There’s something wonderfully satisfying about mastering the art of a good drink – and few are as timeless as the classic G&T. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting friends for sundowners, knowing how to pour the perfect gin and tonic makes the moment feel a little more special. From choosing the right glass to finding the ideal gin-to-tonic ratio, it’s the little details that bring it all together. Add a twist of citrus or a sprig of rosemary, and suddenly your simple cocktail becomes something special.
1. Choose the right glass
When you’re pouring a gin and tonic, you’ll want to consider the glass you choose. Two good options include a Copa de Balon (balloon) glass or a large wine glass. A glass with a stem prevents your hand from warming the drink, while a wide brim creates space for ice and garnish. The added bonus is that it lifts the fragrance of the gin.
2. Fill the glass with ice
You absolutely need ice but it should be to chill your drink not dilute it. If you’re worried about watering down your G&T, don’t be. The trick is to use as many ice blocks as you can. Plus, try to find ice trays that make bigger blocks – the bigger the better!
3. Stir gently
Remember, you’re not stirring coffee! Push the spoon to the bottom of the glass and move it gently around the rim. This will make sure the flavours are combined and it will help cool your gin and tonic down. Apparently, it then takes four stirs (no more, no less!).
4. The gin
Call us biased but you can’t go wrong with a BFUK Fynbos Gin. Fortunately, we live in a time where there are many gins to choose from.
5. The garnish
What you choose to use to garnish your gin and tonic is completely up to you. There are some wild suggestions out there, such as cherry tomatoes, chillis, black pepper or edible flowers. However, a good rule of thumb to follow is:
- Citrus notes: herbal garnishes, for example rosemary, basil or thyme
- Spicy notes: orange peel, cinnamon or cloves
- Floral notes: cucumber, rose petals or a sprig of lavender
- Fynbos notes: lemon, lime or a sprig of thyme
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Buy good quality tonic water
Your G&T is only as good as the tonic you pour it with. Cheap tonic can taste sickly sweet or leave that weird aftertaste – not what you want when you’re sipping something special. Look out for tonics made with natural ingredients and check the sugar content while you’re at it. Some tonics are loaded with sugar, which can totally overwhelm the gin. A lighter tonic (not necessarily sugar-free, just more balanced) lets the gin do the talking, while still adding the crisp, refreshing bite you’re after.
In short? Skip the sugary stuff and your G&T will thank you.