The perfect gin and tonic (with mint and lime)

Since the two main ingredients are right there in the name, making a classic gin and tonic is easy. However, the magic is in the details.

In this post:

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.

Mint: Fresh mint, muddled right in the glass, brings a vibrant aromatic freshness to every sip.

Gin: Look for a gin with a smooth, balanced profile that won't overpower.

New Amsterdam and Aviation are widely available and blend beautifully in this style of cocktail. For a craft option, River Rose Gin from LeClaire, Iowa offers a unique, floral twist.

Tonic: For the cleanest flavor, choose a tonic that’s naturally sweetened with sugar, not high fructose corn syrup. Fever-Tree and Whole Foods’ 365 tonic water are my go-to options.

Lime: Freshly squeezed is a must.

This section shows how to make this recipe at a glance with process photos of the steps. For complete ingredient amounts & instructions, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.

1. Muddle fresh mint leaves in a rocks glass (or high ball glass) with ice. Then add a shot of gin.

Extra large ice cubes work great in this drink, because they cool quickly & melt slowly. That way your cocktail won't get diluted before you finish it.

2. Add tonic water.

3. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the glass.

4. Swipe the glass rim with the cut edge of the lime for extra tang as you sip.

(Need another use for that bottle of gin? Make an orange creamsicle drink!)

You can make this cocktail your own with a few simple tweaks.

• Replace gin with vodka for a vodka tonic
• To lessen the sweetness, cut some or all of the tonic water with sparkling water
• Instead of a squeeze of lime, use lemon, orange, or grapefruit
• Instead of mint, use rosemary
• For a fruitier drink, replace mint with muddled sliced peaches, mangoes, cucumbers, or raspberries

📖 Recipe

The perfect gin and tonic (with mint and lime)

Author: Cadry Nelson

5 from 4 votes

When the weather gets muggy, gin and tonic is the perfect cocktail to quench your thirst. It's simple to make. Take it to the next level with the addition of fresh mint leaves, a squeeze of lime, and fresh lime juice around the glass rim.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 person

Course: Drink

Cuisine: Alcoholic

Keyword: cocktail, gin

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 fresh mint leaves
• ▢ 2 to 3 ice cubes or one extra large cube
• ▢ 1 shot gin
• ▢ 4 to 6 ounces tonic water
• ▢ 2 lime slices

Instructions

• ▢
  Muddle two fresh mint leaves in a rocks glass or highball glass.
• ▢
  Add 2 or 3 standard-sized ice cubes (or one extra large cube) and a shot of gin. Fill the glass the rest of the way with 4 to 6 ounces of tonic water.
• ▢
  Squeeze in two lime slices. Before putting the last lime slice in the drink, swipe the cut edge of the fruit around the rim of the glass.

Watch how to make it

Notes

Drink variations:

• Replace gin with vodka for a vodka tonic
• To lessen the sweetness, cut some or all of the tonic water with sparkling water
• Instead of a squeeze of lime, use lemon, orange, or grapefruit
• Instead of mint, use rosemary
• For a fruitier drink, replace mint with muddled sliced peaches, mangoes, cucumbers, or raspberries

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Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Sodium: 25mg | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 4mg

Content updated September 30, 2025. Originally posted July 13, 2016.