Classic Gin and Tonic

Table of Contents

Note from Ana

Hi there, happy hour lover,

Today I’m bringing you one of the classics - Gin and Tonic.

Gin and Tonic first came into being in the 19th century. British officers in India took to mixing their medicinal quinine tonic with gin to make it palatable, and voilà, a star was born. Who knew something made to ward off malaria would become a global cocktail favorite?

Here's why it's a hit:

Refreshing Taste: Perfect for those warm days or when you need a cool-down.
Simple Elegance: Just a few ingredients and you've got yourself a cocktail that's as classy as it is classic.
Versatile: Works great for casual hangs or fancy affairs.
Citrus Zing: The lime gives it that perfect tangy kick.
Light on the Palate: It's not a heavy drink, so it leaves you feeling uplifted.

So next time you're mixing up a G&T, remember, you're not just making a drink, you're stirring up a piece of history.

Best,

Ana

How to prepare Classic Gin and Tonic

Ingredients:

2 oz Gin
4 to 6 oz Tonic Water (to taste)
1 lime
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Chill the Glass: Place your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water for a quick chill.
Prepare the Lime: Cut a lime into wedges. You’ll need one wedge for the drink and you can cut extra for garnish if desired.
Ice Up: Fill the chilled glass with ice cubes to the top. This keeps your drink colder, longer, and ensures a refreshing experience.
Pour the Gin: Measure and pour 2 ounces of gin over the ice.
Add Tonic Water: Slowly pour 4 to 6 ounces of tonic water over the gin, depending on how strong or light you like your drink.
Garnish: Squeeze a wedge of lime into the drink and drop it into the glass. The lime juice adds a zesty citrus flavor that complements the gin and tonic.
Stir Gently: Use a spoon or a stirrer to mix the drink gently. You don’t want to stir too vigorously as it can make the tonic water go flat.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your gin and tonic while it’s ice-cold!

How to Serve and Pair:

Serving Suggestions: A Classic Gin and Tonic is a timeless cocktail that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual get-together, a formal gathering, or simply a relaxing evening at home. Serve it in a highball glass or a gin and tonic glass for the best experience. It's a refreshing choice for warm weather but equally enjoyable year-round.

Pairing: This cocktail pairs well with light appetizers, seafood, or tapas. The crisp and clean flavors of a gin and tonic can complement dishes like shrimp cocktail, bruschetta, or cucumber sandwiches. It's also great with spicy foods as the effervescence and citrus notes can balance out the heat.

Dietary Information:

Gluten-Free: Most gins are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the label, especially if it's a flavored or infused gin. Tonic water is also gluten-free.
Low Sugar: Depending on the tonic water used, this cocktail can be low in sugar. Opt for tonic water with less sugar or a diet tonic for a healthier option.
Vegan-Friendly: Gin and tonic is suitable for a vegan diet.

Make-Ahead Tips:

Prep the Lime: Lime wedges can be cut ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or a plastic bag.
Chill the Glasses: To save time, glasses can be chilled in the freezer well before the event.
Ice Ready: Ensure you have enough ice on hand. It's crucial for serving the perfect gin and tonic.
No Advance Mixing: Gin and tonics are best made fresh. The tonic water can lose its effervescence if mixed ahead of time, so it’s recommended to mix the drink right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions for Classic Gin and Tonic

What’s the best gin to use for a Classic Gin and Tonic?

The best gin is subjective and depends on your taste. London Dry gin is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with different brands and types to find your favorite.

How much gin should I use for one drink?

A standard Gin and Tonic uses about 50 ml (1.7 oz) of gin. You can adjust the amount depending on how strong you like your drink.

What type of tonic water should I use?

Use a tonic water that you enjoy. Some people prefer classic brands like Schweppes or Fever-Tree, which offer different varieties such as light, Mediterranean, or elderflower tonic waters.

Is there a specific type of glass I should use?

A Classic Gin and Tonic is traditionally served in a highball glass, but some prefer a balloon glass to enhance the aromas of the gin.

How do I know how much ice to use?

Use enough ice to fill the glass. More ice keeps the drink colder for longer and actually dilutes the drink less.

Can I add other garnishes besides lime?

Absolutely! While lime is traditional, you can also use lemon, cucumber, a sprig of rosemary, or even juniper berries to garnish your Gin and Tonic.

Is Classic Gin and Tonic always served cold?

Yes, it's best served ice-cold to be refreshing.

Can I make a Classic Gin and Tonic without alcohol?

Certainly! There are non-alcoholic gins available on the market now, or you can simply enjoy tonic water with lime as a mocktail.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Gin and Tonic?

The sweetness can be adjusted by the type of tonic water you choose. A diet or light tonic has less sugar and therefore less sweetness.

What’s the origin of the Gin and Tonic?

The Gin and Tonic was created in the 19th century by British officers in colonial India who mixed gin with tonic water, which contained quinine, to help prevent malaria. The drink has since become a classic cocktail around the world.

Gin and Tonic is a classic drink that mixes the herby taste of gin with the sharpness of tonic water, with a splash of lime for a bit of zest. I

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Drinks

Cuisine British

Servings drink

Ingredients

2 oz gin 60 ml
4 - 6 oz Tonic Water (to taste) 120 - 180 ml
1 lime
ice cubes

Instructions

Chill the Glass: Place your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water for a quick chill.
Prepare the Lime: Cut a lime into wedges. You’ll need one wedge for the drink and you can cut extra for garnish if desired.
Ice Up: Fill the chilled glass with ice cubes to the top. This keeps your drink colder, longer, and ensures a refreshing experience.
Pour the Gin: Measure and pour 2 ounces of gin over the ice.
Add Tonic Water: Slowly pour 4 to 6 ounces of tonic water over the gin, depending on how strong or light you like your drink.
Garnish: Squeeze a wedge of lime into the drink and drop it into the glass. The lime juice adds a zesty citrus flavor that complements the gin and tonic.
Stir Gently: Use a spoon or a stirrer to mix the drink gently. You don’t want to stir too vigorously as it can make the tonic water go flat.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your gin and tonic while it’s ice-cold!

Keyword cocktail, easy

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