• Classic Gin and Tonic recipe

    The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gin for a Classic Gin and Tonic: Elevating Your Cocktail Game

If there’s one cocktail that epitomizes sophistication and classic charm, it’s the gin and tonic. However, the deceptively simple duo of gin and tonic water can vary immensely in flavor depending on the gin you choose. So, what’s the best gin for gin and tonic? We’re here to help you answer that question. Buckle up, as we take you on a tour of our top picks and why they each deserve a place in your glass.

gin and tonic orange gin and tonic orange

Introduction to the World of Gin and Tonic

The gin and tonic, also fondly known as the G&T, has a history as rich as its flavors. Originating in the colonial days, British soldiers mixed their medicinal quinine (the bitter flavor in tonic water) with gin to make it more palatable. Fast forward to today, and this classic cocktail is enjoyed worldwide.

gin and tonic gin and tonic

The Importance of Choosing the Right Gin

Choosing the best gin for a gin and tonic can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available. From the bold juniper-forward London Dry Gins, to the softer, often botanical-heavy New Western Gins, each variant offers a distinct experience. Pairing these with the right tonic can elevate your cocktail from good to outstanding.

Our Top Picks for the Best Gin for Gin and Tonic

Tanqueray London dry gin

Tanqueray No. Ten

Tanqueray No. Ten holds the crown for a traditional gin and tonic. This classic London Dry Gin offers a distinct juniper flavor, coupled with notes of citrus and coriander. The complexity of Tanqueray makes it a top choice for G&T enthusiasts seeking the quintessential experience.

Beefeater London Dry Gin

Beefeater London Dry Gin

Beefeater is another reliable London Dry Gin. Its juniper-rich aroma and taste are accompanied by a subtle blend of botanicals. Beefeater’s steady flavor profile makes it a versatile choice for a straightforward gin and tonic.

Hendrick's Gin

Hendrick’s Gin

For those seeking a less juniper-heavy experience, Hendrick’s Gin is the way to go. This Scottish gin stands out with its unique infusion of rose and cucumber. Its floral and fresh taste adds a delightful twist to your gin and tonic.

Monkey 47 gin

Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin

This German gin is a blend of a whopping 47 botanicals, offering a complex and nuanced flavor profile. With hints of lingonberries, spruce shoots, and floral notes, Monkey 47 is ideal for a gin and tonic that surprises your palate with each sip.

Sipsmith London Dry Gin

Sipsmith London Dry Gin

Sipsmith has made a name for itself in the gin world for its unwavering commitment to traditional distillation methods. Its London Dry Gin is no exception. Smooth, balanced, and brimming with a symphony of botanicals, Sipsmith offers a full-bodied flavor that pairs beautifully with a high-quality tonic water.

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire

Known for its distinctive blue bottle, Bombay Sapphire is a gin that needs no introduction. This gin’s unique vapor-infused distillation process allows each botanical to shine through. Its balanced blend of 10 hand-selected botanicals makes for a versatile and subtly complex gin, perfect for a refreshing gin and tonic.

Plymouth gin

Plymouth Gin

Coming from one of the oldest operating distilleries in England, Plymouth Gin carries a significant pedigree. Plymouth Gin has a slightly sweeter profile compared to the classic London Dry Gins, making it a great choice for those who prefer a less dry G&T.

Martin Miller's Gin

Martin Miller’s Gin

Martin Miller’s Gin has a distinctive freshness that sets it apart. It’s made with Icelandic spring water and a unique two-part distillation process that preserves the integrity of each botanical. The result is a gin that’s vibrant and clean, with a slight cucumber and citrus zing, making it an exciting choice for a gin and tonic.

Roku Gin

Roku Gin

If you’re looking to venture beyond European gins, Roku Gin from Japan is a fantastic place to start. Roku, meaning “six” in Japanese, is crafted with six unique Japanese botanicals, including sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, and sansho pepper. These deliver an innovative flavor profile that offers a distinct twist to your gin and tonic.

The Botanist gin

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin

Hailing from Scotland’s Islay region, famous for its peaty whiskies, The Botanist offers a complexity that will appeal to gin and whisky lovers alike. Featuring 22 hand-foraged local botanicals, this gin provides a taste of the wild Islay landscape, adding depth and character to your gin and tonic.

With these added gin options, you now have an extended palette to create your perfect gin and tonic. Whether you prefer the classic London Dry style, something sweeter, fresher, or even a gin with a touch of the orient, the options are almost endless. Remember, the world of gin is as diverse as it is delightful, and exploring it is part of the fun.

gin and tonic gin and tonic

THE ROLE OF TONIC IN YOUR GIN AND TONIC

While we’ve been focusing on gin, let’s not forget about the other half of this delightful duo – tonic water. A high-quality tonic water can balance and enhance the flavors of your chosen gin. Fever-Tree and Q Mixers offer tonic waters that are well-regarded in the cocktail community.

The Perfect Gin and Tonic Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of your chosen gin
  • 4 to 6 ounces of tonic water
  • Lime or lemon wedges, or other garnishes to match your gin (e.g., cucumber slices for Hendrick’s Gin, a sprig of rosemary for Monkey 47)

Equipment:

  • Highball or Copa de Balon glass
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Ice
  • Stirrer

Steps:

  1. Chill Your Glass: This step ensures your cocktail stays cold for longer. Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water and let it sit while you gather your ingredients.

  2. Add Ice: Fill your glass about halfway with ice cubes. Large ice cubes are preferable as they melt slower, ensuring your drink does not become diluted too quickly.

  3. Pour the Gin: Using a jigger or measuring tool, measure 2 ounces of your chosen gin and pour it over the ice.

  4. Add the Tonic Water: Slowly pour 4 to 6 ounces of tonic water into the glass. The amount of tonic can be adjusted depending on your taste preference.

  5. Garnish: Slice a lime or lemon wedge and add it to your drink. If you’re using a different garnish like cucumber slices or a sprig of rosemary, add it now. The garnish should complement the botanicals in your chosen gin.

  6. Stir Gently: Using a stirrer, give your gin and tonic a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing the bubbles from the tonic.

  7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your perfectly crafted gin and tonic!

Finding the best gin for a gin and tonic is a personal journey, as everyone’s taste buds are unique. We hope this guide has pointed you in the right direction and inspired you to explore the fascinating world of gin. Remember, the best gin and tonic is the one that tastes best to you.

This journey of gin discovery is sure to be a rewarding one, elevating your cocktail experiences to new heights.