Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe

The Gin and Tonic is a classic cocktail with origins dating back to the 19th century when British soldiers in India mixed gin with tonic water to help combat malaria. The quinine in the tonic water was believed to have medicinal properties, and the gin helped to make the bitter taste more palatable. Today, the Gin and Tonic is enjoyed by people all over the world and is a staple at bars and cocktail parties.

The Gin and Tonic is a refreshing, crisp, and slightly bitter cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The botanical flavors of the gin are complemented by the sharpness of the tonic water, creating a balanced and invigorating drink.

• The Gin and Tonic was originally created as a way to make the bitter taste of tonic water more enjoyable.
• The quinine in tonic water was believed to help prevent malaria, making the Gin and Tonic a popular drink among British soldiers stationed in India.
• There are countless variations of the Gin and Tonic, with different gins and tonics offering unique flavor profiles.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 oz of gin over the ice.
3. Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the glass.
4. Top with 4 oz of tonic water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.

• Use high-quality tonic water. The tonic water makes up the majority of the drink, so its quality will greatly affect the overall taste.
• Experiment with different gins. Different gins have different botanical profiles, which can add a unique twist to your Gin and Tonic.
• Don't skimp on the ice. A Gin and Tonic should be served very cold, so fill the glass to the top with ice.

Food Pairings

• Seafood: Classic Gin and Tonic pairs splendidly with light seafood dishes, such as shrimp cocktail or a fresh ceviche, where the citrus notes can complement the seafood flavors.
• Salty Snacks: The bubbly and crisp nature of Gin and Tonic can cut through the saltiness of snacks such as salted nuts or chips, making for a refreshing contrast.
• Spicy Foods: The effervescence and cooling sensation can help to balance the heat in spicy dishes, such as a Thai green curry or spicy tapas.

Drink Pairings

• Light Beers: To maintain the refreshing profile between courses or bites, a light Pilsner or Lager can be a delightful segue.
• White Wine: Alternatively, a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc has similar citrus notes that will dance well alongside your Gin and Tonic.

• Gin: You can experiment with different types of gin to change the flavor profile. For a more floral taste, try using a gin like Hendrick's.
• Tonic Water: For a less bitter taste, you can substitute the tonic water with soda water.
• Lime: If you don't have lime, you can use lemon instead. It will give a different taste, but still refreshing.

Cucumber Gin and Tonic

• Ingredients: Gin, Tonic Water, Lime, Ice, Cucumber slices. Recipe: Slice cucumber thinly. Follow the standard recipe but add cucumber slices along with the lime for a spa-like refreshment. The cucumber adds a cooling sensation and a touch of garden-fresh elegance.

Elderflower Gin and Tonic

• Ingredients: Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Tonic Water, Lime, Ice. Recipe: Cut back on gin to 1.5 oz, add 0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur. This twist introduces a floral sweetness, perfect for those who enjoy a softer, more perfumed drink.

Spiced Gin and Tonic

• Ingredients: Spiced Gin, Tonic Water, Lime, Ice, Star Anise, Cardamom. Recipe: Use spiced gin in place of regular gin and garnish with star anise and cardamom. It’s a warmer, more aromatic take that’s great as an evening sipper as the nights draw in.