Gin and Tonic recipe // 3 Ways (2024)

May 13, 2023May 12, 2023 by Erin

This Gin and Tonic recipe makes perfecting the gin & tonic at home easy. Learn how to make the tastiest version of this classic drink and how to garnish it in three different ways.

The gin tonic is such a simple, no-nonsense co*cktail, you may think, what can really be done to “perfect” it? Well, I believe that with a few simple tips you really can make the tastiest version of this classic drink.

I have had some really badG&Ts (gin & tonics) in my day. I would say that most of those have come from bars in my college days. My tastes back in those days weren’t too discriminating. Well gin of the cheap sort, pre-cut limes that have been sitting in that little plastic bin for who knows how long (!!!), and flat tonic that comes from one of those point and shoot soda guns.

Well, with my age has come wisdom, and I have realized that the gin tonic can be made much, much better! You may have a favorite gin – and I would say to go with that. I prefer Tanqueray or Sapphire.

Note: You can also make a vodka and tonic. Learn all about the differences between gin vs. vodka here.

But, the most important ingredient is going to be your tonic water.

As you may, or may not, know, tonic water is a carbonated soft drinkthat has quinine added. It was originally used as a prophylactic to ward against malaria and was consumed in the tropical areas of South Asia and Africa, where the disease was an epidemic. The first commercial tonic was created in 1858. It now contains much lower amounts of quinine, which is what gives tonic its slightly bitter characteristic.

Recently, brands such as Fever Tree and Q Tonic have entered the premium tonic water marketplace. Thesebrandsplace an emphasis on using real quinine and natural sweeteners, as opposed to quinine flavoring and corn syrup. One taste and you’ll realize that there is quite a difference!

Ingredients Needed

• Gin
• Good-quality tonic water

What is the Ratio of Gin to Tonic

The perfect ratio of gin to tonic is 1:2. So, I like to use 2 ounces gin to 4 ounces tonic water.

How to Make It

• Fill a glass with ice and add the gin and tonic water. Stir gently to combine. Garnish.

What to Put in a Gin and Tonic

I like to serve my gin tonics in the style of a Spanish Gin & tonic. In a large wine glass with the following garnishes for flavor:

• Lime wedges
• Mint sprigs
• Juniper berries
• Peppercorns

You can also change up your gin tonic garnish to make other variations.

Gin & Tonic Variations

Blood Orange Gin and Tonic Recipe

• Gin
• Tonic
• Blood Orange Slices
• Juniper berries
• Peppercorns

Charred Lemon Gin and Tonic Recipe

• Gin
• Tonic
• Grilled Lemon Slices
• Rosemary
• Juniper berries
• Peppercorns

Which of these gin tonic recipes would you choose?

More Gin co*cktail Recipes

• Aviation Gin co*cktail
• Aperol Sour
• French 75 Champagne co*cktail
• Aviation Gin Fizz co*cktail
• Bees Knees co*cktail
• More → 25+ Gin co*cktails

Did you try this gin tonic recipe?

If you loved this gin and tonic with peppercorns I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me onInstagramusing the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me onInstagram,TikTok,PinterestandFacebook.

Watch the web story here.

This gintonic post was originally published in 2019. It was updated in 2023 to add new content. The gin tonic recipe remains the same. Enjoy!