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What is a Gin & Tonic and how does the drink taste?
Gin & Tonic is a long drink consisting of gin and tonic water in a classic 1:3 ratio. The drink is distinguished by its cool, tart, and aromatic profile, featuring the characteristic juniper note of the gin and the bitter, zesty note of the quinine soda water. Garnishes and additions—from lemon zest to botanicals like peppercorns, rosemary, or cucumber slices—give the drink an individual flair.
The history of the Gin & Tonic
The combination of gin and tonic water has British colonial origins. In the 19th century, British troops and officials in tropical regions used quinine as a remedy for malaria. Since quinine is very bitter in its pure state, it was mixed with sugar water and soda water to create a sweet-bitter drink—tonic water. The British liked to add a splash of gin to round out the taste. This is how the classic was born.
As a standalone cocktail, the Gin & Tonic became known from the 1860s onwards and quickly established itself in pubs and bars worldwide.
The classic recipe
Classic Gin & Tonic — ingredients for one glass:
- 50 ml gin (London Dry, classic dry)
- 150 ml tonic water (Indian Tonic or Dry Tonic)
- Ice cubes (large, cold, clear)
- Lemon or lime zest or a thin slice of cucumber as a garnish
Preparation:
- Pre-chill a balloon glass (copa) well and fill it with large ice cubes.
- Pour the gin over the ice.
- Pour the tonic water carefully along the edge of the glass—this preserves the carbonation.
- Stir very briefly and gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with lemon zest, lime, or cucumber and serve immediately.
Gin varieties and their taste
- London Dry Gin — the classic: dry, juniper-forward (Tanqueray, Beefeater, Sipsmith)
- New Western Gin — less juniper-focused, with herbal or fruit-forward botanicals
- Plymouth Gin — slightly softer and rounder than London Dry
- Old Tom Gin — slightly sweet, historical style
- Genever / Jenever — the Dutch predecessor with a malty character
- Navy Strength — very strong (min. 57% ABV)
Tonic water — a world of its own
- Indian Tonic — the classic, strongly sweet-bitter with quinine
- Dry Tonic — less sweet, more bitter
- Mediterranean Tonic — with additional botanicals like lavender or rosemary
- Light Tonic — reduced calories
- Elderflower Tonic — with elderflower
Garnish and botanicals
The garnish is more than just decoration—it highlights specific flavors in the gin. Rule of thumb:
- London Dry + lemon or lime
- Fruity New Western Gins + fresh berries or apple
- Herbal gins + rosemary, thyme, or peppercorns
- Hendrick's Gin + cucumber slice (classic)
- Spanish gin bars often use large botanicals such as star anise, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks
Glassware and ice
The ideal glass for a Gin & Tonic is the copa glass (balloon glass)—the round shape concentrates the aromas, and the wide rim allows for smelling. Important: use plenty of ice, and above all, large ice cubes. It cools better and melts more slowly, keeping the drink balanced for longer.
Tips from the bar
- Always pre-chill the glass well
- Open the tonic fresh—flat tonic is a sin
- Press the garnish against the rim of the glass before letting it slide in
- Do not stir too vigorously—carbonation is important
- Experiment—discover different Gin & Tonic combinations
