7 Best Gin and Tonic Recipes: Enhance The Classic Cocktail

The good old G&T never fails to amaze me. It's essentially a beverage with two simple ingredients that can yield a plethora of flavour dynamics from a simple gin and tonic recipe. From a classic juniper-forward Gordon's Gin to the intense cherry flavours of Monkey 47 Gin, there's very little that a gin and tonic can't satisfy when it comes to preferences.

A long-serving veteran in the history of cocktails, the gin and tonic is a lightly effervescent drink served in a tall glass, typically garnished with a lime wedge for a nice, citrus burst. So how did such a humble drink find its way to its status today as one of the most intriguing mixology options?

Let's find out today as we dive into the ultimate gin and tonic pairing guide.

The Origin of Gin and Tonic

Let's start simple: When was gin and tonic invented?

• 1700s

  A Scottish doctor named George Cleghorn found out that quinine, derived from the bark of the cinchona tree was used by locals in Peru to treat 'common fevers.' Later, he realised that it could cure fevers and served just as well as a preventive tonic.

• 1800s

  British soldiers stationed in India were hit hard by malaria outbreaks, losing both officials and civilian lives to the deadly disease. Cinchona bark quickly became one of the biggest exports, saving countless lives.

However, quinine's bitterness made it unpalatable. To make it easier on the tastebuds, British officers in India began mixing quinine with water, sugar, lime, and gin . This combo was quite literally a lifesaver. Winston Churchill even said, "The Gin and Tonic has saved more Englishmen's lives and sanity than all the doctors in the Empire."

1. Classic Gin and Tonic

So now that we've discovered this elixir of health, I can't think of any better reason to make one today and bolster our health. Let's dive into how to make a classic gin and tonic.

Ingredients

• Gordon's Dry Gin : 30ml

• Fevertree Indian tonic: 90ml

I usually recommend a 1:3 ratio when making a long drink like the gin and tonic as this builds a balanced beverage that doesn't overpower your senses.

How to Make a Classic Gin and Tonic

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
2. Add the ingredients
3. Finish with a lime wedge squeezed into the drink

Gordons Gin

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2. Cucumber Gin and Tonic

In a hot, humid country like Singapore, it doesn't get any better than marrying the gentle botanicals of Hendrick's Gin with the freshness of cucumber to create the ultimate summer cooler.

Ingredients

• Hendrick's Gin: 45ml

• Fevertree cucumber tonic water: 120ml

• Japanese cucumber slices: 2

• Lemon wheel: 1

How to Make a Cucumber Gin and Tonic

1. Line a red wine glass with a Japanese cucumber strip
2. Fill the glass with ice
3. Add the rest of the ingredients
4. Stir well
5. Add the lemon wheel for that burst of citrus

How to Slice a Cucumber for Gin and Tonic

There are various ways to slice Japanese cucumber for a gin and tonic, but my preferred method is to use a peeler instead. Using a fruit peeler, peel off the skin of a Japanese cucumber lengthwise until there is as little of the skin as possible, then use the next strip for your cucumber G&T.

This method ensures you get as much of the cucumber juice in your drink as possible while minimising the bitterness that can come from the cucumber skin.

Hendrick's Gin

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3. Gin Sonic

For those of us who are looking for a gin and tonic that's lower in calories, the gin sonic is the alternative you're looking for.

Adding soda to the mix makes for a lower calorie count. Plus, the soda brings out the botanicals in the gin and the tonic balances out any astringency or heat.

Ingredients

• Tanqueray Rangpur : 45ml

• Fevertree Indian Tonic water: 45ml

• Fevertree Premium Soda: 45ml

How to Make a Gin Sonic

1. Fill a tall glass with ice
2. Add the Gin, tonic, and soda
3. Stir well
4. Garnish with an orange or lemon peel or twist

Tanqueray Rangpur Gin 700ml

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4. The Juniper-Forward Gin and Tonic

Now we hear you, gin enthusiasts: What's the point of having a G&T if the botanicals are not expressed sufficiently?

Choosing a lighter tonic and a juniper-forward gin achieves the ideal expression of juniper on the nose, with citrus and spices on the palate.

Ingredients

• Broker's Gin: 45ml

• Fevertree light tonic water: 50ml

• Citrus fruits (for garnish or to mull in the drink)

• Dried juniper berries

How to Make a Juniper-Forward Gin

1. Drop an ice ball if you have it, otherwise fill a brandy sniffer glass with ice
2. Add gin and tonic
3. Add juniper berries and citrus fruits
4. Stir well to integrate the flavours
5. Garnish with a lemon peel

Broker's Gin

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5. The Spiced Gin and Tonic

A generous splash of amaretto and a sparkling crown of champagne goes a long way. This is how you elevate a classic gin and tonic to a class of its own with hints of almonds.

This delightful concoction is more than just a drink; it's a passport to an opulent experience, perfect for special celebrations, romantic dinners, or any occasion that deserves a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

• Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Gin: 30ml

• Amaretto Di Sanorro: 15ml

• Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Brut: Top up

• Fevertree elderflower tonic water: 60ml

How to Make a Spiced Gin and Tonic

1. Fill a red wine glass with ice
2. Add the gin, amaretto, and tonic water
3. Stir well
4. Top off the glass with champagne for the finishing touch

Please note that this cocktail has a higher ABV (47%) than the others on this list, so remember to drink responsibly.

Monkey 47 Schwarzwald

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6. Herb Garden Gin and Tonic

This garden-infused delight takes the classic gin and tonic up a notch and is perfect for quiet evenings on a balcony.

Muddling a sprig of fresh rosemary works magic in coaxing out essential oils, whisking you away into the botanical garden of zen that is gin.

Ingredients

• Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin: 45ml

• Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water: 90ml

• Rosemary: 1 sprig

How to Make a Herb Garden Gin and Tonic

1. Fill a red wine glass with ice
2. Add gin and tonic
3. Stir well
4. Roll a sprig of rosemary between your palms to coax the aromatics out
5. Dust the rim of the glass with the sprig
6. Drop the sprig in to let the drink soak in the oils

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

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7. Fruity Gin and Tonic

This is your ticket for a sweet tropical escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. A harmonious balance between the crispness of gin and the succulent sweetness of fruits, this drink transports you to a breezy beach as the flavours dance on your tastebuds.

But here's the secret ingredient that takes it up a notch—a dash of grenadine. It adds that extra touch of sweetness and a burst of vibrant colour, making this fruity gin and tonic an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

• Sipsmith London Dry Gin: 45ml

• Fresh Orange Juice: 60ml

• Fevertree Indian Tonic Water: Top up

• Grenadine syrup: 1 bar spoon

How to Make a Fruity Gin and Tonic

1. Fill a tall glass with crushed ice
2. Add gin and orange juice
3. Stir well
4. Top off the glass with tonic
5. Add the spoon of grenadine
6. Allow grenadine to drip and snake its way down through the crushed ice for a striking visual and a drink that changes flavour as the grenadine integrates into the mix

Sipsmith London Dry Gin

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A Gin and Tonic Recipe For Any Preference

What a rush it has been trying out all these combinations. I bet you my last drop of gin that this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to flavour combinations in the perfect gin and tonic.

To try these recipes and more, check out Paneco as they carry a wide range of unique gins from around the world. You can choose your favourite or select a new one that appeals to you so you can make and enjoy refreshing G&Ts.

Explore Our Fine Selection of Gins

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