How to Make Gin and Tonic

Co-authored by Tom Blake and Jessica Gibson

A gin and tonic is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity. To make a classic gin and tonic, just combine your favorite gin with chilled tonic water. Add freshly squeezed lemon or lime wedges and serve the drink over ice. While it may be easy to make, you'll never become bored with the variations of a gin and tonic. Try experimenting with different types of gin and/or various varieties of tonic to find a unique flavor for your own signature drink.

Ingredients

2 fl oz (59 mL) of gin
3–4 fl oz (89–118 mL) of chilled tonic water
1 to 3 lemon or lime wedges
Ice cubes

Makes 1 drink

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Mixing a Classic Gin and Tonic

1
Chill your serving glass. Place a short or narrow highball glass into the freezer about 20 minutes before you want to make the cocktail. The glass will become chilled so it keeps your gin and tonic cooler for longer.^{[1]
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- If you prefer a less sweet gin and tonic, consider serving the drink in a short, fat glass. This will give you a stronger gin flavor since you'll use less tonic water.
2
Fill the chilled glass with ice. Get out a handful of clear ice cubes. Place them in the chilled highball glass. The ice should come almost to the top of the glass. If you have time, consider making your own ice cubes using tonic water.^{[2]
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3
Pour the gin over the ice. Measure 2 fl oz (59 mL) of gin into the serving glass filled with ice. You can use a 2-ounce (60 ml) jigger or small measuring cup for accuracy. Use your favorite gin.^{[3]
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4
Add the tonic water. Measure 3–4 fl oz (89–118 mL) of chilled tonic water and slowly pour it into the glass. Try to choose a tonic water that contains real quinine instead of artificial flavoring. Pouring the tonic water slowly will help it keep its carbonation longer.^{[4]
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5
Stir the gin and tonic. Take a swizzle stick and gently stir the drink to mix the ingredients. Avoid stirring the drink too quickly or your cocktail may lose its carbonation.^{[5]
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- If you don't have a swizzle stick, you can use a butter knife or long spoon.
6
Squeeze the lemon or lime wedges into the drink. Get out 1-3 lemon or lime wedges and squeeze them gently. The juice should squirt into the serving glass. Drop the wedges into the glass with the ice, gin, and tonic water.^{[6]
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- Choose fresh lemons or limes with a bright yellow or green color, respectively. The fruit shouldn't feel mushy or have any brown spots.
- For a stronger citrus flavor, add all 3 wedges. If you prefer a light citrus flavor, just add 1.
7
Garnish and serve the gin and tonic. Drop in the lemon or lime wedges and add a cocktail straw to the drink, if desired. Enjoy!^{[7]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Trying Variations

1
Make a sophisticated gin and tonic. Use 2 fl oz (59 mL) of a gin that has noticeable herbal flavors and add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of elderflower liqueur. Pour in 2 fl oz (59 mL) of tonic water and 2 fl oz (59 mL) of champagne. Stir the cocktail gently and serve it with a slice of lemon.^{[8]
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2
Create a cucumber and mint gin and tonic. Make a classic gin and tonic using gin that has a fresh cucumber flavor. You can also use a tonic that's flavored with elderflower. Garnish the cocktail with fresh mint and thinly sliced cucumber.^{[9]
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- To thinly slice the cucumber, use a vegetable peeler to make long ribbons.
- Instead of mint, you could add rosemary or basil to the drink.
3
Mix a fruity gin and tonic. Measure 1 fl oz (30 mL) of gin, 1 fl oz (30 mL) of sweet vermouth, and 1 fl oz (30 mL) of Campari into a short, fat glass. Add ice and fill the cocktail with tonic water. Serve it with a slice of orange.^{[10]
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- If you prefer, you can leave out the Campari for a sweeter drink. Include a few dashes of peach bitters and garnish the drink with fresh berries.
4
Create a smoky gin and tonic. Pour 2 fl oz (59 mL) of a botanical gin (with lots of juniper flavors) into a serving glass. Add 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons (7.4 mL) of a very smokey whiskey and a dash of apricot or peach liqueur. Add ice to the glass and top the drink with tonic water. Garnish the cocktail with a strip of grapefruit zest.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can you drink plain gin with 7up?

Community Answer

While you can just mix gin with 7Up, it will lack the taste of a gin and tonic because there's no quinine in the soda.
Question

What brand of gin is the best one to use?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

There is no correct answer. Each brand of gin will obviously say their brand is the best, and people have their own personal taste preferences. It's all up to you; whichever gin you like best, that's the one you use. Mix, experiment, switch, try something totally new.