Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

The Perfect Gin and Tonic Recipe

5 from 2 votes
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Posted: 12/20/24

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This perfect gin and tonic recipe is simple, light, and crisp. Made with just three ingredients, this recipe’s slightly sweet twist takes a classic cocktail to the next level.

glass of the perfect gin and tonic with two lime slices

The classic gin and tonic is a simple cocktail that has a refreshing splash of lime, making it the perfect invigorating drink. With a short list of ingredients, the key to a good G&T is the ratio. While this classic beverage is simple, it can easily be ruined if the proportions are off.

Gin and Tonic Ingredients

The ingredients for this cocktail are easy to find and keep on hand for other cocktail recipes. As the name suggests, gin and tonic water compose the classic cocktail and are complemented by sweetened lime juice. The measurements of each ingredient can be found on the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  • Gin: Since gin is the star of this cocktail classic, it is important to use a good-quality gin that you enjoy the flavor of. Bombay Sapphire is a good choice, as is Tanqueray. Beefeater is a more traditional option.
  • Tonic water: With the simplicity of this cocktail, it’s also important to use a high-quality tonic. Make sure to use fresh tonic water, opening your bottle just before you put the ingredients together.
  • Sweetened lime juice: Think of this as a combination of lime juice and simple syrup. You can find sweetened lime juice at your local grocery store. This sweetens the cocktail just slightly and makes it even more refreshing than just gin and tonic water alone.

How to Make a Gin and Tonic

This is an overview of just how simple this crisp cocktail comes together. For the full recipe and ingredient measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Pour the gin, tonic, and sweetened lime juice into a glass with ice.
  • Stir gently.
  • Garnish with lime slices and enjoy!

glass of the perfect gin and tonic with two lime slices

Serving

Serve this best gin and tonic with lots of ice. Use a rocks glass, tumbler, or goblet for your gin and tonic glass. Garnish with a lime slice or two. See the tips and tricks below to really level up your cocktails!

Tips and Tricks

  • Chill the tonic water and open it right before making your gin and tonic for optimal freshness.
  • Squeeze the lime wedges into your gin and tonic glasses before serving for an extra citrus zest.
  • Play around with the ratio of gin for a stronger or softer gin flavor strength.
  • Add a lemon wedge in addition to the limes for garnish.
  • Buy the small bottles of tonic for fresh fizz each time you make a G&T.

Gin and Tonic Variations

  • Use diet tonic water to lower the calories of your cocktail.
  • Use simple syrup and fresh lime juice instead of sweetened lime juice. Or, try using an infused simple syrup to really change up the flavor.
  • If you’re wanting to cut back on calories but still want an effervescent gin cocktail, try our Gin Rickey Recipe, which trades out the sweetened lime juice and tonic for unsweetened lime juice and club soda.
  • If you don’t like the botanical flavors of gin, try our Vodka Tonic recipe instead.

glass of the perfect gin and tonic with two lime slices

Other Classic Cocktails

If you make this perfect gin and tonic or any of our other drink recipes, please leave a comment and let us know how it tastes!

glass of the perfect gin and tonic with two lime slices
5 from 2 votes

The Perfect Gin and Tonic Recipe

Serves: 1 cocktail
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
This Perfect Gin and Tonic Recipe takes the classic cocktail to new heights! You will want to save this one and make it this way over and over again.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 6 ounces tonic

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a high ball glass over ice.
  • Stir gently.
  • Garnish with slices of lime and enjoy!
glass of the perfect gin and tonic with two lime slices

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The Perfect Gin and Tonic Recipe

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Lisa Longley has been creating great recipes for more than a decade. While it is too hard for her to pick her favorite cocktail, she is known to love our dirty martini.

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