Classic Gin and Tonic with Lime
Why this recipe works
- Built in the glass: The drink comes together directly over ice, so there is no shaking, straining, or extra equipment needed beyond measuring and stirring.
- Clean, refreshing balance: London dry gin brings crisp botanicals, tonic adds gentle bitterness and sparkle, and fresh lime sharpens the finish.
- Easy to adjust: The drink can be made brighter with more citrus, drier with less-sweet tonic, or more aromatic by choosing a gin with stronger botanical character.
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Ingredient notes
- Use well-chilled tonic: Cold tonic keeps the drink fizzier for longer and helps prevent the ice from diluting it too quickly.
- Choose a dry, botanical gin: London dry gin gives the classic crisp profile, with juniper and citrus notes that sit well against tonic’s bitterness.
- Adjust the lime to taste: A squeeze of lime adds brightness, but too much can dominate the gin; add it gradually if you prefer a cleaner finish.
Cocktail variations
- More aromatic: Use a gin with pronounced herbal or floral botanicals and keep the garnish simple so the gin remains the focus.
- Citrus variation: Swap lime for lemon for a softer, more floral citrus note.
- Less sweet: Use sparkling water in place of tonic for a drier, more gin-forward highball.
Alcohol-free alternatives
- Alcohol-free gin style: Use a non-alcoholic botanical spirit with tonic and lime for a similar crisp, bitter-citrus profile.
- Simple tonic and lime: Serve chilled tonic over ice with fresh lime for a straightforward alcohol-free drink with the same bitter, sparkling character.
Timing notes
- Serve straight away: A gin and tonic is best immediately after mixing, while the tonic is still lively and the drink is fully chilled.
- Prepare the garnish first: Cut the lime before building the drink so the tonic can be poured and served without delay.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with the ice. Measure in the gin.
- Top up with the chilled tonic water, pouring gently to keep it fizzy. Give it one brief stir to combine.
- Cut the lime into wedges and squeeze one wedge over the drink, then drop it in. Serve immediately while well chilled and sparkling.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Chill the glass for a few minutes beforehand for an extra-cold serve.
- Pour the tonic down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles and keep the drink lively.
Substitutions
- Replace Lime with Lemon for a slightly softer, more floral citrus finish.
- Replace Tonic Water with Sparkling water for a less sweet, more gin-forward highball.
Storage
- Best made to order. Once mixed, the drink quickly loses its fizz and dilution changes the balance.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 glasses
- Total time: 5min (5min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: British
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