How to Make the Perfect Gin and Tonic: Step-by-Step Guide

A classic gin and tonic is more than just gin and fizzy water. It’s a celebration of botanicals, balance and bubbles. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a home-bar hero, follow these steps to craft a flawless G&T every time.


1. Choose Your Gin and Tonic

Gin:

  • Style matters. London Dry for crisp citrus notes. Old Tom for a hint of sweetness. Navy Strength for a bold punch.
  • UK favourites: Sipsmith London Dry, Hendrick’s for cucumber and rose, or a local Yorkshire craft gin for something truly unique.

Tonic Water:

  • Avoid generic mixers. Seek out high-quality tonics with balanced bitterness. Fever-Tree, Thomas Henry or a boutique Indian tonic work best.
  • Flavour variations: Mediterranean tonic (lighter, herbal) or elderflower tonic for a floral twist.

2. Gather Your Glassware and Tools

  1. Glass: Use a tall copa or highball glass. The balloon shape traps aromas.
  2. Ice: Large, clear cubes melt slowly. Aim for at least four cubes or one large sphere.
  3. Bar tools: A long bar spoon and jigger (25 ml/50 ml) ensure precise pouring.

3. Chill Everything First

  • Glass: Pop your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice and water, then discard just before building.
  • Gin & tonic: Store bottles in the fridge. Cold liquids help maintain fizz.

4. Add the Ice

  1. Fill your chilled glass three-quarters full with large ice cubes.
  2. Avoid crushed ice—it dilutes too quickly.

5. Measure and Pour the Gin

  • Ratio: Classic 1:3 (50 ml gin to 150 ml tonic). Adjust to taste: 1:2 for a stronger kick, 1:4 for a lighter sip.
  • Technique: Pour the gin over the ice. This cools the spirit without agitating the tonic later.

6. Include Your Botanicals

  • Citrus twist: A long strip of grapefruit or lime peel expresses essential oils into the gin.
  • Herbal hint: Drop in a fresh sprig of rosemary, thyme or mint for aroma.
  • Fruit garnish: Thin cucumber ribbons suit Hendrick’s; a wedge of pink grapefruit pairs beautifully with a floral gin.

7. Add the Tonic

  1. Slow tilt: Pour the tonic down a bar spoon or down the side of the glass.
  2. Gentle pour: This preserves carbonation and keeps the drink crisp.
  3. Final volume: Aim for the tonic to reach just below the glass rim.

8. Stir Lightly

  • One or two turns. Use your bar spoon to gently mix gin and tonic.
  • Why stir? It harmonises flavours without flattening the bubbles.

9. Taste and Adjust

  • Balance: If too dry, add a splash more tonic. If too weak, boost the gin by 10 ml.
  • Aroma: Give the glass a gentle swirl to release botanicals.

10. Serve and Savour

  • Presentation: Wipe any droplets from the glass rim.
  • Experience: Sip slowly. Appreciate the interplay of gin’s botanicals and tonic’s bite.

Expert Tips

  • Ice quality: Make your own clear ice with boiled and frozen water.
  • Batch G&Ts: For gatherings, pre-measure gin in a jug, keep tonic in the fridge, and build each glass individually.
  • Twist variations: Try adding a star anise or a few frozen berries as ice cubes for visual flair.

Why This Works

A perfect G&T hinges on cold ingredients, quality components and a gentle touch. By chilling your tools, controlling pour techniques and respecting ratios, you’ll highlight the gin’s character and preserve tonic’s fizz. Every garnish adds a layer of aroma that makes each sip memorable.

For more visit: The Gin Lounge Ilkley

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