Gin and Tonic (English)

A gin and tonic or, less frequently, gin tonic, is a highball cocktail made with gin and tonic water poured over a large amount of ice. The ratio of gin to tonic varies according to taste, strength of the gin, other drink mixers being added, etc., with most recipes calling for a ratio between 1:1 and 1:3. It is usually garnished with a slice or wedge of lime. To preserve effervescence, the tonic can be poured down a bar spoon. The ice cools the gin, dulling the effect of the alcohol in the mouth and making the drink more pleasant and refreshing to taste.

British officers in India in the early 19th century took to adding a mixture of water, sugar, lime and gin to the quinine in order to make the drink more palatable, thus gin and tonic was born. Soldiers in India were already given a gin ration, and so the sweet concoction made sense.

ice cubes
1 part gin
1-3 parts tonic

Garnish:
lime wheels

Fill a highball glass with ice, then add the gin and the tonic, and garnish with a lime wedge.

Optionally, you may squeeze some of the lime juice into the gin and tonic before you use it as a garnish.

Makes 1 cocktail.

Cook's Notes:

• DRINKWARE: The standard drinkware is the highball glass, although other kinds of glasses, such as an Old-Fashioned or a balloon glass, are also commonly used.
• PROPORTIONS: There is no set ratio of gin to tonic as it all depends on personal taste. Some like it more on the bitter side, meaning with less tonic, while others prefer a more mellow taste, meaning there is more tonic than gin in the drink.
• SERVING: Since there is no exact recipe for a gin and tonic cocktail, it is often suggested to serve the gin and tonic separate, as that way the person who ordered the cocktail can decide on the ratio that best suits their palate.