Classic Gin & Tonic Recipe

How To Make A Gin & Tonic

It doesn't get much simpler -- or more classic -- the the famed G&T. As you probably already know, the cocktail was introduced by the army of the British East India Company in India.

Need the right gin? See our picks for the best gins for Gin & Tonics!

Need the right tonic? See our picks for the best tonic water for Gin & Tonics!

The Recipe
VIDEO: How To Make A Gin & Tonic
Gin & Tonic FAQ
Gin & Tonic Variations

Gin & Tonic Ingredients

2 oz Gin
As needed Tonic

Gin & Tonic Directions

Combine all ingredients in chilled highball glass.
Add ice.
Garnish with lime wedge and enjoy.

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Yield: 1 Cocktail
Calories: 172
Updated: 2022-10-28

Listen To Our Cocktail College Gin & Tonic Podcast

Gin & Tonic Recipe Video

Gin & Tonic FAQ

What is the correct ratio of gin to tonic?

When it comes to making a Gin & Tonic, the ratio between the two is solely dependent on personal preference. Typically, the ratio of gin to tonic is going to sit somewhere between 1:2 and 1:3, so for every two ounces of gin, you’re going to use between four and six ounces of tonic.

Do you chill a gin and tonic?

Yes, you should chill a G&T. The best way to serve a Gin & Tonic is to freeze the glass it prior to serving. The chilled glass, paired with ice, will do a perfect job of keeping your drink nice and cool.

Gin & Tonic Variations To Try:

The Gin And Tonic Sorbet - This blended mix of gin, tonic, and your favorite sorbet is an easy, boozy warm weather treat that scales perfectly for parties.
The Cranberry Sauce Gin and Tonic Recipe - This crowd-pleasing cocktail is perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to the usual suspects (gin, tonic, and lime), this riff introduces cranberry sauce to the recipe, giving it both festive color and taste.
The Navy-Strength Botanical Gin & Tonic - A cocktail that harkens back to a time when gin was an essential ration for every sailor, made extra-botanical with a garnish of thyme and black pepper.
The Spiked Coffee Tonic Recipe - Sometimes even espresso needs an extra boost. In this case, a generous dose of gin provides the helping hand. Coffee and tonic water is a complex combo but it’s perfect for fans of bittersweet liqueurs like amaro.
The Winter Gin & Tonic Recipe - This is a festive recipe that takes a classic and gives it a zesty spin is just the thing for early December.
The Pomegranate Gin & Tonic Recipe - Want to add a touch of winter fruit to your classic G&T? This variation is made with London dry gin and a dash of pomegranate.
The Breakfast Tonic Recipe - This bright, bracing take on a gin and tonic headlines breakfast at 100 Acres, a seasonal restaurant in Hotel Henry in Buffalo, New York.