Pink Gin and Tonic
The Pink Gin and Tonic is a modern, vibrant variation of the timeless G&T. It swaps traditional London Dry Gin for a "pink" gin, which is typically infused with red or pink fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or rhubarb, and sometimes botanicals like rose petals. This adds a gentle sweetness and a beautiful blush hue to the drink. Served over ice with a quality tonic water and garnished with fresh berries or citrus, it's an accessible and highly popular cocktail perfect for warm weather.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Pink Gin and Tonic is classified as a highball cocktail. This category includes drinks composed of a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a tall glass over ice. Its simplicity and refreshing nature make it a classic example of this style.
Serving
Serve this refreshing, alcoholic drink chilled in a large Copa de Balon (balloon) glass or a tall Highball glass filled with ice to keep it cold and preserve carbonation.
Serving size
Approximately 200-300 ml / 7-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 8-12% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Copa de Balon or Highball
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
While the original "Pink Gin" cocktail was simply gin with a dash of Angostura bitters, the modern Pink Gin and Tonic is a more recent phenomenon. It surged in popularity in the mid-2010s, driven by the craft gin boom and a consumer demand for more colorful, flavorful, and "Instagrammable" drinks. Brands began producing gins specifically infused with fruits and botanicals to create the pink color and sweeter flavor profile, making this version a distinct and modern creation.
Origin
The modern Pink Gin and Tonic as a distinct category became widely popular in the United Kingdom and Spain around 2015-2017, before spreading globally. It's a product of the 21st-century "ginaissance" rather than a single historical event.
Pink Gin and Tonic
The drink is most commonly known as the Pink Gin and Tonic. It is often abbreviated to "Pink G&T" for convenience. Some might also refer to it by names that describe its color, such as a Rosé G&T, especially when using rosé-colored gins.
Original name
Pink Gin and Tonic
Alternative names
- Pink G&T
- Rosé G&T
Characteristics overview
This drink offers a refreshing and fruity flavor with a distinct juniper aroma, balanced between sweet and bitter. It has a light, bubbly texture and a clean aftertaste, making it a perfect crisp cocktail for warmer seasons.
Flavor
Fruity, bittersweet, botanical, refreshing, slightly sweet
Aroma
Juniper, berry, citrus, floral
Taste balance
Bittersweet
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering berry notes
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Pale pink, translucent, clear
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is moderately fruity and gently sweet, balanced by the bitterness of tonic water. It is a light-strength, highly carbonated cocktail with no saltiness, spiciness, or creaminess.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you'll need a pink gin and a good quality tonic water. Fresh strawberries or other berries are typically used for garnish to enhance the drink's fruity notes.
- Pink Gin50 ml / 1.75 ozChoose a quality pink gin infused with flavors like strawberry, raspberry, or rhubarb.
- Tonic Water150 ml / 5 oz, or to topUse a premium Indian or Mediterranean tonic water for the best flavor. Ensure it is well-chilled.
- Strawberries2-3, slicedUsed for garnish. Can be substituted with raspberries or a wedge of pink grapefruit.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed beyond a glass and a bar spoon. The drink is built directly in the serving glass, making it very easy to prepare.
- Bar spoon for gentle stirring
Instructions
This drink is built directly in the glass. Simply fill a chilled glass with ice, add the pink gin, top with tonic water, stir gently, and add your garnish.
1. Chill your chosen glass (Copa de Balon or Highball) in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Fill the chilled glass completely with ice cubes.
3. Pour 50 ml (1.75 oz) of pink gin over the ice.
4. Slowly top with 150 ml (5 oz) of chilled tonic water. Pouring down a bar spoon can help preserve the carbonation.
5. Give the drink a single, gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing fizz.
6. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries or your garnish of choice.
Garnishing
Garnish with fresh berries like sliced strawberries or raspberries to match the gin's infusion. A wedge of grapefruit or a sprig of mint can also be used to add aroma and visual appeal.
- Sliced strawberries or fresh raspberries to complement the gin's flavor profile.
- A wedge of pink grapefruit or a sprig of mint for an alternative aromatic touch.
Dietary Information
This drink is generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, 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
A single serving contains around 150-180 calories, with carbohydrates and sugar content primarily from the tonic water and any added sugars in the pink gin, typically around 12-15 grams each.
Calories
Averagely 150-180 kcal / 628-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is ideal for sunny afternoons, garden parties, and casual social gatherings. Its refreshing and easy-drinking nature makes it a perfect choice for happy hour, brunch, or any relaxed occasion calling for a simple yet elegant drink.
- Summer Party
- Brunch
- Happy Hour
- Casual Get-together
- Garden Party
Pairing suggestions
The Pink Gin and Tonic pairs beautifully with light and fresh foods. Consider serving it alongside seafood appetizers, summer salads, cheese boards with goat cheese and fresh fruit, or light, fruity desserts. Its profile complements flavors that are not too overpowering.
- Light salads
- Seafood, such as grilled prawns or smoked salmon
- Goat cheese and fruit platters
- Light desserts like fruit tarts or sorbet
The Modern Charm of the Pink Gin and Tonic
The Pink Gin and Tonic is a modern, stylish, and incredibly popular highball cocktail. It offers a fruit-forward and slightly sweeter alternative to the classic G&T, making it highly accessible for all palates. Its beautiful pink hue and simple preparation have cemented its status as a go-to drink for warm weather and casual celebrations. A perfect blend of tradition and trend, this cocktail is both refreshing and visually delightful.