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Classic Gin and Tonic

Smoking Chair Editors

Its crisp and clean taste is perfect for hot summer days or cozy winter nights. It's also a low-calorie option, making it an ideal choice for those who are watching their waistline.

Made with a delicious blend of gin, tonic water, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, the Gin and Tonic is the perfect beverage for any occasion. Its crisp and clean taste is perfect for hot summer days or cozy winter nights.

Not only is the Gin and Tonic delicious, but it’s also a low-calorie option, making it an ideal choice for those who are watching their waistline. Plus, the addition of gin, a distilled spirit made from botanicals such as juniper berries, gives the drink an extra layer of complexity and depth of flavor.

Whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends or relaxing at home, the Gin and Tonic is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing drink. So why wait?

History of the Gin and Tonic

The gin and tonic is a popular cocktail that originated in India during the 19th century. At the time, British soldiers were stationed in India and were often struck down by malaria, a deadly disease transmitted by mosquitoes. To combat the disease, the soldiers were advised to take quinine, a bitter-tasting substance that was effective in treating malaria.

However, quinine was difficult to consume in large quantities due to its bitter taste. To make it more palatable, the soldiers began mixing it with water, sugar, lime, and gin, which was also a popular beverage at the time. This mixture became known as the gin and tonic, and it quickly gained popularity among the British troops stationed in India.

The drink’s popularity spread to the British colonies around the world, and it became a symbol of British colonialism. By the early 20th century, the gin and tonic had become a popular cocktail in Britain, and it remains a popular drink today.

In recent years, the gin and tonic has experienced a resurgence in popularity, as gin has become a trendy spirit and bartenders have experimented with different flavors and ingredients to create new variations on the classic cocktail.

How To Make a Gin and Tonic

Here’s a classic daiquiri recipe that makes one drink:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. gin
top with tonic
garnish with lime wedge or slice

Instructions:

Fill the highball glass with ice cubes.
Pour one shot (around 1 1/2 ounces) of gin over the ice.
Top up the glass with tonic water, leaving some space for the garnish.
Stir gently to mix the gin and tonic water.
Garnish with a lime wedge or slice.
Serve and enjoy!

Note: The ratio of gin to tonic water can vary according to personal preference. Some people prefer a more gin-forward drink with less tonic water, while others prefer a more balanced taste with equal parts gin and tonic water. Adjust the ratio according to your taste preference.

Recommended Barware:

Popular Variations

The gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries, but there are many variations that you can try to mix things up. Here are a few popular variations:

Pink gin and tonic: Use pink gin, which is infused with berries or other fruits, to add a fruity and floral flavor to your drink.
Mediterranean gin and tonic: Use a Mediterranean-style gin that is infused with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil, and pair it with a Mediterranean tonic water that contains flavors like lemon, orange, or grapefruit.
Smoky gin and tonic: Add a splash of smoky mezcal to your gin and tonic for a smoky twist. Garnish with a slice of lime or grapefruit.
Spicy gin and tonic: Add a spicy kick to your drink by using a spicy tonic water or adding a splash of hot sauce to your gin and tonic.
Tea-infused gin and tonic: Infuse your gin with tea, like Earl Grey or green tea, and pair it with a tonic water that contains botanicals like chamomile or jasmine.
Ginger gin and tonic: Use a ginger-flavored gin and add a slice of fresh ginger to your drink for a spicy and refreshing taste.
Pineapple gin and tonic: Add a splash of pineapple juice or a slice of fresh pineapple to your gin and tonic for a tropical and sweet twist.
Lavender gin and tonic: Infuse your gin with lavender or add a lavender syrup to your drink for a floral and aromatic taste.
Blood orange gin and tonic: Use a blood orange-flavored gin or add a splash of blood orange juice to your gin and tonic for a fruity and citrusy flavor.
Cinnamon gin and tonic: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon to your gin and tonic for a warm and spicy taste.
Elderflower gin and tonic: This version uses elderflower tonic water instead of regular tonic water to add a floral and sweet taste. You can also add elderflower liqueur or syrup to the mix.
Spiced gin and tonic: Add spices like cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom to your gin and tonic for a warm and cozy twist.
Citrus gin and tonic: Use grapefruit, lemon or orange infused tonic water to add a citrusy kick to your gin and tonic. You can also add fresh citrus slices to the mix.
Herbaceous gin and tonic: Add herbs like rosemary, basil or thyme to your gin and tonic to add a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Cucumber gin and tonic: Muddle some cucumber slices in the bottom of the glass before adding ice and gin to give your cocktail a refreshing and crisp taste.
Gin and tonic with a splash of fruit juice: Add a splash of your favorite fruit juice, like cranberry or pomegranate, to your gin and tonic for a fruity and flavorful twist.

Remember, the beauty of the gin and tonic is its versatility, so feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations and ratios to find your perfect drink.

Top-Rated Gins

There are many excellent gins available on the market, each with their own unique flavor profiles and characteristics. Here are a few of the top-rated gins, based on industry awards, expert reviews, and consumer ratings:

Monkey 47 ($49) – Monkey 47 is a premium gin that is produced in the Black Forest region of Germany. It is made with 47 different botanicals, including lingonberries, blackberries, and spruce tips, which are macerated in a pure wheat spirit before being distilled in small batches. The resulting gin is complex and aromatic, with a wide range of flavors and aromas, including citrus, juniper, spice, and a hint of sweetness. It is bottled at 47% ABV and is known for its smooth, balanced taste and unique character. Monkey 47 is often enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic, but it also works well in a variety of other cocktails.
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The Botanist ($45) – The Botanist is a handcrafted gin produced by the Bruichladdich distillery on the Scottish island of Islay. It is made with 22 different botanicals, 9 of which are native to the island, including wild Islay juniper, heather, and bog myrtle. The gin is distilled in a unique Lomond still, which allows for greater control over the distillation process, resulting in a clean and complex spirit. The Botanist has a distinctive floral and herbaceous flavor profile, with notes of citrus, spice, and a hint of sweetness. It is bottled at 46% ABV and is often enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic, but it also works well in a variety of other cocktails. The Botanist is known for its focus on local, artisanal production methods, as well as its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
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Sipsmith ($39) – Sipsmith is a London Dry Gin that is made using traditional methods, with a focus on small-batch production and high-quality botanicals. It is produced in a copper still at the Sipsmith distillery in London, using a blend of ten carefully selected botanicals, including Macedonian juniper, Bulgarian coriander, and Seville orange peel. The gin is smooth and balanced, with a classic juniper-forward flavor profile, complemented by notes of citrus, spice, and a hint of sweetness. It is bottled at 41.6% ABV and is often enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic, but it also works well in a variety of other cocktails. Sipsmith is known for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, as well as its use of traditional, time-honored methods of gin production.
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Hendrick’s ($31) – Hendrick’s is a Scottish gin that is known for its unique flavor profile, which is created by the use of a blend of 11 botanicals, including Bulgarian rose and cucumber. It is produced using a combination of traditional and modern distillation methods, with the botanicals being infused in a Carter-Head still and a copper pot still, respectively. The resulting gin is smooth, balanced, and slightly sweet, with a distinctive floral aroma and a hint of cucumber on the palate. It is bottled at 44% ABV and is often enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic, but it also works well in a variety of other cocktails. Hendrick’s is known for its distinctive, whimsical branding and its commitment to quality and innovation in the world of gin.
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Bombay Sapphire ($30) – Bombay Sapphire is a premium London Dry Gin that is produced using a unique vapor infusion process, which allows the botanicals to be delicately and precisely infused into the spirit. The gin is made with a blend of ten botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and angelica, as well as a variety of other herbs and spices. The resulting gin is smooth and well-balanced, with a classic juniper-forward flavor profile and a complex, multi-layered aroma. It is bottled at 40% ABV and is often enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic, but it also works well in a variety of other cocktails. Bombay Sapphire is known for its distinctive blue bottle, as well as its commitment to quality and innovation in the world of gin.
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Tanqueray No. 10 ($52) – Tanqueray No. 10 is a premium gin that is produced by the Tanqueray distillery in Scotland. It is made using a blend of the finest botanicals, including fresh whole citrus fruits, chamomile flowers, and juniper berries. The gin is distilled in small batches using a unique copper pot still, which helps to create a smooth and refined spirit with a distinctive flavor profile. Tanqueray No. 10 is known for its bright, zesty, and citrus-forward flavor, with notes of grapefruit, orange, and lime, and a subtle hint of chamomile. It is bottled at 47.3% ABV and is often enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic, but it also works well in a variety of other cocktails. Tanqueray No. 10 is recognized for its high quality, attention to detail, and its status as a favorite among bartenders and gin enthusiasts alike.
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Plymouth ($42) – Plymouth Gin is a historic gin that has been produced in the English port city of Plymouth since 1793. It is made using a unique blend of seven botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander seed, and fresh lemon peel, which are steeped in a neutral grain spirit before being distilled in a copper pot still. The gin is smooth and well-balanced, with a classic juniper-forward flavor profile and a distinctively soft and creamy mouthfeel. It is bottled at 41.2% ABV and is often enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic, but it also works well in a variety of other cocktails. Plymouth Gin is known for its historic importance and its commitment to quality and tradition, as well as its unique flavor profile and its status as a favorite among gin enthusiasts.
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Beefeater ($18) – Beefeater is a classic London Dry Gin that has been produced in London since 1820. It is made using a blend of nine botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and angelica root, as well as a variety of other herbs and spices. The gin is distilled in a traditional copper pot still and is known for its classic juniper-forward flavor profile and its clean, crisp, and well-balanced taste. Beefeater is bottled at 40% ABV and is often enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic, but it also works well in a variety of other cocktails. Beefeater is known for its high quality and its status as a classic gin brand, as well as its commitment to using only the finest natural ingredients in the production of its gin.
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Roku ($36) – Roku Gin is a premium Japanese gin that is known for its unique and complex flavor profile. It is distilled by Suntory, one of Japan’s largest and oldest beverage companies, and is made with six Japanese botanicals, as well as eight traditional gin botanicals. The six Japanese botanicals are sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea, and sansho pepper, which gives Roku Gin its distinctive taste and aroma. It is a smooth and balanced gin with floral and citrus notes, and is often enjoyed in a Gin & Tonic or other classic gin cocktails.
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St. George Terroir ($34) – St. George Terroir gin is a premium gin made by St. George Spirits, a distillery based in Alameda, California. This gin is unique because it is made with botanicals that are native to the Northern California coast, giving it a distinct and complex flavor profile. The botanicals used in the gin include Douglas fir, California bay laurel, and coastal sage, which contribute to the gin’s earthy, herbaceous, and piney notes. St. George Terroir gin is crafted in small batches using a copper pot still and is bottled at 45% ABV. It is a versatile gin that can be enjoyed on its own, in a classic gin and tonic, or in a variety of cocktails.
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Citadelle ($23) – Citadelle gin is a premium gin made in France by Maison Ferrand. It is crafted using 19 different botanicals, including juniper, coriander, citrus peel, cardamom, and cubeb pepper, which are sourced from all around the world. The botanicals are individually macerated and distilled, and then blended together to create a complex and balanced flavor profile. Citadelle gin is distilled in small copper pot stills using a traditional method, and it is bottled at 44% ABV. The gin has a smooth and silky texture, with notes of juniper, citrus, and spice, and it is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own or in a variety of cocktails.
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Nolet’s Silver ($39) – Nolet’s Silver gin is a premium gin made by the Nolet family, who have been distilling spirits for over 325 years in Schiedam, the Netherlands. This gin is made using a combination of botanicals, including juniper, Turkish rose, peach, and raspberry, which are individually macerated and distilled. Nolet’s Silver gin is crafted in small batches using a copper pot still, and it is bottled at 47.6% ABV. The gin has a complex and refined flavor profile, with notes of floral and fruitiness balanced with traditional gin botanicals. It has a smooth and silky texture and can be enjoyed on its own or in a variety of cocktails. Nolet’s Silver gin is a modern interpretation of a classic gin and is known for its unique flavor and aroma.
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Aviation ($27) – Aviation gin is a premium American gin produced by House Spirits Distillery, based in Portland, Oregon. This gin is made using a unique blend of botanicals, including juniper, lavender, anise, and sarsaparilla, which are individually distilled and then blended together to create a smooth and balanced flavor profile. Aviation gin is distilled in small batches using a traditional method, and it is bottled at 42% ABV. The gin has a distinctive and modern flavor, with notes of citrus, floral, and spice, and a subtle sweetness. It is a versatile gin that can be enjoyed on its own or in a variety of cocktails, and it has gained popularity in recent years due to its association with the actor Ryan Reynolds, who acquired an ownership stake in the company in 2018.
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Four Pillars ($42) – Four Pillars gin is a premium gin brand based in Healesville, Australia. The brand was founded in 2013 by three friends who shared a passion for gin and set out to create a gin that would be uniquely Australian. Four Pillars gin is made using a combination of traditional and native Australian botanicals, including juniper, coriander, lemon myrtle, and Tasmanian pepperberry, which are individually distilled and then blended together to create a complex and balanced flavor profile. The gin is distilled in small copper pot stills using a traditional method, and it is bottled at 41.8% ABV. Four Pillars gin is known for its smooth and full-bodied texture, with notes of citrus, spice, and herbaceousness, and it has won numerous awards for its quality and unique flavor. It is a versatile gin that can be enjoyed on its own, in a classic gin and tonic, or in a variety of cocktails.
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Uncle Val’s Botanical ($39) – Uncle Val’s Botanical gin is a premium gin produced by 35 Maple Street Spirits, based in Sonoma, California. This gin is made using a unique combination of botanicals, including juniper, cucumber, lemon, sage, and lavender, which are individually distilled and then blended together to create a complex and distinctive flavor profile. Uncle Val’s Botanical gin is crafted in small batches using a copper pot still, and it is bottled at 45% ABV. The gin has a smooth and silky texture, with notes of fresh herbs, citrus, and floral, and a subtle sweetness. It is a versatile gin that can be enjoyed on its own, in a classic gin and tonic, or in a variety of cocktails. Uncle Val’s Botanical gin is known for its premium quality and its unique flavor profile, and it has won numerous awards for its excellence in the gin category.

Of course, taste is subjective and what one person considers the best gin may not be the same for someone else. It’s always worth experimenting with different gins to find the one that suits your personal taste preferences.