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How to Make the Perfect Gin and Tonic, Step by Step

How to make a gin and tonic: 30ml gin, 90ml cold tonic, a full glass of ice and a twist of peel, plus four tips for a better G&T.

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To make a gin and tonic, fill a glass with ice, add 30ml of gin, pour in 90ml of cold tonic slowly and finish with a twist of lemon or orange peel. That is one standard drink, in two minutes, with no special gear.

Most of the difference comes from the ice and the ratio, not the price of the gin.

How do you make a gin and tonic?

One glass, two minutes.

30mlGin
90mlTonic, cold
1glassFull of ice
1stripLemon or orange peel
  1. Fill a big glass to the top with ice and stir for a few seconds to chill it.
  2. Pour in the gin.
  3. Pour the tonic slowly down the side so it keeps its bubbles.
  4. Twist the peel over the glass to release the oil, then drop it in.

How do you make a better G&T?

Small things, a noticeably better drink.

  1. More ice, not lessA full glass melts slower, so the drink stays cold and strong.
  2. Keep the tonic coldWarm tonic loses its bubbles the moment it hits the ice.
  3. Small bottles of tonicA fresh small bottle every time stays fizzier than a big one.
  4. Match the garnishLemon for London dry, orange peel for citrus gins.
Gordons 700ml
1of 2

Gordon's London Dry

Made for gin and tonic.

A traditional London dry with juniper, citrus and a dry finish.

Style
London dry
Try it with
Tonic and lemon peel
Per nip
About $1.74
Gordons 700ml$39.99
The Classic
2of 2

The Classic gift box

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Quick answers

What is the best ratio for a G&T?

One part gin to three parts tonic, as in the recipe above: 30ml of gin to 90ml of tonic. If you prefer it lighter, use more tonic rather than more gin.

Should a G&T have lots of ice?

Yes. A full glass keeps the drink cold and melts more slowly.

What garnish goes with gin?

Lemon for a classic London dry, orange peel for citrus gins, cucumber for floral ones.

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