Gin and Tonic: the story and the recipe with the doses to make it perfect

Gin and tonic is a long drink made with gin and tonic water. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when the soldiers of the British division stationed in India began to mix tonic water and quinine — taken to eradicate the risk of contracting malaria — with gin. Later in the 1990s, this refreshing cocktail became more popular thanks to students from Paris.

Gin and tonic is served in a tumbler or highball, rubbing the edge of the glass with a lemon zest. The doses of gin can vary, but we recommend using no more than 2 parts of gin and 4 parts of tonic water. Just make sure your final result will be a gin and tonic with a strong and clean flavor. The alcohol content is quite high, it is around 17%, so it's best to serve the gin and tonic as an aperitif or after dinner.

How to make Gin and Tonic

Put the ice in a glass and add the gin.

Pour the tonic water to fill the entire glass.

Garnish with a slice of lemon. Serve and enjoy!

What is the best gin to use?

The first important thing to make a perfect gin and tonic is to use a very clear gin. Hendrick's is preferable because it is fresh, not too expensive and delicate. If you are looking for a more extreme, spicy and herbaceous taste, we recommend The Botanist to try with a tonic water that is not too strong.

When to drink gin and tonic

Gin and tonic can be drunk during an evening aperitif or after dinner.

Tips for making Gin and Tonic

Do not limit yourself to preparing the gin and tonic always with the same gin but try at least three different qualities of gin and tonic water, varying them in structure and taste. Gin and tonic can be paired with many dishes but it is a cocktail that gives its best with cold dishes and seafood recipes.

Add a lot of ice because you need to dilute the drink as much as possible but don't water it down.

Variants of Gin and Tonic

Like all cocktails, even the gin and tonic has different variants according to the spices and herbs you prefer.

Gin and tonic with rosemary and spices. Rosemary gives a particular aromatic touch to gin and tonic giving a bouquet of aromas that this drink is unlikely to give (unless you use an excellent gin with very rich nuances).

Gin and tonic with grapefruit. Take two sprigs of tarragon and mix them in a shaker with the sugar, a few ice cubes, the grapefruit juice and the gin. Pour into the glass and add a third sprig of tarragon.