Gin and Tonic Recipe

This Gin and Tonic Recipe takes the classic cocktail to new heights with the perfect gin and tonic ratio. A refreshing cocktail made with only two ingredients, you will want to save this one and make it again and again.

The botanical flavors of gin combined with crisp tonic water create an invigorating and light cocktail sure to quench your thirst.

Two glasses of the perfect gin and tonic recipe, each garnished with a lime wedge. Bottle of gin sits in the background and lime wedges sit on the counter.

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In the spring of 2019, my family had the great good fortune to visit London for a week. One of my favorite cities, the trip did not disappoint. I have a million things that I love about London and that trip specifically, but definitely on that list is England’s love of gin and tonics.

Gin and Tonics are one of my favorite cocktails, and London makes them perfectly. I especially love that they serve them in giant goblets like the one you see here. Everywhere we went, we saw people walking around with these giant gorgeous cocktails.

How to Make a Gin and Tonic

This classic cocktail recipe could not be more simple to make. For the full recipe with all of the measurements see the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Don’t miss all my variations listed towards the bottom of the post.

Fill a glass with ice. As mentioned above, I love using a big goblet like I have pictured, but a highball glass also works well.
Pour in the gin. Then top with some fresh tonic water. Stir together gently.
Garnish with one or two lime wedges.

Gin Recommendation

When it comes to the gin, there is great debate over what is the best gin to use in a gin and tonic recipe. I lean towards Bombay Sapphire, but if you are going for a classic feel, pick up some Beefeater. The key is to use a good quality gin that you enjoy the flavor of.

Man's hand pouring gin for the perfect gin and tonic recipe into glass with ice. Bottle of gin sits in the background, and lime wedges sit on the counter.

The Best Gin and Tonic Ratio

The ratio in the classic recipe is two ounces of gin to four ounces of tonic. Other gin and tonic recipes may use a slightly different ratio, but I find this to be the best balance.

A traditional cocktail is garnished with at least one lime wedge, but I prefer mine, as many do, with even more. The citrus flavor of the fresh lime juice compliments the crisp, botanical flavor perfectly.

How to Serve

Serve this classic in a rocks glass, tumbler, or goblet with lots of ice. Garnish with slices or wedges of fresh limes. For an extra citrus zest, squeeze the juice of the lime wedges into the drink before serving. Use chilled tonic water that has been opened just prior to preparing for optimal carbonation.

Gin and Tonic Calories

This drink clocks in at 273 calories. You can always opt for diet tonic to lighten the drink up further. If you are using diet tonic, this cocktail comes in at 188.

Gin and Tonic Variations

Make a Cucumber Lemon Gin and Tonic. This great cocktail uses a homemade cucumber infused gin, and it is so refreshing.
Sweeten it up. Adding an ounce of Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice is like adding both lime and simple syrup. It’s delicious! Combine 1 ounce Rose’s, 2 ounces gin, and 6 ounces tonic water.
Get creative with simple syrup. Recently my friends and I made some herb infused simple syrup and added a teaspoon of it to this recipe. Amazing! Just make simple syrup and then before it begins to cool toss in a few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, mint, or some fresh basil.

FAQ

What is the best gin for gin and tonic?

You can use any gin that you like the flavor of. See the section above on gin for a couple of suggestions.

Is gin and tonic low calorie?

Not necessarily, but if you are looking to lower the calories of this drink use diet tonic.

How much gin is in gin and tonic?

The standard ratio is two ounces of gin to four ounces of tonic.

Glass of the perfect gin and tonic recipe garnished with a lime wedge.

Other Great Gin Recipes

I can’t get enough of great gin recipes, so make sure you try some of these too:

If you also love champagne, this French 75 Recipe is for you!
I love this Moscow Mule with Gin almost more than the Original Moscow Mule.
This Gin Rickey is one of my favorites when I’m looking for something a little lighter in calories.

If you try this recipe or any of my other favorite gin recipes, make sure you leave me a comment letting me know what you think!