Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe

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ByJohn

Gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that brings together the botanical notes of gin with the crisp bite of tonic water.

The perfect gin and tonic combines 2 ounces of quality gin with 4-5 ounces of cold tonic water. Serve it over ice with a fresh lime wedge.

The drink gained fame in the 1800s when British officers in India mixed their medicinal tonic water with gin to make it taste better. The quinine in tonic water helped prevent malaria, while the gin made taking medicine more fun.

This simple yet refreshing drink works well for any season or occasion. The recipe takes less than two minutes to make and needs just a few basic ingredients that most home bars already have on hand.

Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe

Gin And Tonic Cocktail Recipe

Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe
A gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that mixes gin with tonic water and lime. The recipe needs few ingredients but pays attention to detail for the best taste.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

The quality of tonic water makes a big difference in taste. Premium tonic waters often contain real quinine and natural sweeteners.
Ice should be fresh and clear. Cloudy ice can add off-flavors to the drink.
The ideal ratio is 1 part gin to 2-3 parts tonic water. Adjust to taste.
Some people prefer their gin and tonic with a slice of cucumber or a sprig of rosemary instead of lime.
Store tonic water in the fridge before mixing. Warm tonic water goes flat faster.

Tasting Notes

A classic gin and tonic offers bright, crisp flavors. The juniper from the gin creates a pine-like taste that mixes with the bitter quinine notes from the tonic water.

Citrus flavors from both the lime garnish and gin botanicals add a fresh burst to each sip. Meanwhile, the carbonation of tonic water brings a lively fizz that makes the drink feel light and refreshing.

Good quality gin will add subtle hints of coriander, angelica root, and citrus peel. These botanical notes become more noticeable as the ice melts and slightly dilutes the drink.

The sweetness level varies based on the tonic water brand. Premium tonic waters tend to be less sweet than mass-market versions, letting more gin flavors shine through.

Key Flavor Notes:

  • Pine from juniper
  • Bitter quinine
  • Fresh citrus
  • Light botanical spices
  • Sweet undertones
  • Clean, crisp finish

Temperature makes a big difference in taste. A properly chilled gin and tonic has sharper flavors and more pronounced carbonation compared to a warm one.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitute

A gin and tonic can be made with non-alcoholic alternatives for those who don’t drink alcohol. The most common replacement is a juniper-flavored spirit-free beverage, mixed with tonic water.

Several brands make alcohol-free gin substitutes that taste similar to regular gin. Three popular choices are:

  • Seedlip Garden 108
  • Monday Zero Alcohol Gin
  • Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative

For the tonic water component, regular tonic can be replaced with:

Those who want to skip both gin and tonic can mix club soda with:

The garnishes stay the same whether using alcoholic or non-alcoholic ingredients. A lime wedge or cucumber slice works well with any version of this drink.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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