This is how you prepare a perfect gin and tonic. We give you all our tips, including the best gin and the perfect gin to tonic ratio.
This is how you prepare a perfect gin and tonic
The key to a great gin and tonic recipe is to balance the bitterness of the tonic with that of the gin. Never taste one too much more than the other.
So we already know there’s gin, tonic water and ice cream, but how much? What a gin and don’t forget the lime, right?
Which gin should I use to prepare a gin and tonic?
When making gin and tonics, choose a medium to high quality gin. A London Dry Gin (like Beefeater), Plymouth or Bombay works well. London Dry Gins have a more straightforward taste, while Plymouth Gin is a bit more aromatic. We also used Bombay Sapphire and loved it, but we really enjoy the extra sharpness of Sapphire.
Which tonic is best for gin and tonics?
I prefer the tonic water which is sold in the smaller single serve bottles. The tonic is fresh and not a splash is lost. Lots of people swear by Schweppes, but we can’t say we’ve noticed enough of a difference to dwell on it. We particularly like the Fever Tree and Q tonics.
For a lower-calorie cocktail, you can use a light tonic. Light tonic doesn’t have as much flavor as regular tonic, but it helps lower calories. You can also dilute normal tonic with some seltzer water or lemonade.
What is the best gin to tonic ratio?
A gin and tonic should be fresh and refreshing, never juicy or heavy. After some research, the ratios may vary. Some drink equal parts gin and tonic, others reduce the gin and double the tonic. We liked it right in the middle, which kept the drink light and crisp but still flavorful from the gin.
Do I have to use lime?
A classic gin and tonic needs fresh lime. It should be refreshing and never tasteless. Fresh lime helps with this and brightens everything up. If you don’t have lime, lemon is an excellent substitute.
More gin cocktail recipes
- You can’t go wrong with this classic gin fizz cocktail. It’s uncomplicated, fresh, light and timeless.
- Learn what sloe gin is and how to use it to make one of our favorite cocktails: the sloe gin fizz.
- Ever heard of a Southside cocktail? It’s an easy cocktail recipe – gin based, flavored with mint and hints of citrus.
- Add a herbal twist to the classic gin fizz cocktail with fresh rosemary and make Rosemary Gin Fizzes.
Best gin and tonic
The best gin and tonic balances the bitterness of the tonic water with the flavors of the gin. A London Dry Gin (like Beefeater), Plymouth or Bombay works well. London Dry Gins have a more straightforward taste, while Plymouth Gin is a bit more aromatic. We also used Bombay Sapphire and loved it, but we really enjoy the extra sharpness of Sapphire.
1 drink
you will need
3 ounces (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) gin
1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
4 ounces (1/2 cup) tonic water
Lime wedge or slice
Ice
Adam and Joanne’s tips
- Adjust the amount of gin listed in our recipe based on how strong you enjoy your cocktails.
- If you really want to step up your skill, make your own tonic ice cubes. That way, when they melt in your drink, they won’t be diluted with water.
- Nutritional Information: The nutritional information below is an estimate. We used the USDA database to calculate approximate values.
If you make this recipe, take a picture and tag it with the hashtag #inspiredtaste – we love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook! Find us: @inspiredtaste
Nutritional value per serving
serving size
1 drink
/
calories
269
/
protein
0g
/
carbohydrate
12g
/
fiber
0g
/
total sugar
11g
/
total fat
0g
/
Saturated Fatty Acids
0g
/
cholesterol
0mg
Recipe updated originally posted December 2012. Since posting in 2012 we have tweaked the recipe to make it clearer. – Adam and Joanne