Gin and Tonic

Clean, crisp and refreshing, Gin and Tonic is everything you could ask for in a cocktail. It’s a simple and classic drink perfect for cocktail newbies.

Before there was whiskey, I first loved gin.

When I was in college, I didn’t know much about alcohol and spirits.  At that time, my drinking knowledge was limited to sweet, fruity shots my cousins would buy me, light beers I’d taste at family parties, and tequila I’d sample from my parents’ liquor cabinet.  

I knew a little about mixing drinks from my dad, but I had no idea what cocktails were actually supposed to taste like.

I remember the first time I had a gin and tonic. A friend gave it to me. I drank it thinking it was sparkling water with lime.  

I kept drinking it thinking, wow, this is one tasty and refreshing beverage.  But by the time my friend gave me second one, I knew something was up.  I felt too relaxed and my cheeks were flushed and rosy pink.  

And then it hit me.  That sparkling water drink had alcohol in it!

Classic Cocktail Recipe

Most places serve G&T with a wedge of lime. It’s up to the drinker to squeeze that lime or keep it as a garnish.

Use that lime! Lime juice provides a nice balance. The acidity of the lime juggles the sweetness of tonic water and the herbal flowery notes of gin.

When mixed with the proper ratios, gin and tonic is a wonderful introduction to cocktails. As with most classic cocktails, a perfect gin and tonic is a choice beverage for those with more sophisticated tastes as well.  

Gin is a distilled liquor predominately flavored by juniper berries. Different brands also choose to highlight other ingredients that they infuse with their spirits.

Recommended Gin:

• Hendrick’s– infused with cucumber and rose. Has a very light, refreshing quality.
• Bombay Sapphire– delicate notes, perfect for spring and summer cocktails
• The Botanist– dry gin great for mixing with citrus

How to mix the perfect gin and tonic:

• 1. Pour 2 oz gin into serving glass.

• 2. Following with 3 oz chilled tonic water.

• 3. Add one tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Add ice as needed. Garnish finished drink with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. Serve and enjoy immediately.

Cheers! Once you’ve fallen in love with gin, here are some other gin based cocktail to try out:

• Bloody Mary can be made three ways using either tequila, gin, or vodka! 
• Blackberry Gin Fizz is a summer twist on a classic cocktail.
• Add a few scoops of grapefruit sorbet to elevate the greyhound cocktail!