How to Elevate a Gin & Tonic
Reading the title of this article, you might be thinking, “Is there really anything more that can be done to a Gin & Tonic? It’s literally just gin and tonic.”
And that’s a fair point. But after more than a decade of distilling, mixing, and serving them, we can confidently say: there are good Gin & Tonics, and there are great Gin & Tonics.
Start with a good gin
It sounds obvious, but the gin really does matter.
A good quality gin is built on balance, the right blend of botanicals, distilled with care and consistency. Cheap gins can taste harsh or flat, while a well-crafted gin delivers layers of flavour designed to shine through your tonic.
If you’re using Pickering’s Original 1947 Gin, for example, those warm, spiced notes deserve a tonic that complements rather than clashes. A classic Indian tonic brings out the sweetness of the cinnamon and cardamom beautifully.
For something brighter, like our Pickering’s Original Gin, a lighter, crisper tonic lets those citrus and juniper notes take centre stage.
Choose your tonic wisely
Not all tonics are created equal. A good tonic should lift your gin, not drown it. Look for one that’s made with natural quinine and minimal sugar. You want a clean bitterness, not a syrupy fizz.
Different botanicals in your gin can pair better with different tonic styles. Floral gins might love an elderflower tonic, while a citrus-led gin sings with Mediterranean or light tonics.
Our rule of thumb? Try a few and see what brings out your gin’s personality.
Ice matters
Don’t underestimate the humble ice cube. The more, the better - seriously.
A glass packed with big, solid cubes keeps your drink colder for longer and melts more slowly, so your carefully balanced G&T doesn’t get watered down.
Avoid small, hollow ice that disappears before you’ve taken your first sip.
Glassware makes a difference
The right glass can completely change the drinking experience.
You don’t need a giant balloon glass to enjoy a proper G&T. In fact, we think they’re a bit overrated. A sturdy highball does the job beautifully. It keeps your drink tall, chilled, and perfectly balanced between gin, tonic, and ice.
The key is space. Enough room for plenty of ice and a good measure of tonic, but not so much that your bubbles go flat halfway through. Clean, simple, and classic, just how a G&T should be.
Don’t forget the garnish
This is your final flourish. A garnish should enhance the gin, not just look pretty. Think about what’s in your gin; if it’s citrusy, go for orange or grapefruit. If it’s spiced, try a slice of fresh ginger or a cinnamon stick.
For Pickering’s, we like to match the garnish to the character of the gin:
- Original Gin: a simple slice of pink grapefruit.
- 1947 Gin: a slice of fresh orange.
- Navy Strength: a wedge of lime, bold gin, bold flavour.
The takeaway
A truly great Gin & Tonic is all about balance, good ingredients, the right proportions, and a bit of care. It’s simple, yes, but done well, it’s a masterpiece in a glass.
So next time you pour one, give it the attention it deserves. After all, it’s not just gin and tonic.
