. However, depending on how much ice you add you may have a little tonic water left over in the can.
You can also serve a gin and tonic in a tall glass, this is a good idea if you want to use more tonic water for an easier drinking G&T.
In Europe gin and tonics are often served in big balloon glasses designed just for gin and tonics. These are really pretty especially with different garnishes and can also be used to serve spritz cocktails.
As these glasses are pretty big I usually find they’re best to sip for longer adding a double serve of gin, a bit more ice, and approximately 1 1/2 small cans to tonic per glass, making them perfect to make just for two people splitting three cans.
Frequently Asked Questions
I love muddling the lime as it releases the juices better in your drink. You can use an ice cream scooper instead of a muddle or even a wooden spoon. But you can also just squeeze the lime, or simply just add lime to the glass as a garnish. All will make a tasty drink, it just really depends on how much lime you want to taste.
Gin is the classic liquor to serve with tonic water but vodka also goes really well if you’re not as much of a gin fan.
A few more easy recipes you may enjoy
- Easy Virgin Gin and Tonic Recipe
- Blackberry Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe with Blackberry Simple Syrup
- Easy Grapefruit Vodka Tonic Cocktail Recipe
- Sparkling Wine Gin Cocktail Recipe with Limeaid
- Grapefruit Basil Gin Cocktail
- Gin Gimlet
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Easy and Refreshing Gin and Tonic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz gin
- 3 oz tonic water
- 3 lime slices
Instructions
- In the bottom of a glass muddle two of the lime slices.
- Add ice.
- Top with the gin and the tonic water.
- Give the drink a gentle stir before garnishing with the third piece of lime.
Notes
- Flavored gin – this gin and tonic recipe will work for all types of flavored gin from fruit flavored gins to gins infused with extra herbs and botanicals.
- Flavored tonic – use elderflower tonic water for a floral G&T, or grapefruit tonic for something a bit fruity.
- Add bitters – a few splashes of your favorite cocktail bitters would be delicious here.
- Garnishes – I find cucumber, citrus, and sprigs of fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary always elevate a drink, but feel free to experiment!
