Gin and tonic is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity. To do this, just combine gin with cold tonic water or add fresh lemon slices and serve on ice. Although the traditional recipe is easy to make, you can still have fun inventing variations from the original formula. Try adding liqueur, cucumber, mint or even whiskey to create a unique flavor that suits your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Ice cubes;
- 60 ml of gin;
- From 90 ml to 120 ml of iced tonic water;
- 3 slices of lemon.
Serve a drink.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Making a classic gin and tonic
Step 1. Place the cup to freeze in the freezer about 20 minutes before making the cocktail
This way, with the frozen glass, it will be possible to keep the drink cold for longer.
To make a more bitter gin and tonic, try making it in a small, wide glass. That way, the gin flavor will be stronger, as it won't be necessary to use as much tonic water
Step 2. Take a handful of ice cubes and pour them into the chilled glass so that it is almost filled to the top
If you have time, try making ice cubes with tonic water to prevent them from diluting the drink as they melt.
Step 3. Measure out 60ml of gin and pour into ice-filled glass
For a more accurate measurement, use a 60 ml shaker or a small measuring cup. Make the drink with your favorite gin or use the best you can find as the higher quality gin has a more distinctive taste.
Step 4. Gently squeeze up to 3 lemon wedges into the drink, then add them to the glass with ice and gin
- Select fresh lemons that have a light green color. The slices should not be shriveled or have dark spots.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, make the drink with all three slices, but if you prefer a milder flavor, just add one.
Step 5. Measure from 90ml to 120ml of ice cold tonic water and slowly pour it into the cup
Try to choose a tonic water that contains real quinine instead of artificial aroma. Slowly pouring it into the glass will help keep the gas going longer.
Step 6. Gently mix the gin and tonic water using a drink stirrer
Do this so as to combine the lemon juice with the drink. However, avoid stirring the drink too quickly or it may run out of gas.
In the absence of a drink stirrer, it is possible to use a knife or a long spoon
Step 7. Once the drink is ready, it can be decorated or served normally
To make a traditional decoration, add a cocktail straw and a lemon wedge attached to the rim of the glass.
Avoid squeezing the lemon slice before placing it on the edge of the glass
Part 2 of 2: Trying Other Variations
Step 1. Use lime instead of lemon
One of the simplest variations of a classic gin and tonic is to substitute lime for lemon, which gives the cocktail a stronger flavor. To make a version with a more refreshing flavor, cut and add a few slices of cucumber to the drink.
Lemon also pairs with mint, basil or rosemary. Try making a drink with a few leaves of these ingredients
Step 2. Try making a more sophisticated version of the gin and tonics
Use a gin that has distinctive herb aromas and add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of a liqueur of your choice. Then add 60 ml of tonic water and 60 ml of champagne, gently stir the cocktail and serve with a slice of lemon.
Step 3. Make a classic gin and tonic flavored with fresh cucumber and mint
In this version, you can also use a tonic water flavored with the flavor of your choice. Finally, decorate the cocktail with some mint leaves and thin slices of cucumber.
A vegetable peeler can be used to cut the cucumber into thin slices
Step 4. Try making a tropical version of the gin and tonic
Mix in a glass 30 ml of gin, 30 ml of sweet vermouth and 30 ml of Campari. Then add ice, fill with tonic water and serve the cocktail with a slice of orange.
If desired, you can substitute Campari for a sweeter drink, such as peach-flavored Angostura bitters, and add fresh fruit to decorate
Step 5. Create a more alcoholic version of the gin and tonic
Pour into a 60ml glass of herbal-scented gin, 1/2 teaspoon whiskey and a splash of apricot or peach liqueur. Then add ice and tonic water to the top of the glass. Finally, decorate the cocktail with a strip of grapefruit zest.