Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: A crisp refreshing blend of botanical gin, Indian tonic water, with a hint of zesty lime, this classic gin and tonic is served in a tall glass over crushed ice.
How long it takes: 5 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: highball glass
Servings: 1
Classic G & T
A familiar cocktail. Often referred to as a G & T, a classic gin and tonic is a widely popular cocktail. There are lots of variations but today I’m going to talk about the classic G & T with simple ingredients: gin, tonic water, lime wedges, and ice.
Easy to make. You don’t have to take bartending lessons to make this cocktail. You can whip one up in less than 5 minutes.
What is tonic water?
Tonic water contains quinine, a bitter substance originally used as a tonic to treat malaria. Today’s tonic water is a carbonated soft drink with quinine, sweetened with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners.
Ingredient Notes
- Gin: For a classic G & T, use a London Dry Gin, such as Tanqueray, which has juniper berry flavor. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try Plymouth Gin which leans more into the florals. For another flavor variation, a new wave gin, such as Hendrick’s, has a more spa-like flavor with cucumber.
- Tonic water: I prefer Indian tonic water, such as Fever-Tree. It’s made with real sugar as opposed to corn syrup or other sweeteners, and it’s infused with additional botanicals. You can find Fever-Tree mixers in most grocery stores. I usually buy small bottles of tonic that can be used up quickly. Flat tonic (tonic that has lost its carbonation) will ruin your cocktail.
- Lime wedges: A gin and tonic is traditionally served with a wedge of lime on the edge of the glass. I like to add a couple of slices to the cocktail, and serve it with a lime wedge.
- Lots of ice: You can use any type of ice you prefer: crushed, nuggets, large cubes, or one giant cube. Just make sure the ice is fresh so it doesn’t give your cocktail an off flavor.
Choosing a glass
Tall highball glass: Normally, a gin and tonic is served in a tall highball glass (as pictured). It is sometimes called a Tom Collins glass, and it holds 8 to 12 ounces.
Lowball (rocks or old-fashioned glass): You can use a smaller glass (4 to 6 ounces) for your G & T, if you like. Simply use less ice and halve the amount of gin and tonic. Basically, just make a smaller drink!
Balloon glass: Maybe you’d like to try a new trend for a G & T. Serve it in a balloon glass, which is a stemmed glass with a large bowl, pretty similar to a red wine glass.
Straw or no straw? Totally up to you! (Aren’t these straws pretty though?!)
Recipe Variations
When you change anything in a “classic” gin and tonic, I’d say it’s no longer a classic. However, there are a few changes you could make.
- Increase/decrease the amount of gin. If you prefer a drink with less alcohol, use more tonic water and less gin. You can also buy a N/A (no alcohol) gin. They are becoming more readily available and are really quite good. I like Monday brand.
- Make a vodka tonic. This is another popular cocktail. If you’re not a fan of gin, substitute vodka. I would choose a higher quality vodka.
- Add extra lime: If you enjoy more lime flavor, squeeze lime juice into the G & T, or run a lime wedge on the rim of the glass. If you choose Hendrick’s gin, add a cucumber slice as a garnish.
- Try a different gin & tonic cocktail. This orange gin and tonic replaces the lime with an orange slice, cinnamon stick, and star anise. It’s an exciting variation especially suited for autumn. I often serve this cranberry gin and tonic with rosemary during the holidays.
Tips
Make sure everything is well-chilled. Both the gin and tonic water should be chilled ahead of time. Chill the glass for an extra cold drink, especially if you’re serving it in warmer weather.
Use fresh ice. Stale ice can really ruin a cocktail. Be sure you have lots of fresh ice!
More Cocktail Recipes
Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe – tips to make the best!
Ingredients
- ice (see note)
- 3 lime slices (divided)
- 2 ounces gin
- 4 ounces Indian tonic water (I like Fever-Tree)
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass about ¾ of the way with ice and add 2 lime slices to the glass.
- Pour in the gin and top with tonic water.2 ounces gin, 4 ounces Indian tonic water
- Garnish with an additional lime slice and serve with a straw, if desired.
Notes
- Ice: I recommend crushed or nugget ice, but regular ice cubes are fine too, just make sure there’s a lot of it and it’s fresh.
- Pro tip: Chill all the ingredients ahead of time. On warmer days, you might want to chill the glass as well.
- Variations: Use a NA (no alcohol) gin, or use less gin in your cocktail. Substitute vodka for the gin to make a vodka tonic. Try a different type of gin, such as Hendrick’s, and garnish with cucumber slices.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
A drink that is both easy to make and delicious thanks for sharing it
You’re so welcome!