How to Make The Perfect Gin And Tonic
Gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of juniper-infused gin and tart, refreshing tonic water makes it one of the most popular drinks in the world. But the very nature of the G&T is that it’s a dynamic brew of florals and botanicals that can be mixed and combined for varying iterations of the same cocktail. And because of this, it’s possible to match the G&T perfectly to your specific taste. If you want to make the perfect gin and tonic at home, there are some tips and tricks you should know about. With this guide as a base, you can custom-craft yours to your exact liking - from choosing your ingredients carefully to understanding how much ice to add, this guide will help you create an amazing gin and tonic every time.
Grab a glass, and let’s get mixing.
How to Choose Quality Ingredients for your G&T
Making the perfect gin and tonic is a fine art that requires the right ingredients. To make your drink truly shine, you'll need to choose quality ingredients to get the most out of your G&T experience. Here are some tips on how to pick the best ingredients for your gin and tonic:
- Choose Gin Wisely – High-end gins are usually made with better quality botanicals, giving them more flavour and complexity than cheaper options. If you're looking for a great tasting G&T, don't be afraid to splurge on a top shelf gin!
- Pick Your Tonic Carefully – Tonics can range from light and sweet to heavy and bitter, so it's important to pick the one that best suits your taste. Whether you like a classic lemon-lime or something more exotic, there's sure to be a tonic out there for you.
- Get Creative with Garnishes – Don't be afraid to experiment with different garnishes! Adding some fresh herbs and citrus can give your G&T an extra kick of flavour and make it even more special.
So next time you reach for a gin and tonic, don't forget these tips on how to choose quality ingredients – they'll help you make the perfect G&T every time.
Steps to Make a Good Gin and Tonic
Gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that has been around since the 18th century. It's simple yet refreshing, and it's a great way to enjoy gin while still keeping things light. Whether you're looking for an easy-to-make drink for a summer evening or just want to try something new, learning how to make the perfect gin and tonic is essential. Here's a quick step-by-step guide to get started.
Step 1: Chill your glasses
One of the most important steps in making a great gin and tonic is chilling the glasses first. This ensures that your drink stays refreshingly cold for longer. To do this, place glasses in the fridge or freezer for around 15 minutes before serving - that way, when it comes time to pour your drink, it won't immediately start warming up from room temperature. You can also fill them with crushed ice or put some ice cubes into each glass before pouring the ingredients to help maintain their chill even longer.
Step 2: Add ice
When adding ice to your gin and tonic, use cubed or crushed ice rather than larger pieces like you would with other cocktails. This will create more surface area on the cubes so they can better absorb heat from the surrounding environment, thereby cooling your drink off faster and more effectively. Additionally, be sure to add enough ice - aim for about one large cube per ounce of liquid (one-third of a cup).
Step 3: Add the gin plus the first lime
Next, add two ounces of gin per glass along with half of a lime cut into wedges (or slices). It's best to use high-quality gin if possible, as it won't have any harsh flavours that could disrupt the balance of your drink. For those who don't like limes, there are other options such as lemons or oranges that work just as well - simply adjust the quantity accordingly based on how sour or sweet you prefer your beverage.
Step 4: Add the tonic water and second lime
Fill each glass about three-quarters with tonic water. It's important not to overfill because carbonation will cause bubbling which could lead to spillage! Lastly, add in the second lime wedge (or slice) along with any additional garnishes like mint leaves or cucumber slices if desired (these are optional but highly recommended). Stir everything together gently until all ingredients are combined evenly throughout.
Step 5: The Gin and Tonic Ratio You Need to Get Right
If you're looking for the perfect recipe for a gin and tonic, you need to know about the golden ratio. To make sure your drink is as delicious as it can be, follow this simple guideline: two-thirds gin, one-third tonic. This mixture gives you an ideal balance of flavour. So, combine this pouring ratio with the guide above, and you'll be sipping on the perfect cocktail every time.
To start, let’s get the perfect gin. Click here to shop the Norman Goodfellows collection of gins online. Now, you’re on your way to the perfect G&T.
FAQs Gin And Tonic
Should tonic water be chilled for gin and tonic?
Yes, tonic water should be chilled for a gin and tonic. In order to make the perfect gin and tonic, it's important to use chilled ingredients as this enhances the flavour and helps maintain the drink's refreshing crispness.
Why does my gin and tonic go flat?
Gin and tonics can go flat if they are not made correctly. To make the perfect gin and tonic, you will need to use quality ingredients like good-quality gin, fresh lime or lemon juice and high-quality tonic water. Additionally, use an appropriate ratio of spirits to the mixer (typically 1 part gin and 3 parts tonic), stir well with plenty of ice, don’t overfill your glass, and serve immediately. By following these steps you can ensure that your G&T stays fizzy longer.
How do you make gin and tonic less bitter?
To make a gin and tonic less bitter, use more tonic than gin and add garnishes such as fresh fruit or herbs. Increase the amount of ice used to dilute the mixture, and perhaps add a sweetener like honey or simple syrup to reduce the bitterness.