Gin and Tonic
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With only two ingredients a classic Gin and Tonic cocktail is easy to make for happy hour at home or when you are hosting parties. All you need is gin and tonic water! Garnish it with a squeeze of lime and lime wedge if you wish.

Is it happy hour where you’re at? Because I have got the best happy hour cocktail for you to try.
This gin and tonic recipe is a classic and for good reason – it’s light, bubbly and refreshing, and so easy to make. It’s basically my idea of the perfect after-work drink when I want to relax.
The Best Gin and Tonic Recipe
There’s nothing complicated about this drink which is why I love it so much. No fancy bar tools needed!
There are only two ingredients plus some lime. Even though there are so few ingredients, you can easily adjust it to make your perfect gin and tonic.
I love it because it’s really easy to make one or a few drinks to share. We love to have friends over to sit on the deck to sip on a cocktail. Adding a few snacks like ranch pretzels or some chips and salsa makes it a great happy hour!
The Best Gin to Use
There are so many different brands of gin to choose from! For us, we like Tanqueray but we also enjoy Bombay Sapphire. For a great budget gin, you can’t go wrong with Beefeater.
If you’re new to drinking gin, I recommend opting for a budget gin first and then start exploring all the other options if you really enjoy a gin and tonic.
Tonic Water vs. Club Soda
Tonic water and club soda aren’t the same things, so be sure to get tonic water for this drink.
Tonic water is a carbonated drink like club soda but has added ingredients like sugar that give it a distinctive flavor.
How to Make It
Once you have your gin and tonic water all you need is some ice and some lime!
This drink is made with a lot of ice, so fill the glass up with ice cubes first.
I like two ounces of gin and four to six ounces of tonic water, depending on how strong I want the drink. The nice thing is you can adjust this ratio to suit your tastes!
So, pour the alcohol over the ice and then top it with the tonic. I like to squeeze lime juice into the drink and then run the wedge around the rim of the glass. You can serve the drink with or without the lime wedge.
Finally, gently stir the drink to combine.
Pro Tips
Variations: There are a lot of ways to change up this drink. You can try different flavored tonic waters, add fresh herbs to the drink, or add a mixer like fruit juice. When it’s your drink, there are no rules!
Prep Tip: When you stir, do it gently so the drinks stay nice and bubbly. Because tonic goes flat, I don’t recommend making a big batch that will sit. It’s better to make it drink as someone wants one.
Ready to cheers your friends with some bubbly and refreshing gin and tonics? Plan to make them for your next happy hour – I know you will love this easy drink recipe!
More Drinks with Gin
Looking for more ways to put that bottle of gin to use? Here are some more cocktails to try!
- A Tom Collins is a quick and easy refreshing cocktail that’s a little sweet and a little sour!
- Irish Trash Can drinks are a super fun party drink!
Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!!? Seriously, though, a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure to tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your pics!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Gin and Tonic
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 4 to 6 ounces tonic water to taste
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice cubes. Pour in the gin then top with tonic.
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then squeeze lime wedge into glass and drop in lime wedge to give this drink the most citrus flavor.
- Gently stir to combine, but not so much you lose the carbonation.
Malinda says
So easy to make! Loved it!
Danielle says
I love simple drinks! Thanks for sharing!
Alison LaFortune says
Classic cocktail! Was looking for a simple & delicious gin drink and this hit the spot.