Recipes

Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is the ultimate expression of elegant simplicity. With only two main ingredients, its perfection lies not in complexity, but in quality and technique. This is how you make a G&T that is crisp, aromatic, and supremely refreshing.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin (London Dry style)
  • 4-5 oz High-Quality Tonic Water
  • Garnish: 2 Fresh Lime Wedges

Instructions

  1. Chill Everything: A great G&T is a cold G&T. Place your glass (a tall highball or a large balloon glass) and your bottle of tonic water in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you begin.
  2. Fill with Ice: Fill your chilled glass completely to the brim with fresh, cold ice cubes. More ice means less dilution.
  3. Pour the Gin: Pour your chosen gin over the ice. This will begin to chill the spirit instantly.
  4. Squeeze and Drop: Squeeze one lime wedge over the drink to release its bright juices, then drop the wedge into the glass.
  5. Top with Tonic: Open your chilled tonic water and slowly pour it down the side of the glass or down a bar spoon to preserve as much carbonation as possible.
  6. Stir Once, Gently: Give the drink a single, gentle stir from the bottom up to combine the gin and tonic without losing its fizz. Garnish with the second lime wedge and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfection

Your Tonic Matters Most: In a drink that's two-thirds tonic, using a premium brand is the single biggest upgrade you can make. Brands like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers use high-quality quinine and natural sugars, providing a crisp, balanced flavor that cheap, overly sweet tonic waters can't match.

Experiment with Garnishes: While lime is classic, the beauty of a Gin and Tonic is its versatility. Match your garnish to your gin's botanicals. Using a more floral gin like Hendrick's? Try a slice of cucumber. Using a citrus-forward gin? A slice of grapefruit works wonders.

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