Gin Sonic

The Gin Sonic is a masterful yet simple twist on the classic Gin and Tonic, particularly popular in Japan. By splitting the mixer between tonic water and soda water, it significantly reduces the sugar content, resulting in a drier and more refreshing drink. This allows the botanical complexities of the gin to shine through more clearly. It’s the ideal choice for those who find a standard G&T too sweet but still appreciate the subtle bitterness of quinine.
Gin Sonic

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Gin Sonic is classified as a highball cocktail, a category of drinks characterized by a spirit base topped with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a tall glass. It is a direct and modern variation of the classic Gin and Tonic. Its simplicity and refreshing nature make it a quintessential highball.

Serving

The Gin Sonic is served cold over plenty of ice in a chilled highball or Collins glass. It is a relatively low-alcohol long drink designed for easy sipping.
Serving size
180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

While its exact origin is murky, the Gin Sonic rose to prominence in Japan's bars and izakayas. It was created as a lighter, less caloric, and drier alternative to the Gin and Tonic, catering to a palate that often prefers subtlety and balance. The name "Sonic" cleverly combines "soda" and "tonic," making it an easy and memorable drink to order. Its popularity stems from its ability to be both incredibly refreshing and an excellent showcase for premium gins.
Origin
Japan, Late 20th Century

Gin Sonic

The name "Gin Sonic" is a clever portmanteau of its two primary mixers: soda water and tonic water. It is sometimes referred to more descriptively as a "Gin and Soda & Tonic". In Japan, where it is very popular, it is often simply ordered as a "Sonic".
Original name
Gin Sonic
Alternative names
  • Sonic
  • Gin and Soda & Tonic

Characteristics overview

This is a highly effervescent and visually clear drink with a crisp, light texture. Its flavor is a dry, refreshing balance of gin botanicals with a whisper of sweetness and bitterness, finishing cleanly.
Flavor
Botanical, Crisp, Dry, Refreshing, Slightly Sweet, Citrusy
Aroma
Juniper, Citrus, Botanical
Taste balance
Balanced, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Dry, Short
Fizziness
Effervescent, Bubbly
Color appearance
Clear, Transparent, Highly Carbonated
Texture
Light, Crisp, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-Season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is light and nuanced, dominated by high carbonation and a slight bitterness from the tonic. It is low in sweetness, fruitiness, and alcohol presence, making it exceptionally sessionable.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This drink requires just three core ingredients: gin and an equal-parts mix of tonic water and soda water. A fresh citrus wedge for garnish is essential to complete the flavor profile.
  • Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A London Dry Gin is classic, but citrus-forward or botanical gins also work beautifully.
  • Tonic Water60 ml / 2 oz
    Use a high-quality, well-chilled tonic water.
  • Soda Water60 ml / 2 oz
    Use a high-quality, well-chilled club soda or seltzer.
  • Lime Wedge1 wedge
    For garnish; a lemon wedge or twist can be substituted.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a jigger for accurate measurements and a long bar spoon for a single, gentle stir. This is a simple "build-in-glass" cocktail.
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

The Gin Sonic is built directly in the serving glass. Simply fill the glass with ice, add the ingredients, give it a minimal stir to combine, and garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with fresh, clear ice cubes.
2. Pour the gin over the ice.
3. Top with equal parts of chilled tonic water and chilled soda water.
4. Gently lift the ice from the bottom of the glass once with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
5. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.

Garnishing

A simple lime wedge is the classic garnish, providing a bright citrus aroma and the option for an extra squeeze of juice. A lemon wedge or an expressed lemon peel are also excellent alternatives.
  • A fresh lime wedge, dropped into the drink or placed on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, gluten, nuts, and soy. 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

Due to using half soda water, the Gin Sonic is significantly lower in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar compared to a standard Gin and Tonic, making it a lighter option.
Calories
averagely 120-140 kcal / 502-586 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 6-8 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 6-8 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfectly suited for warm weather, casual get-togethers, and happy hour. Its light and refreshing character also makes it an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer Drink
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Casual Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The cocktail's clean, crisp, and dry profile makes it a fantastic partner for a wide range of foods. It cuts through the richness of fried dishes beautifully and complements the delicate flavors of seafood and sushi without overpowering them. It's also an ideal companion for simple, salty bar snacks.
  • Light seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or oysters
  • Sushi and Sashimi
  • Salty snacks such as olives, nuts, or potato chips
  • Japanese fried foods like chicken karaage or vegetable tempura

The Gin Sonic: A Refreshing Highball Harmony

The Gin Sonic is a brilliantly simple and refreshing highball that offers a more balanced and less sweet alternative to the classic G&T. Hailing from Japan, its 50/50 split of soda and tonic water creates a perfectly crisp canvas that allows the chosen gin's botanicals to take center stage. Exceptionally easy to make and delightful to drink, it's a perfect choice for warm days, pre-dinner drinks, or anytime a light, effervescent cocktail is desired.

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Tom Collins

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