If it’s been a while since you tried a Gin and Tonic, or you’ve always assumed you don’t like them, it’s worth a second look. When well-made, this classic cocktail is crisp, bright, and perfectly balanced. All you need is good gin, cold tonic water, fresh lime, and plenty of ice. It’s a simple, no-fuss drink that still leaves room for small personal touches.
Gin And Tonic Recipe
This versatile cocktail works almost anywhere—backyard barbecues, casual evenings, sunny afternoons. The final flavor depends a lot on the gin and tonic you choose and how much lime you add. A London dry gin gives the drink a classic juniper-forward profile, while floral or citrus-forward gins create a lighter, fresher character. Premium tonic water also matters: less sugar and the right quinine balance will lift the drink instead of masking the gin.
Keep the drink very cold and use fresh lime juice whenever possible. Small adjustments—more or less tonic, different gin botanicals, extra lime—let you tailor the cocktail to your taste. It’s also easy to scale up and batch a pitcher for guests: prepare the gin and tonic components ahead of time and pour over fresh ice when serving.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- Fast and easy – Just a few quality ingredients and minutes to prepare.
- Crisp and refreshing – Ideal for warm weather or when you want something light.
- Flexible ratios – Increase tonic for a milder drink or add more gin for extra punch.
- Great for entertaining – Familiar, approachable, and simple to batch.
- Low effort, high payoff – Tastes far more refined than the work required.
Recipe Shopping List
Here are the items you’ll want on hand to make a classic gin and tonic. For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Gin – Choose a gin that matches your preference: London dry for juniper-forward, or a citrus/floral gin for a softer profile. Examples often recommended include Hendrick’s, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, or Beefeater.
- Tonic water – Use a quality tonic like Fever-Tree, Q, or a well-balanced Schweppes. A better tonic enhances the gin rather than masking it.
- Fresh lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime brightens the drink and balances the tonic’s bitterness.
- Fresh lime slices – For garnish and a subtle infusion of citrus as the drink sits.
- Ice – Plenty of ice keeps the cocktail cold and prevents it from diluting too quickly.
How To Make This Cocktail
Below is a straightforward overview of how to prepare a classic gin and tonic. The full recipe and ingredient amounts are provided in the recipe card that follows.
- Fill a tall rocks or highball glass to the top with ice.
- Pour in 2 ounces of your preferred gin.
- Add 6 ounces of chilled tonic water.
- Squeeze in the juice from half a lime (adjust to taste).
- Stir gently to combine and garnish with a couple of lime slices.
Recipe FAQ
Ratios vary by preference. A common balance is roughly 1 part gin to 3 parts tonic (2 oz gin to 6 oz tonic). Some people prefer a stronger drink and use less tonic; others like a half-and-half approach. The beauty of the G&T is that it doesn’t rely on a very sweet mixer, so you can taste the gin’s botanicals. Start with the 1:3 ratio and adjust from there.
Use a good-quality gin. London dry and distilled-style gins, which are typically drier and juniper-forward, are classic choices for a G&T. Avoid sweet gin liqueurs (like sloe gin) that will change the nature of the drink. Well-known options that often perform well include Hendrick’s, Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, and Beefeater.
While commonly available tonics like Seagram’s will work, a premium tonic with less sugar and good quinine balance elevates the cocktail. Brands such as Fever-Tree, Q, and Schweppes are popular choices. If you can, taste a few tonics to find the one that best complements your gin.
More Cocktails To Try
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Tropical Mimosa -
Cranberry Orange Mimosa -
Classic Margarita
Pin this recipe or save it for later—it’s a staple you’ll return to again and again.
Gin & Tonic
This gin & tonic recipe is a simple, refreshing classic. If you think you don’t like gin or tonic, this balanced take may change your mind.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 6 ounces tonic water
- Juice from ½ lime
- Fresh lime slices for garnish
- Plenty of ice
Instructions
- Fill a tall rocks or highball glass with ice.
- Pour in 2 ounces of gin.
- Add 6 ounces of chilled tonic water.
- Squeeze in the juice of half a lime and stir gently.
- Garnish with lime slices and serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the gin-to-tonic ratio and the amount of lime to suit your taste. Some enjoy a very lime-forward G&T others prefer a milder citrus touch. Experiment until you find your favorite balance.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.
- Yield: 1
- Calories: 349
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 169mg
- Carbohydrates: 58g (Sugar: 47g; Fiber: 3g)
- Protein: 1g