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How to mix the best gin and tonic

Apr 26, 2023

Gin and tonic is a classic that deserves to be perfected. But how do you mix the best gin & tonic? And how do you choose the right gin, tonic, glass and garnish to elevate your gin and tonic drink to new heights? Here's how to create the ultimate gin and tonic recipe.

Which tonic pairs best with your gin & tonic?

As the market for gin and tonic drinks evolves, many exciting and unconventional tonics have emerged. If you want to try something other than the classic Indian Tonic Water, you can add more fruity nuances to your gin and tonic with tonics flavored with pink grapefruit, or elderflower.
To preserve the carbonation in your gin and tonic drink, it's recommended to use small bottles of tonic instead of large 1.5-liter bottles, as the large ones quickly lose their fizz. This prevents your gin and tonic from feeling flat.

Cold = more carbonation in your gin and tonic

When mixing a gin and tonic, it's important that all ingredients and the gin and tonic glass are cold. The cold preserves the carbonation and ensures that your gin and tonic drink doesn't lose its freshness. Therefore, fill the glass with plenty of ice; don't be afraid of melting ice. If all ingredients are cold, the ice melts slower, and your gin and tonic remains perfect until you've finished it.

How to get the most flavor in your gin & tonic recipe

To maximize the flavor in your gin and tonic recipe, start by chilling the gin and tonic glass with ice. Once the glass is really cold, pour out the ice and refill with fresh ice. Pour in the gin alone and stir the gin and tonic with the ice, without adding tonic yet. This optimally unfolds the gin's aromatic compounds. Then pour in the tonic and stir again, before adding garnish to taste.

Which glass is best for gin and tonic?

A traditional Gin & Tonic, which for most should be inviting and refreshing, is best achieved with a balloon glass, similar to a large red wine glass. This design enhances the gin's oils and aromas, while also holding plenty of ice to cool the drink and make it more pleasant.
If you want to delve into the more delicate notes from both the gin and tonic, a tall, cylindrical highball glass is better. It still chills, but doesn't drown in ice cubes and is held more expressively, so you get the best out of your Gin and Tonic.

How to choose garnish for your gin & tonic

Garnish is not just decoration; it enhances both the appearance, taste, and aroma of your gin and tonic drink. To emphasize your gin and tonic's expression, choose garnish that matches the tone of your drink: flowers for floral gin like hibiscus, citrus for citrus like grapefruit or lime, cucumber for cucumber, or juniper berries if you want to highlight the gin's main flavor, and so on.

Summary: Your guide to the perfect gin and tonic

Tonic: Choose a tonic that complements your gin to create the best gin and tonic.
Glass: A balloon-shaped gin and tonic glass enhances the aromas.
Cold: Cold ingredients and a gin and tonic glass preserve the carbonation.
Garnish: Match the garnish to your drink's flavor profile.