The Gin Tonic is one of those timeless cocktails. Refreshing, thirst-quenching, aromatic—perfect as an aperitif or for a night out with friends. Despite its apparent simplicity, it hides a world of botanicals, balance, proportions, and bartender secrets. In this article, you’ll discover how to make the perfect Gin Tonic, which ingredients to choose, the recommended dosage (including the IBA version), and some curiosities that will make your drink even more interesting.
Gin Tonic: Original Recipe
The Gin Tonic recipe is officially recognized by the IBA (International Bartenders Association). According to the official guidelines, the Gin Tonic is made with two main ingredients: gin and tonic water, served in a highball glass filled with ice, and garnished with a citrus or aromatic touch.
Here is the classic IBA Gin Tonic recipe:
- 50 ml of gin
- 100 ml of tonic water
- Ice
- Garnish: slice of lime or lemon peel
Although these are the official proportions, every bartender can personalize the drink depending on the gin, the type of tonic, or the botanicals they want to highlight.
Gin Tonic: Ingredients
The magic of a Gin Tonic lies in the quality of its ingredients. There are only a few, but they are crucial. Let’s break them down.
Gin
It’s the soul of the drink. There are dozens of gin types, each with a different aromatic bouquet. The predominant note is juniper, but you’ll also find citrus, spicy, herbal, or floral hints. Your choice of gin completely transforms the cocktail’s profile.
Tonic water
Not all tonic waters are created equal. A good tonic must be well-balanced between bitterness (from quinine), sweetness, and fizziness. Craft or premium tonic waters are always recommended for a more refined result.
Ice
Use plenty of high-quality ice, ideally large and compact cubes. Avoid ice that melts too quickly—it waters down the drink.
Garnish
Lime slices or lemon peel are the classics, but you can also use cucumber, pink peppercorns, rosemary, or juniper berries, depending on the gin.
Gin Tonic Measurements (IBA)
How many ml of gin go into a Gin Tonic?
This is a common question, and the answer is clear: according to the IBA, you use 50 ml of gin. Add 100 ml of tonic water, keeping the classic 1:2 ratio.
This ratio is the most balanced to enhance the gin’s flavors without being overwhelmed by the bitterness of the tonic.
Gin Tonic with a jigger
If you have a bar jigger, you can measure accurately:
- 1 part gin (50 ml)
- 2 parts tonic water (100 ml or slightly more if you want a lighter drink)
Use the small side of the jigger for gin and the large side for tonic, pouring it gently to preserve the bubbles.
Gin Tonic without a jigger
No jigger? Use a glass as a reference:
- Pour about 1/4 of the glass with gin
- Fill the rest with 3/4 tonic water
A trick: count 3–4 seconds while pouring the gin, then add tonic until the glass is full (leave room for garnish).
How to Make the Perfect Gin Tonic?
Now that you know the ingredients and proportions, here’s how to make the perfect Gin Tonic step by step.
1. Choose the right glass
The ideal glass is a highball or balloon glass, spacious and sturdy. A large wine glass is also commonly used in bars.
2. Fill the glass to the top with ice
Don’t be afraid of ice: the more you add, the colder the drink stays—and the less it gets diluted.
3. Pour the gin over the ice
For a more elegant touch, chill the glass with ice first, discard the meltwater, then build your cocktail.
4. Add the tonic gently
Pour it down a bar spoon or along the inside wall of the glass to avoid losing carbonation.
5. Stir and garnish
Give the drink a gentle single stir. Then add the garnish: lime, cucumber, lemon peel, rosemary… choose according to your gin and your taste.
What Spices Can You Add to a Gin Tonic?
One of the most fascinating things about the Gin Tonic is how you can personalize it with botanicals and spices that enhance its aromas. So, what botanicals can you use in gin to create a balanced drink?
Most commonly used are:
- Juniper berries (to boost the gin’s dry note)
- Pink or black pepper (for a spicy touch)
- Cardamom (balsamic and exotic aroma)
- Star anise (sweet and enveloping)
- Cinnamon sticks (warm and intense)
- Fresh ginger (pungent and refreshing)
- Citrus peels (lemon, orange, grapefruit)
Each of these can completely change the aromatic profile of your Gin Tonic, making it more citrusy, spicy, or herbal. The key is moderation: one or two well-balanced spices are enough to create that wow effect!
Recommended Botanicals Based on the Type of Gin
Here’s a simple and clear table with suggested pairings between gin types and botanicals—perfect for a blog article:
| Type of Gin | Flavor Profile | Recommended Botanicals |
|---|---|---|
| London Dry | Dry, classic | Juniper berries, lemon peel, black pepper |
| Citrus (citrusy) | Fresh, citrusy | Orange or grapefruit peel, rosemary, thyme |
| Herbal (herbaceous) | Vegetal, balsamic | Bay leaf, sage, cucumber, basil |
| Spiced | Spicy, warm | Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, star anise |
| Floral | Delicate, floral | Rose petals, lavender, pink pepper |
| Contemporary/New Western | Creative, unconventional | Tonka bean, lemongrass, goji berries, yuzu peel |
The Alcohol Content of a Gin Tonic
The alcohol content of a Gin Tonic depends on the amount of gin and tonic water used. On average, gin has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%.
Let’s calculate it based on the standard ratio (50 ml gin + 100 ml tonic water):
- The resulting drink will have an approximate alcohol content of 13–15% ABV.
If you add more tonic, you’ll lower the strength.
If you reduce the tonic, the drink will be stronger.
It’s important to find the right balance to maintain a harmonious flavor.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Gin Tonic
There’s no single answer—it all depends on the result you’re aiming for. If you enjoy fresh and citrusy flavors, go for a classic London Dry (e.g. Tanqueray, Beefeater, Bombay). For a more aromatic profile, try gins with Mediterranean or floral botanicals. If you prefer spicy or herbal notes, opt for more complex, artisanal gins. In general, it’s best to avoid overly sweet or artificially flavored gins.
The ideal glass for a Gin Tonic is the balloon glass (or copa de balon), a wide bowl with a long stem that enhances the gin’s aromas and keeps the drink cooler for longer. Alternatively, you can use a highball glass—taller and narrower—perfect for a simpler, more refreshing version of the cocktail.
Because a straw would alter the way you experience the gin’s aromatic bouquet. Drinking from the rim of the glass allows you to fully enjoy the scents of the garnish and the tonic. Plus, skipping the straw helps maintain the drink’s temperature for longer.
The base is always gin—a grain-based spirit infused with juniper and other botanicals. Tonic water complements and balances the drink, but the true star is, and always will be, the gin.
The Gin Tonic originated as a medical remedy. During the colonial era, British officers in India used quinine (found in tonic water) to prevent malaria. Since quinine was extremely bitter, they began mixing it with gin, sugar, and lime to make it more palatable. From there, it quickly evolved from medicine to cocktail—deliciously so.
