Gin & Tonic

Gin · Highball

While the combination dates to British colonial India, the modern G&T became hugely popular during American Prohibition as tonic water's bitter quinine masked the harsh taste of bootleg gin.

GlassHighball
GarnishNone
ABV11%
Categoryprohibition
Flavorbitter, refreshing, citrus, classic

Ingredients

  • Gin2 oz
  • Tonic Water4 oz
  • Lemon Wheel1 piece

Method

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice
  2. Add gin
  3. Top with tonic water
  4. Stir gently
  5. Garnish with lime wheel

Pro Tips

  • British colonial India origin — tonic's quinine was an anti-malarial; gin masked its bitterness.
  • Premium tonic (Fever-Tree, Q) transforms this; Schweppes works but is uninspired.
  • A lime wheel plus a sprig of rosemary or a cucumber slice elevates the aromatics.