Gin & Tonic Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones

Gin & Tonic Cocktail Recipe

Image source: Proof & Grain

Gin & Tonic Cocktail Recipe

Prep Time
2 minutes
Servings
1
Glassware
Highball Glass and Balloon Glass

Ingredients

  • 2 oz London dry gin (60 ml)
  • 4–6 oz chilled tonic water (120–180 ml)
  • Lime wedge or wheel, for garnish

Tools

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  • Jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Citrus knife or peeler
  • Garnish pick or tongs

Directions

  1. Fill a highball or balloon glass with ice.
  2. Add gin, then slowly top with chilled tonic water.
  3. Stir gently to mix.
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge or your choice of botanicals.

Mixologist's Notes

  • Use quality tonic water. It makes or breaks this drink.
  • Don’t over-stir. Let the bubbles do the work.
  • Experiment with different gins and garnishes to find your perfect match.

Flavor Profile

Bright, crisp, and effervescent with a mix of botanical, citrus, and bitter notes.

Gin & Tonic - Proof & Grain

About the Gin & Tonic cocktail

The Gin & Tonic began as a medicinal necessity, but today, it’s one of the most popular highballs in the world.

In the 19th century, British officers in India used tonic water (which contained quinine to fight malaria) and mixed it with gin to make it more palatable. The rest is cocktail history.

From its colonial roots to its modern-day evolution into a craft cocktail, the Gin & Tonic has grown into a canvas for creativity and clean refreshment.

Why the Gin & Tonic Is Always a Good Idea

The Gin & Tonic cocktail recipe is incredibly simple, but also endlessly customizable.

The combination of gin's botanical complexity and tonic water’s bittersweet bite makes this drink crisp, refreshing, and layered.

A wedge of lime (or a sprig of rosemary, or a slice of cucumber) finishes the drink with aromatic flair.

It's low effort, high reward, and a go-to in any season.

Variations and What to Pair It With

You can elevate your G&T in all kinds of ways:

  • Choose gins with different botanical profiles (floral, citrus, herbal)

  • Use craft tonic waters with natural ingredients and less sugar

  • Add garnishes that match the gin’s flavor - pink peppercorn, grapefruit, lavender, cucumber

  • Try the Spanish-style G&T with balloon glass, lots of ice, and layered garnishes

Gin & Tonics pair beautifully with seafood, salty snacks, grilled vegetables, and herbed dishes. They’re also perfect for cocktail hour or easy backyard gatherings.

Why It’s a Staple That Never Gets Old

The Gin & Tonic is light, zesty, and flexible.

It’s just as at home in a fancy bar as it is in your kitchen. Whether you’re mixing one quickly after work or crafting a showstopper with top-shelf ingredients, it always hits the spot.