When it comes to a gin & tonic, we all know gin is the star of the show. But every leading role needs a perfect co-star, and for gin, that’s tonic water. While it might seem like any tonic will do, the truth is that your choice can either elevate your gin to new heights or completely overwhelm it. With the growing variety of gins available today, choosing the right tonic can feel like a challenge. However, it’s essential not to fall into the habit of using the same tonic for every gin. Each G&T deserves a tailored touch for maximum enjoyment. Let’s explore why selecting the right tonic matters so you can enjoy the perfect G&T every time.

What is Tonic Water?

Tonic water is made with soda water, sugar, and quinine - a bitter compound derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, which is indigenous to South America. The bark is renowned for its medicinal properties and gives tonic water its characteristic bitterness.

Not All Tonics Are Created Equal

Tonic water has evolved far beyond the simple quinine-laden mixer it once was. From classic options to flavoured varieties infused with everything from elderflower to pink grapefruit, there’s now a tonic to complement every style of gin. The key is finding a balance: a tonic that highlights your gin’s unique character without overpowering it. The diversity in tonic flavours mirror the versatility of gin, making it easier than ever to find the perfect pairing for every style.

The Natural vs Artificial Debate

When selecting a tonic water for your gin, it’s worth considering the ingredients. Many commercial brands, like Schweppes, include artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame K, alongside natural flavourings and preservatives like sodium benzoate. While these additives help create consistent and long-lasting products, they can introduce an artificial aftertaste. For a cleaner, more natural taste, artisanal tonic waters provide an excellent alternative. Brands like Fever-Tree, Capi, Midnight Mixers and Long Rays craft their tonics with natural quinine and botanicals, avoiding artificial sweeteners to let the gin’s true character shine.

Know Your Gin

The first step to choosing a tonic is understanding your gin. Is it a citrus-forward gin bursting with zesty notes? Or perhaps a classic London Dry with robust juniper at its heart? Then there are contemporary gins that showcase unexpected botanicals, like native Australian ingredients, or floral and fruit infusions. Each style deserves a tonic that will bring out its best qualities.

For example:

Citrus-forward gins pair beautifully with a light tonic or one infused with Mediterranean flavours.
Spiced or herbaceous gins shine alongside an aromatic tonic with hints of rosemary or thyme.
Floral gins find harmony with subtly sweet tonics like elderflower.
Bold juniper-led gins thrive with a classic Indian tonic that lets the gin take centre stage.

If in doubt, experiment or ask! Distilleries are always happy to recommend the best tonic pairings for their gins - it’s in our best interest for you to enjoy your G&T to the fullest!

The Perfect Serve: Getting the Gin-to-Tonic Balance Right

Once you’ve matched the tonic to your gin, getting the proportions right is essential. A 1:2 ratio of gin to tonic is a great starting point, but feel free to adjust it to suit your personal taste. Too much tonic can dilute the flavours, while too little might make the drink too intense. Additionally, ensure your tonic is well-chilled before mixing, and use plenty of ice to keep your G&T at the ideal temperature while you enjoy it.

A Final Touch

The garnish is your finishing flourish, tying the gin and tonic together. Citrus, fresh herbs, or fruits like berries or apple can amplify the flavors in your glass. Just be sure to complement, not clash with, the botanicals in your gin.

Experiment and Explore

At Banks & Solander, we’ve crafted gins with distinctive personalities, from the vibrant Signature Gin to the Japanese inspired Ora Gin. We encourage you to experiment with different tonics to find your favourite pairing – because the perfect G&T is as much about personal taste as it is about getting the combination just right.

Our Recommendations

For those short on time and looking for expert recommendations, here’s what we think pairs best with our gins:

Signature Gin – Fever-Tree’s Elderflower Tonic pairs beautifully with the orange zest and strawberry gum notes, topped off with a citrus garnish. Fever-Tree’s Light Mediterranean tonic also complements the citrus tones in our gin.
Ora Gin – The umami flavours from Japan are enhanced with Midnight Mixers Classic Dry Tonic or Fever-Tree’s Ginger Beer.
Fig Gin – Midnight Mixers Classic Dry Tonic opens up the fruitiness of our Fig Gin, while Fever-Tree’s Indian Tonic lifts its flavours. We recommend garnishing with a slice of apple.

Ready to embark on your gin and tonic journey? Share your perfect pairing with us on social media, and let’s toast to the art of mixing!