Gin and tonic is not only a very popular cocktail in the world of mixology, but it is also one of the most traditional drinks in history. Its original recipe is maintained to this day and only consists of two ingredients: gin and tonic water. However, this recipe accepts enriching and complementary additions such as aromatic herbs, spices and fruits.
Gin tonic
The history of gin and tonic is very exciting, since it began as a drink that was used as a remedy and ended up becoming a famous drink, since gin and tonic symbolized the triumph of British troops in India. The tonic contains quinine and at that time it was used to combat malaria. It is currently considered an adult beverage. Take note of the following easy steps to prepare a gin and tonic:
Preparation
- Put 6 ice cubes in a large glass, 1 slice of lime and 50 ml of good quality gin. Recommended Seagram’s (extra dry gin) and Bombay Zephier.
- Pour in 200 ml of tonic water. Nordic Mist blue tonic water can be a good alternative, both for its taste and its attractive blue color.
- Finally, add a dash of Angostura. Serve by adding a mint leaf and a cherry or 2 juniper berries.
Yield for 1 diner.
Tip: use a balloon cup.
Gin and tonic with strawberries
Strawberries enhance the fruity and sweet notes of the gin and tonic, which is why it is one of the most successful gin combinations. Follow the following step by step to prepare a gin and tonic with strawberries:
Preparation
- Wash and cut 1 handful of strawberries into slices. Put them in the glass where you will serve the gin and tonic and add a lot of ice.
- Pour in 10 ml of gin. Additionally, if you feel like it, add a few drops of lemon to enhance the flavor.
- Stir in 1 can of tonic water very slowly. In this way, the gas will not escape and you will enjoy a perfect gin and tonic.
Yield for 1 diner.
Tip: If you like your drink stronger, add more gin.
Gin and tonic with cucumber
If you are looking for very refreshing and traditional gin and tonic recipes, top your list with this preparation of gin and tonic with cucumber. In addition, you can prepare it quickly and easily if you follow the following steps:
Preparation
- Wash and cut ½ the cucumber into thin slices. Arrange the slices in the glass that you will serve the gin and tonic and add a lot of ice.
- Pour in 10 ml of gin. The amount that we propose is perfect, but if you prefer it stronger, you can add more gin.
- Slowly add 1 can of tonic water. The idea is not to let the gas escape, in this way you will obtain a 10 gin and tonic.
Yield for 1 diner.
Tip: if you want to enhance the flavor of the drink, add a drop of lemon.
Tanqueray gin and tonic
Tanqueray is the favorite gin of many bartenders to prepare the best gin and tonics. In part, this preference is due to its botanical components, since they are very aromatic: juniper, licorice, coriander seeds and angelica root. Now, to prepare our drink with Tanqueray we suggest you mix it with two drinks: Schweppes or Fever Tree. Follow this step by step to prepare a Tanqueray gin and tonic:
Preparation
- Put a glass with a lot of ice. Use a wide glass of cider or something similar, the bigger it is, the better.
- Pour in 50 ml gin. Stir so that it acquires temperature. You can use Gin MG, London Gin or Tanqueray Ten (the drier the better).
- Add 1 can of tonic water. Pour it in a circle. You can use Schweppes or Fever Tree.
- Add a rind 1 lemon. Cut 1 lemon into 4 parts.
Yield for 1 diner.
Do you want to learn how to make 20 drinks with easy gins? Keep reading!
Tip: if you want to enhance the flavor of the drink, add a few drops of lemon.
Red gin and tonic
Gin and tonic recipes work well for any occasion, and that includes moments as a couple such as anniversaries, romantic getaways or also to drink on Valentine’s Day. On this occasion, we share a very special recipe, as it contains sideburns. It is interesting to mention that Texas A&M University indicated that this fruit has some aphrodisiac ingredients: lycopene, beta-carotene and coralline (which is converted into arginine). Surprise your partner with this refreshing and stimulating cocktail by following the steps below:
Preparation
- Cut 1 watermelon (patella) into medium cubes. Divide them into 4 wide-mouthed glasses.
- Add 2 lemon wedges, followed by 2-3 cloves, to each glass. If you prefer, you can replace the cloves with red pepper or anise.
- Pour 50 ml of gin, and the juice of ½ lemon, into each one. Mix everything very well.
- Finally, add 1 tonic water (mixer) very slowly, in each glass. Stir with a spoon.
Yields for 4 diners.
Tip: For a gourmet touch, scrape the rim of the glass with an orange peel.
Spice gin and tonic
If you want a very special gin and tonic, try it with one of the following spices: pink pepper, juniper, cardamom, star anise, cinnamon, allspice and ginger. Depending on the characteristics of the chosen spice, the effect on the drink will be, in fact some spices must be used with certain gins. For example, for allspice dry gins are recommended. We invite you to prepare this basic recipe so that you can use it with the species you prefer and experiment by following the steps below:
Preparation
- Deposit some ice cubes. Preferably use a glass or a wide glass.
- Add 40-50 ml of gin. Depending on the spice, it can be dry gin or citrus.
- Complete with 50 ml of tonic drink, each glass. Pour slowly so you don’t lose gas.
- Add 1-2 spices of your choice. Mix everything with a spoon until well diluted.
Yield for 1 diner.
Tip: 1 ounce equals 30 ml.
Tanqueray with chili and peppercorns
Among the original gin and tonic recipes, this one stands out for its originality and its flavor. However, although it is an intense drink, it leaves a very good taste on the palate. We invite you to try it by following the steps below:
Preparation
- Put enough ice in a glass or wide glass.
- Pour in 35ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin.
- Slowly add 85ml of tonic water.
- Garnish with 1 Chile and a few peppercorns, as you like.
Yield for 1 diner.
Gin and tonic with pomegranate and lemon
If you are looking for original and attractive combinations, you must try this drink. On the one hand, the pomegranate provides a citrus and sweet touch. And lemon or lime provides citrus oils leaving aromatic notes, although its main function is to enhance the nuances of juniper in classic gins. Follow this step by step to prepare a pomegranate and lemon gin and tonic:
Preparation
- Pour 4 shots of gin into a shaker.
- Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1 cup of fresh pomegranate. Have 1 more cup of pomegranate reserved.
- Deposit some ice, close and shake the shaker.
- Prepare glasses or cups with ice, and serve the preparation.
- Add the 1 cup of the mint and the rest of the grenadine, spread evenly among the glasses.
- Fill the glasses with quinine water, approximately ½ liter.
Yield for 1 diner.
Tip: the shot is the tequila glass also called a caballero, it is a glass with a capacity of 1 or 2 ounces (30-60 ml).
Gin and tonic with strawberries and raspberries
The drink that we propose below can be classified as one of the best combinations for gin and tonics that exist, as it has very appreciable characteristics: accentuated aromatic presence, excellent flavor, pleasant sensation and very attractive appearance. The fresh red berries enhance the fruity and sweet notes of the gin. This original recipe works even with hard-to-mix gins. If you want to taste this delicious cocktail, follow the next step by step:
Preparation
- In a wide glass add 3 or 4 ice cubes and move them until the glass is cold. Discard the excess water and add more ice.
- Pour 50 ml of the gin of your choice.
- Crush 100 gr of strawberries. Then put them in the glass.
- Add 5 or 6 raspberries. Next step, let the preparation rest for a couple of minutes.
- Fill the glass with Schweppes Hibiscus tonic and stir with a teaspoon, preferably long.
Yield for 1 diner.
Basil Gin and Tonic
Although it sounds unusual to you, basil works very well in combinations for gin and tonic. On this occasion, we will use Gin Mare, a gin with a Mediterranean flavor that contains basil as the main ingredient, although the presence of this aromatic herb is not so notable, as it is hidden by more powerful botanicals. In addition, this drink contains the traditional mixture of tonic water and some basil leaves to flavor and give the drink its identity. Enjoy this cocktail by following this step by step:
Preparation
- Chill the cup or glass. This step is fundamental in the preparation of any cocktail, and there are many techniques to do it. A highly recommended one is to add ice cubes, and fill with cold water. Once cold, empty it and add the necessary ice for the gin and tonic.
- Add a fresh basil leaf to the glass. Hit it with the palm of your hand on the other palm or on the table. This procedure serves to extract its aroma.
- Pour in 20 cl of Gin Mare gin. Stir gently with a spoon, preferably long (special for these cases). Also, preferably use a special measuring glass for cocktails, so you will get a more exact measurement.
- Fill the glass with 20 cl of tonic water. Stir the contents a little, once, lowering and raising the spoon.