The world’s most famous Gin and Tonic recipe is likely the classic Gin and Tonic, which is a simple yet refreshing cocktail made with gin, tonic water, and a garnish. Here’s the traditional recipe:
This simple combination has become a classic and is the go-to recipe for many when making a Gin and Tonic. The drink is crisp, aromatic, and versatile, perfect for any occasion.
The classic G&T
Ingredients
• 2 oz (60 ml) Gin (Gin Chin Classic)
• 4-6 oz (120-180 ml) Tonic Water (such as Fever-Tree or Schweppes)
• Garnish: A slice of lime or Lemmon
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass or large tumbler with ice cubes.
2. Pour the gin over the ice.
3. Top with tonic water, adjusting the amount to your preferred strength.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime or lemon, or a cucumber slice for a twist.
The Cocktail’s Impact:
The Gin & Tonic was born not in a fancy bar, but in the tropical heat of the British Empire—specifically in India during the 19th century. At that time Malaria was a problem for british soldiers and officials stationed in malaria-ridden areas needed protection from the disease. At the time, quinine, a bitter compound derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, was the main treatment. It worked but tasted awful.
The Solution: Tonic Water
To make quinine palatable, it was mixed with:
Sugar
Water
Lime or lemon
This mixture became known as tonic water. Still bitter, but drinkable.
Enter: Gin
British officers began mixing their rationed gin with tonic water to create a more enjoyable drink — and boom, the Gin & Tonic was born. It was practical and boozy — medicine that made you tipsy. Win-win?
Modern Times
Over the years:
Quinine content in commercial tonic water was reduced (modern tonic is way less bitter).
G&T became a refreshing aperitif rather than a medical necessity.
The drink had a renaissance in the 2010s with the craft gin boom — think cucumber, rose, botanicals, artisanal tonics, and fancy glassware.
Fun Fact
Winston Churchill once said:
“The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire.”