The Classic Gin & Tonic

Ingredients

• 50ml (double shot) quality Gin (e.g., London Dry)
• 150-200ml premium Tonic Water (e.g., Fever-Tree, Fentimans, Schweppes Premium)
• Large handful of ice cubes
• 1 Lime wedge or wheel, for garnish

Instructions

1. Chill Your Glass: Start with a chilled highball glass or a large copa glass. If not pre-chilled, add a few ice cubes and swirl them around, then discard any melted water.
2. Fill with Ice: Fill your chosen glass generously with fresh, solid ice cubes. The more ice, the slower it melts, keeping your drink colder and less diluted.
3. Add the Gin: Pour 50ml of your preferred gin over the ice.
4. Top with Tonic: Gently pour 150-200ml of premium tonic water into the glass. Adjust the amount to your taste; some prefer a stronger gin flavour, others more tonic.
5. Garnish: Place a fresh lime wedge or wheel on the rim or directly into the drink.
6. Gentle Stir: Give the drink one or two gentle stirs with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.
7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your perfectly crafted Gin & Tonic!

Tips for the Perfect G&T

• Quality Matters: The Gin & Tonic is simple, so the quality of your ingredients is paramount. Invest in a good gin and a premium tonic water.
• Plenty of Ice: Don't skimp on the ice! More ice means a colder drink that dilutes slower.
• Fresh Garnish: Always use fresh citrus for your garnish. A squeeze of fresh lime before adding the wedge can brighten the flavours even more.
• Glassware: While a highball glass is traditional, a large 'copa' or balloon glass can enhance the aroma of the gin botanicals, much like a wine glass.
• Don't Over-Stir: A gentle stir is enough. Over-stirring will flatten the tonic water and dilute your drink too quickly.
• Keep Tonic Chilled: Ensure your tonic water is well-chilled before mixing.

Variations

• Cucumber & Mint G&T: Muddle a few slices of cucumber and a sprig of mint in the glass before adding gin, ice, and tonic.
• Pink Peppercorn & Grapefruit G&T: Garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit and a few pink peppercorns for a fragrant, zesty twist.
• Rosemary & Orange G&T: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and an orange slice or peel for an aromatic, herbaceous touch.
• Elderflower G&T: Add 10-15ml of elderflower liqueur or cordial along with the gin for a sweeter, floral profile.
• Spiced G&T: Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod for a warmer, spicier flavour.