Gin & Tonic
Gin & Tonic [Lime After Lime Remix]
Refreshing gin cocktail with quality tonic that highlights botanical flavors in perfect harmony. This is British sophistication that’s perfect for any time of day, with crisp bubbles, aromatic herbs, and the clean finish that makes every sip as satisfying as the first.
Makes
Serves 1
Total Time
3 min (2 min prep)
Ingredients
For Perfect G&T:
2 oz (60ml) premium gin (London Dry preferred)
4-6 oz (120-180ml) quality tonic water (fever-tree or similar)
1/2 oz (15ml) fresh lime juice
Large ice cubes or sphere
1 lime wheel for garnish
Fresh herbs for aromatics (cucumber, mint, or rosemary sprig)
Optional: 1-2 dashes orange or aromatic bitters
Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)
Use tonic water made with real quinine and natural ingredients for better digestion and authentic flavor. Add a fresh ginger slice for digestive support and warming spice that complements gin botanicals. Include 1-2 dashes of digestive bitters containing gentian root or dandelion for liver support and enhanced flavor complexity. Muddle 2-3 fresh mint leaves gently for cooling properties and natural digestive aid. Consider using elderflower tonic for prebiotic benefits and floral notes that enhance the gin’s botanical profile.
Remix Options
Gin Varieties: Try Navy Strength gin for bolder flavor, floral gin for delicate notes, or barrel-aged gin for complexity and warmth. Citrus Alternatives: Use lemon, grapefruit, or blood orange for different brightness levels and flavor profiles. Herb Combinations: Cucumber and mint for cooling freshness, rosemary and lemon for Mediterranean flair, or basil and lime for modern twist. Tonic Variations: Mediterranean tonic with herbs, elderflower tonic for floral notes, or low-calorie versions for lighter drinking. Seasonal Adaptations: Summer with watermelon and basil, fall with apple and sage, winter with cranberry and thyme, spring with strawberry and mint. Bitters Enhancement: Orange bitters for citrus depth, lavender bitters for floral complexity, or cardamom bitters for exotic spice. Temperature Play: Frozen grapes instead of ice, cucumber ice cubes, or chilled glasses for enhanced serving temperature.
Good To Know
Quality Fundamentals: Premium gin and tonic water create the foundation – cheap ingredients produce harsh, unbalanced flavors that mask botanical complexity. Ice Importance: Large, dense ice cubes melt slower and provide proper dilution without over-watering the drink during consumption. Ratio Science: Classic 1:3 gin-to-tonic ratio allows gin botanicals to shine while tonic provides refreshing backbone and effervescence. Temperature Control: Chill glass, gin, and tonic beforehand for optimal serving temperature that enhances both flavor perception and refreshment factor. Carbonation Care: Pour tonic slowly down side of glass to preserve maximum bubbles and prevent flat, lifeless texture. Garnish Function: Fresh herbs release aromatic oils when gently pressed, creating sensory experience that enhances overall drinking pleasure. Serving Timing: Consume immediately after preparation to enjoy peak carbonation and prevent ice dilution from compromising flavor balance. Glassware Selection: Tall highball or balloon glass provides proper surface area for aromatics and allows room for generous ice and garnish. Storage Tips: Keep gin at room temperature and tonic refrigerated; never pre-mix as carbonation dissipates and flavors become muddled over time.
steps
Chill:
Place highball or balloon glass in freezer for 5 minutes, or fill with ice water while preparing ingredients to ensure optimal serving temperature.
Fill:
Empty chilled glass and fill with large ice cubes, leaving room at top for tonic’s effervescence and proper mixing without overflow.
Pour:
Add gin and fresh lime juice to iced glass, allowing spirits to chill against ice while maintaining proper layering for balanced flavor integration.
Top:
Slowly pour chilled tonic water down inside edge of glass to preserve maximum carbonation and create gentle mixing without aggressive stirring that kills bubbles.
Stir:
Give one gentle stir with bar spoon or cocktail stirrer to combine ingredients without disturbing carbonation that provides essential texture and mouthfeel.
Garnish:
Add lime wheel and gently press fresh herbs between fingers to release aromatic oils before dropping into drink for enhanced sensory experience.
Serve:
Present immediately while tonic retains peak effervescence and temperature remains perfectly chilled for optimal botanical expression and refreshing finish.