Gin & Tonic
By Culiora
Gin, tonic, lime. A truly great Gin & Tonic is more about balance than quantity. Small details make a big difference. Ratio 1:2 or 1:3.
- Servings: 1
- Prep time: 5 min
- Total time: 5 min
Ingredients
- 5 cl Gin (classic/dry e.g. Beefeater, Tanqueray; citrus e.g. Malfy, Bombay Sapphire; floral e.g. Hendrick’s; spicy e.g. Monkey 47)
- 10-15 cl Tonic water (classic e.g. Schweppes; premium e.g. Fever-Tree, Fentimans; or flavoured to taste)
- Ice, generous amount
Instructions
- A truly elevated Gin & Tonic comes down to the details and the balance between ingredients. Start by choosing a good-quality gin, as its flavours really take centre stage in such a simple cocktail.
- Fill a large glass, preferably a copa glass or a generous wine glass, completely with large ice cubes. It is crucial not to skimp on ice—more ice keeps the drink colder for longer and prevents it from diluting as quickly.
- Pour the gin over the ice, then top with well-chilled tonic water. For best results, pour the tonic gently down the side of the glass or over a bar spoon to preserve as much carbonation as possible. Stir very gently, just one turn, to combine the ingredients without knocking out the bubbles.
- To lift the drink even further, the choice of garnish is key. Instead of simply dropping in a citrus wheel, use zest—the peel—and twist it over the glass to express the aromatic oils before dropping it in.
- You can also tailor the garnish to your chosen gin. For example, Hendrick’s pairs beautifully with cucumber, Gin Mare marries nicely with rosemary, and a citrus-forward gin works wonderfully with lemon or lime. If you want to experiment, add a few lightly bruised juniper berries or a sprig of fresh herbs.
- For an even more bar-worthy touch, add a subtle twist such as a splash of elderflower liqueur or a few drops of bitters for extra depth and complexity. Above all, make sure everything is thoroughly chilled—both the gin and the tonic—and handle the drink gently. The result is a clean, crisp, and elegant Gin & Tonic that feels far more refined than the standard version.