A recipe for the classic gin and tonic cocktail.

Gin and Tonic Recipe

The Gin and Tonic is a highball that seems to meet the classic definition of a cocktail, in a loosely defined way. A cocktail in the 1800s was the combination of a spirit, sugar and bitters plus a diluent for the weak part. In a Gin and Tonic, you have gin, which is, of course, the spirit part of the equation, the soda in the tonic water is weak and the quinine is the bitter flavour. Most commercial tonic water has some sugar in it, roughly 2 teaspoons (8 grams) per 3 oz (100 ml), which is sweet enough. Strong, weak, sweet, and bitter, it looks like a cocktail to me.

Some of the new boutique tonic waters have less sugar and more quinine which gives a more potent version of the G&T. This may appeal to some people, but it can be a bit challenging to the taste buds of the average drinker. 

Some creative bartenders are experimenting with cinchona bark which is the original source of quinine hundreds of years ago. In its unprocessed state cinchona is not a direct substitute for tonic water, and can be overly bitter with a strong wood flavour and in some cases, it tastes like dirt. Though closer to the original medicinal purposes—quinine was used as prophylactic and treatment for malaria—the gin was used to hide the flavour and make the medicine go down better. It’s probably not necessary today, except for historical tasting purposes. 

The traditional  Gin and Tonic should be a pleasantly bitter cocktail. The combination of the gin with the tonic almost seems to be a match made before the universe began. The two flavours come together in a way that neither is dominant, assuming the drink is made right. But the basic flavours still need something to bind them together and that binding agent is lime. Without the lime, the Gin and Tonic can taste flat and not as refreshing on a hot summer day. You must use fresh limes, no crunchy old limes and don’t use bar sour mix. A generous squeeze or wedge of lime (think 1/6th to 1/4 of a lime) will improve the quality significantly. 

Finally, good ice is the finishing touch. Pack the glass full and use large chunks, not crushed ice. The colder this drink is the more refreshing it will be. 

As always, good ingredients will help this drink, and any other drink, reach its full potential. 

Yield: 1 Drink

Gin and Tonic

A recipe for the classic gin and tonic cocktail.

A simple but appealing classic highball, the Gin & Tonic is great for hot summer days on a patio.

Prep Time 30 seconds
Total Time 30 seconds

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin
  • Tonic Water
  • Lime

Instructions

1. Make sure your tonic water is nice and cold and it wouldn’t hurt to chill your glass

2. Cut a fresh wedge of lime (1/6 of a lime, don’t cheap out using a 1/8 or less)

3. Pack your chilled 12 oz glass full with ice *

4. Pour 2 ounces of gin into the glass

5. Top with tonic water

6. Run the peel side of the lime around the rim of the glass

7. Squeeze the lime into the drink and drop it on top of the ice

8. Enjoy

Notes

I overfill the glass with ice knowing that once you add the other ingredients, the ice will melt a little and fit into the glass.

Nutrition Information:


Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180
If you like Gin and Tonic, you might want to try the Moscow Mule for a spicier take on a highball.

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