The Gin Tonic has been one of the world's most popular long drinks for years. Fresh, spicy, invigorating - it seems so simple: a little gin, some tonic, add ice, done. But make no mistake: a lot of pitfalls lurk precisely in this apparent simplicity.
In this blog, we tell you how you can use tips to avoid these pitfalls anyway, including how to pour and drink the classic Gin Tonic.
Choosing the right glass
Many people pour a Gin Tonic in whatever they can find: a tumbler, long drink or even a wine glass. But beware, the glass does matter does matter!
Use a copa de balon glass or a large highball glass. This will keep the drink cooler for longer, leave enough room for ice and botanicals, and bring out the aromas better.
The right amount of ice
A few melting ice cubes will make your drink bland. And ironically, the less ice, the faster it melts.
Fill the glass to the brim with large ice cubes. The fuller the glass with ice, the less it melts, and the better your Gin Tonic stays on temperature without diluting.
The ideal ratio of gin & tonic
We advise you not to pour by feel, this usually results in an overly strong or bland mix.
The ideal ratio is usually 1 part gin to 2 to 3 parts tonic, depending on the strength of the gin and your own taste preference. Use a jigger (bar measure) to measure exactly.
Choose the right tonic
You can use the best gin in the world, but if your tonic is not of the same quality, the result can be disappointing. Your tonic may be too bland or overly sweet and negatively alter the flavour. This then logically makes for a disappointing result.
So choose a quality tonic that matches your gin. Erasmus Bond, the Belgian tonic brand from The Nectar offers variants that are subtle, dry and balanced: the Classic (yellow), the Dry (blue) and the Botanical (green) are 3 different versions that each go perfectly with their own gins.
Spice up your Gin&Tonic
A Gin Tonic without garnish is like a dish without spices. Yet you often see a glass with just gin & tonic and some ice.
Choose a garnish that matches the botanicals in your gin. Classic is a slice of lime, but think also of juniper berries, rosemary, cucumber, grapefruit or even lavender. But: stick to 1 or at most 2 elements.
The right technique for pouring tonic
Tonic is sometimes poured the wrong way, resulting in a quick loss of effervescence.
Therefore, pour the Tonic gently along a spoon or against the wall of the glass. This way, you retain the carbonation and get a livelier mouthfeel.
Choose a gin to match your tonic (or vice versa)
Not every gin goes with every tonic. A powerful spicy gin can get completely out of balance with a citrusy tonic.
Try out different combinations or get advice, and keep in mind the profile of your gin:
- Dry gins (such as Tanqueray): ideal with a classic tonic.
- Floral gins (such as Hendrick's): perfect with a smooth tonic and cucumber.
- Spicy or citrus gins: nice with Mediterranean or citrus tonics.
Drink slowly and above all: enjoy!
This cocktail is meant to be enjoyed. Those who carelessly knock back their gin tonic will miss the layering and finesse.
Take small sips, smell your glass for a while, let the tonic and botanicals settle in slowly.
A good gin tonic is an experience, not a thirst quencher.
Conclusion
A gin tonic may seem simple, but like cooking, the beauty is in the finesse. Paying attention to your glass, ice, proportions, tonic and garnish will lift an everyday cocktail to a professional level.
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