Gin & Tonic

(1 ratings)

The perfect balance of premium gin and high-quality tonic water, served ice-cold in a balloon glass with precise technique.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Balloon Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (200ml)

London Dry Gin
50 ml
Tonic Water
150 ml
Lime
1 wedge

Recipe credit: Classic British cocktail stemming from British colonial India in the 1800s

Instructions

2 minutes to make

Step

Fill the balloon glass completely with large ice cubes, packing them from rim to rim for maximum chill.

Step

Measure and pour 50ml of gin directly over the ice, then stir briefly to chill.

Step

Squeeze the lime wedge over the gin to express oils, then drop it into the glass.

Step

Gently pour the chilled tonic water down the back of a bar spoon to preserve carbonation, filling to the top.

Step

Give one gentle stir to integrate ingredients and serve immediately.

Equipment

Jigger

Bar spoon

Description

The Gin & Tonic represents the pinnacle of simplicity meeting sophistication. This iconic highball balances the botanical complexity of premium gin with the crisp bitterness of quality tonic water, creating a refreshing drink that showcases the gin’s character while maintaining perfect effervescence and temperature.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (200ml)

Calories

150

ABV

20 %

Alcohol

16 g

Carbs

8 g

Carbs from Sugar

8 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0 g

Sodium

15 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

Use a 1:3 gin-to-tonic ratio for lighter, refreshing style, or 1:2 for a more gin-forward drink. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
Keep tonic water colder than gin (refrigerate at 4°C) and use premium brands like Fever-Tree to avoid overly sweet flavors that mask the gin's botanicals.
Pour tonic gently down a bar spoon to preserve maximum carbonation - aggressive pouring kills the essential effervescence.
Match your garnish to your gin's botanical profile: lime for citrus-forward gins, lemon peel for classic London Dry, or herbs like thyme for contemporary gins.

What's the ideal gin-to-tonic ratio for the perfect G&T?

Start with a 1:3 ratio (50ml gin to 150ml tonic) for balance. Use 1:2 for a stronger, gin-forward drink, or 1:4 for a lighter, more refreshing style. Premium gins can handle stronger ratios.

Why use a balloon glass instead of a highball glass?

Balloon glasses have a wider opening that traps aromatics, hold more ice for better temperature control, and allow the gin’s botanicals to open up. This enhances both the nose and overall drinking experience.

Should I squeeze the lime or just drop it in?

Give the lime wedge a gentle squeeze to express the oils, then drop it in. This adds citrus brightness without overwhelming the gin with too much acid. Avoid over-squeezing, which can make the drink too tart.

How important is the quality of tonic water?

Extremely important – tonic makes up 75% of the drink. Premium tonics like Fever-Tree have balanced quinine bitterness and fine carbonation without excessive sweetness that masks the gin’s complexity. Cheap tonics can ruin an expensive gin.