Gin and Soda
The Gin and Soda is the epitome of a minimalist cocktail, combining just two ingredients to create a crisp and clean drinking experience. Unlike a Gin and Tonic, which has the distinct sweet and bitter notes of quinine, the Gin and Soda allows the pure flavor profile of the gin to shine through, accented only by the neutral effervescence of soda water. It is a light, low-calorie, and endlessly refreshing choice for any occasion.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Gin and Soda is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the highball family, a simple style of drink that combines a base spirit with a carbonated mixer. Its simplicity and long history make it a timeless classic.
Serving
The Gin and Soda is served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass. It's a relatively low-alcohol cocktail whose strength can be easily adjusted by changing the gin-to-soda ratio.
Serving size
180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The history of the Gin and Soda is tied to the rise of artificially carbonated water in the late 18th and 19th centuries. As "soda water" became a popular beverage, it was a natural step to mix it with spirits like gin and whisky. This created the "highball" category, offering a longer, more refreshing way to enjoy spirits compared to traditional short drinks or punches.
Origin
The drink's origin is not attributed to a single person but evolved during the late 19th century in the United Kingdom and the United States, following the popularization of soda water as a mixer. It became a staple in bars as a simple, quick, and refreshing serve.
Gin and Soda
The drink is most commonly known as Gin and Soda. It is sometimes referred to more broadly as a Gin Highball, which is a general category for spirits mixed with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic carbonated mixer served in a tall glass.
Original name
Gin and Soda
Alternative name
Gin Highball
Characteristics overview
This drink offers a crisp, clean flavor profile dominated by the chosen gin's botanicals, with a lively effervescence from the soda. Its aroma is purely that of the gin, leading to a light-bodied and exceptionally refreshing experience.
Flavor
Botanical, crisp, dry, clean, refreshing
Aroma
Juniper, citrus, floral (depending on the gin)
Taste balance
Neutral, slightly bitter (from gin)
Aftertaste
Clean, short, botanical
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Clear, transparent
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a low-intensity drink with no sweetness, sourness, or fruitiness, allowing the subtle bitterness of the gin and high carbonation to create a very clean and crisp taste. The alcohol strength is relatively mild.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
Only two primary ingredients are needed: your favorite gin and chilled soda water. An optional wedge of lemon or lime can be added for a touch of citrus brightness.
- Gin60 ml / 2 ozA London Dry style is classic, but any gin works well. The simple recipe highlights the gin's quality.
- Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to topUse freshly opened, well-chilled soda water or club soda for maximum fizziness.
- Lemon or Lime Wedge1 wedge(optional)Adds a hint of citrus aroma and acidity. Can be squeezed into the drink or just used as a garnish.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed beyond a glass and perhaps a bar spoon. The drink is built directly in the serving glass, making it incredibly easy to prepare.
- Bar Spoon - for a gentle stir to combine ingredients without losing carbonation.
Instructions
Preparation is straightforward: simply build the drink in an ice-filled highball glass by adding gin, topping with soda, and giving it a quick, gentle stir before garnishing.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the gin over the ice.
3. Top up the glass with chilled soda water.
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a fresh wedge of lemon or lime, if desired.
Garnishing
A simple citrus garnish like a lemon or lime wedge is traditional. It adds a pleasant aroma and allows the drinker to add a bit of acidity if they choose.
- Lemon or Lime Wedge/Twist - placed on the rim of the glass or dropped inside.
Dietary Information
This drink is naturally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a very low-calorie cocktail as all calories come from the gin. It contains virtually no carbohydrates or sugar, making it a popular choice for those on low-carb diets.
Calories
Averagely 140-150 kcal / 585-627 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
0-1 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
0-1 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an ideal drink for casual and relaxed settings. Its refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm weather, outdoor gatherings, or as a simple aperitif before a meal.
- Happy Hour
- Summer Day
- Casual Gathering
- Pre-dinner Drink
Pairing suggestions
The clean and botanical profile of a Gin and Soda pairs well with light and delicate flavors. It's an excellent companion for seafood, salty appetizers, and light fare that won't overwhelm its subtle character. Its palate-cleansing quality makes it a great aperitif.
- Light Seafood (e.g., Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail)
- Salty Snacks (e.g., Olives, Nuts)
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- Smoked Salmon
The Unadorned Elegance of the Gin and Soda
The Gin and Soda stands as a testament to the idea that simplicity often equals elegance. This classic highball is incredibly easy to make, requiring just two core ingredients, yet it delivers a sophisticated and highly refreshing experience. It's the perfect vehicle for exploring the nuances of different gins, as the neutral soda water allows every botanical note to express itself fully. For those who find tonic water too sweet or overpowering, the Gin and Soda is a superb, crisp, and timeless alternative.
Similar Cocktails
Gin and Tonic
Uses tonic water instead of soda water, resulting in a sweeter and more bitter (quinine) flavor profile.
Gin Rickey
This is essentially a Gin and Soda with the addition of fresh lime juice, making it a sour and refreshing highball.
Tom Collins
A more complex variation using Old Tom Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped with soda water. It's sweeter and more sour.
Variations
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