G&t Recipe

Chill glass

Place a highball or Collins glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice and cold water while you gather ingredients to chill the glass thoroughly.

Prepare ice and lime

If you used ice to chill the glass, discard the chilling water and add fresh ice cubes to fill the glass about three-quarters full (approximately 1 cup of ice). Roll the lime half on the counter under your palm to loosen juices, then cut into a wheel and a wedge. Reserve wedge for garnish and squeeze the wheel lightly over the glass if you prefer extra citrus aroma.

Measure and pour gin

Measure 2 oz of London dry gin and pour it directly over the ice in the chilled glass.

Add tonic

Hold the chilled tonic bottle close to the glass and slowly pour 4 oz of tonic water down the side of the glass (this preserves carbonation). Pour gently so the tonic layers with the gin rather than excessive foaming.

Stir gently

Using a long bar spoon or stirring stick, give the drink one or two slow, gentle stirs to combine gin and tonic without losing too much carbonation.

Add optional aromatics

If using cucumber ribbons, slip them into the glass before pouring the gin for a subtle fresh flavor. If using juniper berries, lightly crush them with the back of a spoon and drop them in for an extra juniper note.

Garnish the drink with the reserved lime wheel or wedge on the rim and a sprig of fresh mint tucked into the top of the drink for aroma. Serve immediately with a straw or without, instructing the drinker to give it a final gentle stir if desired.