Gin & Tonic
A timeless highball combining botanical gin with crisp, gently bitter tonic water and fresh lime. Clean, sparkling and refreshing, the Gin & Tonic is one of the simplest classic cocktails to make at home—and one where the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference.
Gin & Tonic Recipe
- London Dry Gin 50 ml
- Premium Indian Tonic Water 150 ml
- Fresh lime 2 slices
- Ice, for serving 200 g
Make it properly
- Chill a highball glass before preparing the cocktail.
- Fill the glass generously with approximately 200 g of large, solid ice cubes.
- Pour 50 ml London Dry Gin over the ice.
- Slowly add 150 ml chilled Premium Indian Tonic Water.
- Stir gently once or twice with a bar spoon to combine without losing too much carbonation.
- Add one fresh lime slice inside the glass and place the second on the rim. Serve immediately.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD GIN & TONIC?
A great Gin & Tonic should be crisp, refreshing and properly balanced. Gin provides the botanical foundation, while tonic water introduces gentle sweetness, distinctive quinine bitterness and lively carbonation.
The key is choosing a tonic that complements rather than overwhelms the gin. A classic London Dry Gin works particularly well because its juniper and citrus character remains noticeable after the tonic is added.
Plenty of ice and thoroughly chilled tonic are essential. Fresh lime completes the drink with a bright citrus aroma without making it unnecessarily sour.
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GIN & TONIC: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
The Gin & Tonic is one of the world's most recognisable mixed drinks. Although it contains only two liquid ingredients, the choice of gin, quality of tonic water, ice and garnish all influence the finished cocktail. Unlike shaken cocktails, the Gin & Tonic is built directly in the serving glass. There is no complicated technique, but controlling dilution and preserving carbonation make a noticeable difference. For Drinkero's classic version, we recommend a ratio of 50 ml gin to 150 ml tonic water. This produces a light, refreshing highball with a clear botanical character and a balanced bittersweet finish.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A GIN & TONIC
A classic Gin & Tonic starts with a good London Dry Gin. Its juniper-forward botanical profile works naturally with the bitterness and delicate citrus character of traditional Indian tonic water.
For Drinkero's version, we recommend Tanqueray London Dry Gin. Its pronounced juniper, coriander and citrus notes create a crisp foundation that remains noticeable even when lengthened with tonic. Bombay Sapphire is another suitable alternative for a slightly softer botanical profile.
For the mixer, Drinkero recommends Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water. Its quinine bitterness, gentle sweetness and citrus botanicals complement classic dry gin without overpowering it. We use 150 ml per cocktail, creating a refreshing 1:3 gin-to-tonic ratio.
Use fresh lime for garnish. The aromatic oils in the green peel add freshness to the drink, while the fruit's natural acidity can provide a subtle citrus lift. Two thin lime slices are enough; there is no need to add extra lime juice.
Finally, use large, solid ice cubes. They keep the cocktail cold and help control dilution. Around 200 g is a practical quantity for a tall highball glass, depending on its capacity.
GIN & TONIC SUBSTITUTIONS
No London Dry Gin? A contemporary dry gin works too, although floral, citrus-led or strongly herbal styles can noticeably change the cocktail's character. Choose a tonic that complements the gin's botanicals.
No Premium Indian Tonic Water? Another quality Indian tonic is the closest substitute. Mediterranean tonic can produce a softer, more herbal variation, while light tonic usually provides a different balance of sweetness.
No fresh lime? Use a fresh lemon wheel or twist instead. Lemon gives the cocktail a slightly different citrus aroma but is a perfectly suitable garnish.
No highball glass? A large balloon glass or Copa glass is also suitable. Use enough ice to fill the glass generously and preserve the same liquid ratio.
THE RIGHT ICE FOR A GIN & TONIC
A Gin & Tonic is served directly over ice, so ice quality and quantity are especially important.
For one cocktail, use approximately 200 g of large ice cubes, enough to fill a standard highball glass generously. Large cubes have less exposed surface area relative to their volume than small crushed pieces, helping slow excessive dilution.
Avoid crushed ice for this classic preparation. It melts relatively quickly and can dilute the gin and tonic more rapidly than intended.
There is no need for shaking ice or a separate mixing glass. The cocktail is built directly over fresh ice in the serving glass.
HOW TO BALANCE A GIN & TONIC
The ratio of gin to tonic determines how strong, bitter and refreshing the finished cocktail tastes.
Our recommended recipe uses 50 ml gin and 150 ml tonic water, a 1:3 ratio that makes the cocktail approachable without losing the character of the gin.
For a stronger botanical profile, use slightly less tonic. For a lighter, longer drink, increase the tonic to 200 ml.
The goal is not to eliminate tonic's bitterness. Its gentle quinine character is essential to the drink and should complement the juniper and citrus notes of the gin.
THE STORY BEHIND THE GIN & TONIC
The Gin & Tonic is closely associated with British colonial history in India during the nineteenth century.
Quinine, derived from cinchona bark, was used historically to help prevent malaria. Because quinine tastes extremely bitter, it was combined with water and sweetening ingredients, eventually contributing to the development of tonic water.
British residents in India were already familiar with gin, and the combination of gin and tonic gradually became an established mixed drink. The precise individual who first combined them is unknown.
Modern tonic water contains much lower quantities of quinine than historical medicinal preparations and is enjoyed as a beverage mixer rather than a malaria treatment.
Today, the Gin & Tonic is served worldwide, from the traditional British highball to elaborate Spanish-style Gin Tonicas featuring botanical garnishes. diffordsguide.com+1
HOW TO KEEP A GIN & TONIC CRISP
The most important technique is preserving the tonic water's carbonation.
Start with a thoroughly chilled glass filled generously with large ice cubes. Pour the gin over the ice first, then slowly add the chilled tonic water.
Avoid pouring the tonic too aggressively or stirring vigorously. A gentle movement with a bar spoon is enough to distribute the gin throughout the drink without releasing excessive bubbles.
Add the lime just before serving. One slice can sit inside the glass, while another rests on the rim for a fresh citrus aroma.
The finished cocktail should be cold, sparkling and refreshing, with the gin's botanical character remaining clearly noticeable.
HOW TO SERVE A GIN & TONIC
Serve the Gin & Tonic in a tall highball glass filled generously with ice. The glass should be chilled beforehand, and the tonic water should be cold when poured.
A classic presentation uses fresh lime slices. Place one slice inside the glass and another on the rim, matching the Drinkero Gin & Tonic recipe.
Avoid squeezing excessive lime juice into the cocktail. The garnish should provide citrus aroma and freshness without overpowering the gin or changing the balance of the tonic.
Serve immediately after preparing, while the drink is cold and the carbonation remains lively.
Questions about the Gine & Tonic
What is a Gin & Tonic made from?
A classic Gin & Tonic contains gin, tonic water, ice and usually a fresh citrus garnish. Drinkero's version uses 50 ml London Dry Gin, 150 ml Premium Indian Tonic Water and two fresh lime slices.
What is the best gin for a Gin & Tonic?
London Dry Gin is an excellent choice because its juniper and citrus botanicals complement traditional Indian tonic water. Drinkero recommends Tanqueray London Dry Gin for a classic, crisp profile.
What tonic water is best for a Gin & Tonic?
A quality Indian tonic water provides the traditional balance of quinine bitterness, sweetness and carbonation. Drinkero recommends Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water for its balanced flavour and compatibility with London Dry Gin.
What is the best gin-to-tonic ratio?
The best ratio depends on personal preference. Drinkero uses one part gin to three parts tonic, or 50 ml gin and 150 ml tonic water. A 1:2 ratio produces a stronger, more gin-forward drink.
Should I use lime or lemon in a Gin & Tonic?
Both are suitable. Lime adds a bright, fresh citrus aroma and is the garnish used in Drinkero's classic recipe. Lemon gives a slightly different aromatic character and works particularly well with some botanical gin styles.
Should a Gin & Tonic be stirred?
Yes, but only gently. One or two light movements with a bar spoon are enough to combine the gin and tonic. Vigorous stirring releases carbonation and makes the cocktail lose its sparkle.
How much ice should I use in a Gin & Tonic?
Use approximately 200 g of large ice cubes for a standard highball glass. The glass should be filled generously with ice to keep the drink cold and minimise rapid dilution.
Is the Gin & Tonic an official IBA cocktail?
No. Although the Gin & Tonic is one of the world's most famous mixed drinks, it is not currently included in the International Bartenders Association's official cocktail list.
For further information about traditional proportions, serving techniques and the drink's history, see the Gin & Tonic guide on Difford's Guide