This ultimate G&T hits that perfect ratio — clean gin, fizzy tonic, and a zing of lime. Nothing fancy, just done right. Quick to build, no need for shaker faff. Cold, bright, and ready in under 2 minutes.
Ingredients Needed
For the Drink:
- 50ml Bombay Sapphire gin
- 100ml chilled tonic water
- 1 lime
For Assembling:
- Ice cubes
- Copa balloon glass
- Bar spoon (optional)
How To Make Ultimate Gin and Tonic
- Chill the Glass: Fill a copa balloon glass about ¾ full of ice. Stir with a spoon to chill the glass. If you forget — honestly, it’s fine, but this step helps.
- Prep the Lime: Roll the lime on the counter first (makes it juicier). Cut 2 wedges. Squeeze one directly over the ice and drop it in.
- Add the Gin: Measure 50ml of Bombay Sapphire and pour into the glass. Swirl gently — this helps mix without smashing the ice.
- Top with Tonic: Slowly pour in 100ml tonic water, ideally down the back of a spoon to keep the fizz. Stir gently just once or twice.
- Final Touch: Garnish with the second lime wedge. Done. That’s it.

Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made a lot of G&Ts, usually when I’m too tired to cook and just need something crisp and cold in my hand. This version never misses. It’s clean, balanced — the lime wakes everything up. You don’t even have to think about it. It’s that one drink that always works.
Recipe Tips
- Chill your tonic — warm tonic makes a flat drink.
- Don’t over-stir — it knocks out the bubbles.
- Squeeze the lime over the ice, not the gin. Trust me.
- Always use fresh lime, not bottled juice.
- The copa glass keeps it colder longer and lets the aromas breathe.
- You can batch this, but add tonic just before serving.
- Want it lighter? Use more tonic — 3:1 still works great.
How To Store Ultimate Gin and Tonic
- At Room Temperature: Nope. Serve immediately and ice cold.
- In the Fridge: You can pre-mix gin and lime in a bottle. Add ice and tonic right before serving.
- In the Freezer: You can chill the gin and glasses in there. Don’t freeze the whole drink.
- Reheating: Please don’t. Just… no.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: ~145 kcal
- Carbs: 7g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fibre: 0g
- Sodium: 3mg
Let’s Answer a Few Questions!
- Q: Why use a balloon glass?
A: It helps trap aromas and keeps the drink colder — plus it just looks nice. - Q: Can I use any gin?
A: Sure, but Bombay Sapphire’s floral, light profile really works well here. - Q: What’s the best tonic water?
A: Something dry and crisp. Fever-Tree or Schweppes work. Avoid overly sweet ones. - Q: Can I use lemon instead?
A: Yep. Different flavour, still great. More zesty than aromatic.
Ultimate G&T Recipe
Course: DrinksCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy1
servings2
145
kcalA crisp, perfectly balanced G&T made with Bombay Sapphire, fresh lime, and cold tonic — clean, fizzy, and citrus-bright.
Ingredients
50ml Bombay Sapphire gin
100ml tonic water
1 lime
Ice cubes
Directions
- Fill glass ¾ with ice and stir to chill.
- Roll and cut lime into wedges. Squeeze one over ice.
- Add gin and swirl gently.
- Slowly pour in tonic water, stir gently once.
- Garnish with second lime wedge and serve.
Notes
- Use chilled tonic for better fizz.
- Don’t skip fresh lime — bottled juice ruins the balance.
- Stir minimally to keep bubbles intact.
- Can adjust tonic ratio to personal taste.