Classic Gin and Tonic (Perfect Ratio + Garnish Tips)

Crisp, refreshing, and effortlessly classy—the Gin and Tonic is a timeless cocktail that’s as simple as it is sophisticated. With just two core ingredients and endless possibilities for customization, this highball favorite is a go-to for summer evenings, dinner parties, or a no-fuss nightcap.

The magic lies in using quality ingredients and the right proportions. Whether you like it citrusy, herbaceous, or boldly botanical, this guide will help you build the perfect G&T at home—no bar tools required. So cook it already!

Why You’ll Love This Gin and Tonic

• Refreshing and bubbly – ideal for warm weather or any time you need a crisp sip

• Fast and foolproof – two ingredients, no shaking or syrups

• Customizable flavor – from lime and cucumber to herbs and peppercorns

• Elevates any occasion – easy enough for weekdays, elegant enough for guests

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin (go with something botanical like Hendrick’s, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire)

• 4–6 oz tonic water (Fever-Tree and Q Tonic are elite—trust)

• Ice (the more the merrier)

• 1 wedge or wheel of lime (or cucumber, if you’re feeling fancy)

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How to Make the Perfect Gin and Tonic

1. Fill it up. Grab a highball glass (or whatever’s clean, let’s be honest). Load it with ice. Like, all the way up.

2. Pour the gin. Add 2 oz of your favorite gin. No need to break out the top shelf, but it should taste good enough to sip on its own.

3. Add the tonic. Slowly pour in the tonic water—4 oz if you like it strong, 6 oz if you’re pacing yourself. Pour gently to preserve the bubbles.

4. Garnish. Squeeze a lime wedge into the glass and drop it in. Or go cucumber if you’re feeling Hendrick’s-ish. Some people even toss in peppercorns or herbs, but we’re keeping it chill today.

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Pro Tips:

• Use premium tonic – it makes up most of the drink, so quality matters

• Don’t skimp on ice – more ice means less dilution

• Try a gin tasting – different gins bring out totally different profiles

• Serve in a copa glass (Spanish-style balloon glass) for aroma and aesthetic

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Bar Tools We Recommend

• Cocktail Mixing Spoon (12-Inch Spiral Handle): Perfect for gently stirring your gin and tonic without breaking the bubbles.
  Buy on Amazon

• Highball Glass Set (Set of 4): Tall and sleek glasses that elevate your G&T presentation. Buy on Amazon

• Jigger (1oz/2oz): For precise gin measurements every time.
  Buy on Amazon

• Citrus Squeezer Press: Make the most of your limes with this easy-to-use hand press. Buy on Amazon

• Large Ice Cube Tray (Silicone, 2-Inch Cubes): Slower-melting cubes that keep your drink colder, longer. Buy on Amazon

Ingredients We Recommend

• Hendrick’s Gin (750ml): A floral, cucumber-kissed gin that pairs beautifully with tonic. Buy on Amazon

• Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water (4-Pack): Clean, crisp tonic with balanced bitterness. Buy on Amazon

• Organic Limes (2 lbs): Fresh, tart limes for the perfect citrus punch. Buy on Amazon

• Cucumber (for garnish): Slice it thin for a refreshing twist on the classic. Buy on Amazon

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Insight on Gin and Tonic

The gin and tonic wasn’t born in some trendy rooftop bar—it actually started as medicine. Yep, the drink we now associate with warm patios and fancy garnishes was originally a way for British soldiers in India to survive malaria.

Back in the 1800s, British colonials needed quinine (a bitter compound from cinchona bark) to fend off the disease. Problem was, quinine tastes awful. So they mixed it with water, sugar, lime, and a healthy pour of gin to make it go down easier. Voilà—the first G&T.

Of course, the tonic water we drink today has way less quinine and a lot more flavor (thankfully). But the combo stuck. Over the years, it’s become a staple in bars around the world—loved for its crisp, refreshing simplicity.

Now it’s less about fighting malaria and more about unwinding after work, but hey, we’re not complaining.

FAQs

What’s the best gin for a G&T?
London Dry gin is classic (like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire), but botanical gins (like Hendrick’s or Roku) pair well with fresh garnishes.

Can I make a low-alcohol version?
Yes! Just reduce the gin to 1 oz and increase the tonic. You’ll still get the flavor without the full kick.

How is a gin and tonic different from other gin cocktails?
It’s a highball, meaning it’s built directly in the glass with a non-alcoholic mixer and no shaking or stirring needed beyond a gentle mix.