Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is a quintessential two-ingredient cocktail celebrated for its crisp, effervescent, and botanical character. It's a highball drink served over ice, beloved for its simplicity and refreshing qualities. The balance between the bitter quinine in the tonic and the juniper-forward notes of the gin makes it a timeless classic. Its versatility allows for endless variations through different gins, tonics, and garnishes.
Gin and Tonic

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Gin and Tonic is classified as a classic cocktail due to its long history and enduring popularity. It is specifically a Highball, which is a family of mixed drinks composed of an alcoholic base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer. Its simple, two-ingredient nature defines its place in this category.

Serving

Served cold over plenty of ice in a Highball or a large, balloon-style Copa glass. The alcohol content is moderate, making it a refreshing long drink perfect for sipping.
Serving size
200-300 ml / 7-10 oz
Alcohol content
10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Copa de Balon
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

The drink was introduced by the army of the British East India Company in India during the 18th century. To prevent malaria, a common disease in tropical regions, soldiers were given a daily ration of quinine powder. To make the bitter quinine more palatable, they mixed it with water, sugar, lime, and their ration of gin, creating the original Gin and Tonic.
Origin
British India, 18th century

Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is universally known by its full name. However, it is very commonly abbreviated to "G&T" in conversation and on menus worldwide. This shorthand is instantly recognizable.
Original name
Gin and Tonic
Alternative name
G&T

Characteristics overview

A crisp and bubbly drink with a distinct botanical and juniper aroma. The taste is a refreshing balance of bitterness from the tonic and citrusy, herbal notes from the gin.
Flavor
Botanical, Juniper, Crisp, Bitter, Zesty, Refreshing
Aroma
Juniper, Citrus, Herbal, Botanical
Taste balance
Bitter, Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Lingering bitterness
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent, Carbonated
Color appearance
Clear, Transparent, Bubbly
Texture
Light, Bubbly, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-year

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is led by the pronounced bitterness of tonic water and the botanical strength of the gin. It has very low sweetness and high carbonation, creating a crisp, clean taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This classic cocktail requires just two main ingredients: gin and tonic water. A fresh lime for garnish is essential to complete the drink's signature profile.
  • Gin50 ml / 1.75 oz
    A London Dry Gin is classic, but feel free to experiment with other styles.
  • Tonic Water150 ml / 5 oz, or to top
    Use a high-quality, chilled tonic water for the best taste and carbonation.
  • Lime1 wedge or wheel
    Used as a garnish to add a citrus aroma and a touch of acidity.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a built-in-glass cocktail, so no shaker is needed. A bar spoon is useful for a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

The preparation is simple: build the drink directly in an ice-filled glass by pouring in the gin, topping with tonic, giving a gentle stir, and adding a lime garnish.
1. Fill a highball or copa glass completely with large, fresh ice cubes.
2. Pour the gin over the ice.
3. Top up with chilled tonic water, pouring it down the side of the glass or a bar spoon to retain its fizziness.
4. Give the drink one gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel. You may squeeze the lime into the drink for extra flavor.

Garnishing

The traditional garnish is a fresh lime wedge or wheel. Squeezing the wedge into the drink before dropping it in adds an extra layer of citrus flavor.
  • Lime wedge or wheel, placed in the drink.

Dietary Information

This drink is alcoholic but generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, 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

A standard Gin and Tonic has around 170 calories per serving. Most of its carbohydrates and sugar, about 14-15 grams, come from the tonic water.
Calories
Approximately 170 kcal / 711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 14 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect for a warm summer day, a casual get-together with friends, or as a simple pre-dinner aperitif. Its refreshing nature makes it suitable for almost any relaxed social occasion.
  • Happy hour
  • Summer party
  • Casual drink
  • Aperitif

Pairing suggestions

Its crisp, botanical profile makes it an excellent match for salty snacks and light appetizers. The drink's refreshing quality cuts through richness, pairing well with seafood, and it can also complement the heat of spicy cuisine from around the world.
  • Salty snacks (olives, nuts, chips)
  • Light appetizers
  • Seafood (smoked salmon, prawns)
  • Spicy food (like Indian or Thai curries)

The Quintessential Refresher: The Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is a globally beloved highball cocktail, renowned for its simple preparation and deeply refreshing character. Its history is rooted in 18th-century British colonial India, where it was developed as a palatable way to consume anti-malarial quinine. The drink's classic profile combines the botanical complexity of gin with the crisp bitterness of tonic water, garnished with a bright squeeze of lime. This timeless combination makes it a versatile and popular choice for any occasion, from a casual afternoon drink to a sophisticated aperitif.

Variations

Pink Gin and Tonic

Made with a pink gin (often flavored with strawberries, raspberries, or rhubarb) or by adding a few dashes of Angostura bitters to a regular G&T.

Elderflower Gin and Tonic

Adds a splash of elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) or uses an elderflower-flavored tonic for a sweeter, more floral taste.

Similar cocktails

Vodka Tonic

Replaces gin with vodka for a cleaner, less botanical flavor profile.

Gin Sonic

Uses half tonic water and half soda water (club soda) as the mixer, reducing the sweetness and bitterness for a drier, crisper drink.

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