Gin and Tonic Recipe (2024)

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Home > Recipes > Drinks > co*cktails > The Perfect Gin and Tonic Recipe

5 from 1 vote

by Lisa Longley

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posted: 07/22/22

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Gin and Tonic Recipe (1)

by Lisa Longley

|

posted: 07/22/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Jump to Recipe

This Gin and Tonic Recipe takes the classic co*cktail to new heights with the perfect gin and tonic ratio. A refreshing co*cktail made with only two ingredients, you will want to save this one and make it again and again.

The botanical flavors of gin combined with crisp tonic water create an invigorating and light co*cktail sure to quench your thirst.

Gin and Tonic Recipe (2)

In the spring of 2019, my family had the great good fortune to visit London for a week. One of my favorite cities, the trip did not disappoint. I have a million things that I love about London and that trip specifically, but definitely on that list is England’s love of gin and tonics.

Gin and Tonics are one of my favorite co*cktails, and London makes them perfectly. I especially love that they serve them in giant goblets like the one you see here. Everywhere we went, we saw people walking around with these giant gorgeous co*cktails.

How to Make a Gin and Tonic

This is a recipe that could not be more simple to make.

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Add the gin and tonic. Stir together gently.
  3. Garnish with one or two lime wedges.

Gin Recommendation

When it comes to the gin, there is great debate over what is the best gin to use in a gin and tonic recipe. I lean towards Bombay Sapphire, but if you are going for a classic feel, pick up some Beefeater. The key is to use a good quality gin that you enjoy the flavor of.

Gin and Tonic Recipe (3)

The Best Gin and Tonic Ratio

The ratio in the classic recipe is two ounces of gin to four ounces of tonic. Other gin and tonic recipes may use a slightly different ratio, but I find this to be the best balance.

A traditional co*cktail is garnished with at least one lime wedge, but I prefer mine, as many do, with even more. The citrus flavor of the lime compliments the crisp, botanical flavor perfectly.

Gin and Tonic Recipe (4)

How to Serve

Serve this classic in a rocks glass, tumbler, or goblet with lots of ice. Garnish with slices or wedges of fresh limes. For an extra citrus zest, squeeze the juice of the lime wedges into the drink before serving. Use chilled tonic water that has been opened just prior to preparing for optimal carbonation.

Gin and Tonic Calories

This drink clocks in at 273 calories. You can always opt for diet tonic to lighten the drink up further. If you are using diet tonic, this co*cktail comes in at 188.

Gin and Tonic Variations

  • Make a Cucumber Lemon Gin and Tonic. This great co*cktail uses a homemade cucumber infused gin, and it is so refreshing.
  • Sweeten it up. Adding an ounce of Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice is like adding both lime and simple syrup. It’s delicious! Combine 1 ounce Rose’s, 2 ounces gin, and 6 ounces tonic water.
  • Get creative with simple syrup. Recently my friends and I made some herb infused simple syrup and added a teaspoon of it to this recipe. Amazing! Just make simple syrup and then before it begins to cool toss in a few sprigs of rosemary or some fresh basil.

FAQ

What is the best gin for gin and tonic?

You can use any gin that you like the flavor of. See the section above on gin for a couple of suggestions.

Is gin and tonic low calorie?

Not necessarily, but if you are looking to lower the calories of this drink use diet tonic.

How much gin is in gin and tonic?

The standard ratio is two ounces of gin to four ounces of tonic.

Gin and Tonic Recipe (5)

Other Great Gin Recipes

I can’t get enough of great gin recipes, so make sure you try some of these too:

If you try this recipe or any of my other favorite gin recipes, make sure you leave me a comment letting me know what you think!

5 from 1 vote

Gin and Tonic

Serves: 1 co*cktail

(tap # to scale)

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 5 minutes minutes

This Gin and Tonic Recipe takes the classic co*cktail to new heights with the perfect gin and tonic ratio. A refreshing co*cktail made with only two ingredients, you will want to save this one and make it again and again.

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Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 4 ounces tonic

Instructions

  • Add gin and tonic in a highball glass over ice.

  • Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Serving: 1co*cktail Calories: 273kcal (14%) Carbohydrates: 24g (8%) Sodium: 35mg (2%)

Author: Lisa Longley

Course: co*cktails

Cuisine: English

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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  1. Bev says

    Gin and Tonic Recipe (15)
    Love to see what I may be missing
    I will try all of the recipes
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Gin and Tonic Recipe (16)Lisa Longley says

      You’re welcome!

      Reply

Gin and Tonic Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the formula for the perfect gin and tonic? ›

Pour 50ml (a double shot) of gin over the ice. Stir around the edge of the glass gently. Top up with tonic water. Many gin professionals in the industry will encourage you to use around 200ml for every 50ml , but really this is entirely up to you and your personal taste!

What is the ratio of gin to tonic water? ›

The ratio of gin to tonic varies according to taste, strength of the gin, other drink mixers being added, etc., with most recipes calling for a ratio between 1:1 and 1:3. It is usually garnished with a slice or wedge of lime. To preserve effervescence, the tonic can be poured down a bar spoon.

How much gin should you put in a gin and tonic? ›

In short, the general answer is 1:3 – so one part gin to three parts tonic water. This is a good amount of tonic water to bring out the best of the botanicals in the gin without diluting it too much.

What makes a good gin and tonic? ›

In a nutshell, the botanicals in gin, with their mix of herbs and spices, create a unique flavour, because of the combination of the two. According to Hartings, it's not just about the taste; it's a chemical reaction. The compounds in gin and tonic interact in a way that enhances the overall drinking experience.

What are the 3 key ingredients in gin? ›

The primary three ingredients used in the majority of gins are juniper, coriander and angelica. Even though these are the most popular, there are hundreds of flowers, roots, fruits, berries and nuts that are used to create a palate for each gin that makes it distinctive.

What's the best gin for gin and tonic? ›

A Quick Look at Our Top 10 Gins for Gin and Tonic
  • Best Overall Gin for Gin and Tonic: Hendrick's Gin
  • Best Japanese Gin for Gin and Tonic: Suntory Roku Japanese Gin
  • Best American Gin for Gin and Tonic: Bluecoat American Dry Gin
  • Best British Dry Gin for Gin and Tonic: Tanqueray London Dry
Sep 29, 2023

What is the healthiest mixer for gin? ›

11 of the best low-calorie and low-sugar mixers for gin:
  • Aqua Libra Fruit-infused Sparkling Water. Save. ...
  • TwelveBelow Tonics. ...
  • PURA Soda Cucumber & Lime. ...
  • Upstream Grapefruit & Bergamot. ...
  • Nexba Strawberry & Peach Kefir. ...
  • Dash Water Rhubarb & Ginger Soda Water. ...
  • The Artisan Drinks Co. ...
  • London Essence Pomelo & Pink Pepper Tonic Water.

Is gin better with tonic or soda water? ›

The most classic combination of gin and tonic is the perfect example of this: tonic's sweetness enhances gin's herbaceous flavor and its bitterness calms its alcoholic kick. Anything mixed with tonic can easily be mixed with club soda, and vice versa, but club soda offers a subtle flavor desired in many situations.

What is the best mixture for gin? ›

Beyond the obvious tonic water, try soda water (let the taste of gin shine through), lemonade, ginger beer, ginger ale, orange juice and even co*ke - they're all nice mixers for gin. Also remember - don't need a mixer at all - try gin neat over ice.

How many ounces should a gin and tonic glass be? ›

OK, we'll get fancy here and measure – because almost any co*cktail is better if you measure the ingredients. But this is one case where you can mix a pretty decent drink just by eyeballing the gin as you pour it. Use a tall glass that holds 8 to 12 fluid ounces (see notes). Fill glass almost to top with ice cubes.

Is gin better with lemon or lime? ›

The battle of the citrus fruits is a much debated one in the gin making industry. The choice between lemon and lime is of course down to personal preference, but a good rule of thumb to remember is that lemon's sweetness complements classic dry gins, while tart lime provides a pleasant contrast to sweeter gins.

How much gin is enough? ›

The daily maximum recommended allowances are as follows: Female: 2 units per day; 14 per week. Male: 3 units per day; 14 per week. And no-one should have more than four units at one sitting.

Why is gin and tonic so expensive? ›

The truth is quite simple really; the demand for luxury, artisan products, including gin and tonic, has been on the rise. And it will come as no surprise that premium products are more expensive than commercially available industrial goods.

Is gin and tonic the healthiest drink? ›

In conclusion: a gin and tonic is lower in calories than other alcoholic drinks, contains fewer units of alcohol, is less likely to cause you a bad hangover than other booze, and has some potential small side benefits in the form of its natural botanicals and added fruit garnishes.

What is the strongest gin and tonic? ›

Anno Extreme 95 Gin packs more punch and flavour, drop for drop, than any other spirit in the world. Being the world's strongest gin - just a 5ml measure gives you a full flavoured G&T with 75% less alcohol than a 50ml measure of 40% ABV gin.

What is the formula for the perfect co*cktail? ›

There's definitely a formula, My basic ratio for any co*cktail is usually 2 part of alcohol, to one of tart, to one part of sweet. The formula for achieving this balance is 2:1:1. That's basically 2 parts alcohol, 1-part sour, and 1-part sweet.

What is the chemical formula of gin? ›

GIN : Summary
CodeGIN
FormulaC23 H22 F3 N3 O2
Formal charge0
Molecular weight429.435 Da
6 more rows

What is the best dilution for gin? ›

Whenever possible, be sure to use fresh-squeezed lime juice for mixing, and remember that a little usually goes a long way — most co*cktails use a 2:1 or even 3:1 gin-to-lime ratio, often with some simple syrup or liqueur for sweetness.

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