BLOG
How to Make a Gin and Tonic

How to Make a Gin and Tonic: The Ultimate Guide

A gin and tonic should be simple—but never boring. It’s the cocktail equivalent of a crisp white shirt: timeless, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to mess up if you’re not paying attention. At Hush and Whisper, we don’t settle for just “good enough.” When you’re working with a gin that’s bright, botanical, and award-winning (yeah, we said it), your G&T deserves more than a rushed pour over half-melted ice. So if you’re ready to level up the world’s most misunderstood “easy” cocktail, grab your best highball glass—we’ve got some things to stir up.

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

This cocktail didn’t start out in trendy bars or rooftop lounges—it started as medicine. British soldiers in the 19th century mixed gin with quinine-laced tonic water to fight off malaria in tropical regions. It worked (sort of), but more importantly, it tasted better than straight tonic—and just like that, a classic was born.

What kept it around wasn’t just the history—it was the balance. Bitter and botanical, crisp and cool. A good gin and tonic hits that sweet spot between sharp and smooth, making it the kind of drink you can keep coming back to whether you’re sweating through a Texas summer or just looking for something with a little bite.

Let’s be honest—some gins are doing the most (and not in a good way). Overly piney, too bitter, or so subtle you barely know it’s there. Hush & Whisper Gin isn’t here to play those games.

Our gin was awarded Best of Category Classic Gin for a reason. It brings fruity, citrus, juniper, and herbal aromas on the nose, followed by a candied sweetness and hints of tropical fruit on the palate. The finish? Long and lingering with citrus and juniper notes that make every sip feel intentional.

This gin was built to shine in a G&T. It’s bold enough to stand up to tonic, but smooth enough to keep it refreshing. Basically, it’s everything you want in your glass—and nothing you don’t.

Preparing the Perfect Gin and Tonic

You don’t need a mixology degree to get this right. You just need to pay attention to the details:

  • Start with a quality gin – That’s your base. Make it count.
  • Use a good tonic – People swear by Fever-Tree and Q Tonic for a reason. They’re crisp, balanced, and won’t drown out your botanicals.
  • Stick to the ratio – One part gin, two parts tonic water. Adjust for taste, but that’s your golden starting point.
  • Highball glass – It gives your drink room to open up.
  • Big ice cubes – More chill, less dilution.
  • Garnish to match – A lime wedge, a sprig of rosemary, a twist of orange—go with what complements the gin’s personality.

Serve it cold, fresh, and stirred gently. That’s it.

Serving and Enjoying Your Gin and Tonic

The difference between a decent G&T and a standout one? The little touches:

fancy gin and tonic with lemon and peppercorns

  • Lime wedge + basil – Bright, peppery, and refreshing
  • Grapefruit peel + thyme – Balanced and botanical
  • Orange + rosemary – Subtle and aromatic
  • Cucumber + mint – Spa-day energy with a clean twist

You could also enhance the flavor with a splash of fresh lime. Want to push it a bit? A dash of elderflower liqueur or pineapple juice adds a totally different layer.

These spins keep the spirit of the drink but change up the style:

  • Cucumber Tonic – Swap in cucumber tonic and garnish with mint
  • Elderflower G&T – Add 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur before topping with tonic
  • Citrus Twist – Use grapefruit tonic and match it with a fresh peel
  • G&T with a Splash – Add a bit of pineapple, cranberry, or iced green tea

The Hush and Whisper G&T

Our signature house pour keeps things clean, crisp, and unmistakably ours.

You’ll need:

  • 2 oz Hush & Whisper Original Gin
  • 4 oz premium tonic water (we like Fever Tree or Q Tonic)
  • Ice (large cubes)
  • Grapefruit slice
  • Sprig of rosemary

How to make it: Fill a highball glass with ice. Add your Hush and Whisper Gin. Top with two parts tonic water. Gently stir. Garnish with grapefruit and rosemary.

Why it works: It’s balanced, bright, and built to showcase the gin—not just mask it. Two ingredients, plus a garnish, and you’re off to the races.

Gin & Tonic: Sip the Flavor, Serve the Finesse

women following gin and tonic recipe

A gin and tonic doesn’t need a lot of fuss—but it does deserve your attention. With the right gin, the right tonic, and a little care in how you serve it, you can turn a simple pour into something worthy of the spotlight.

Pick up a bottle of Hush and Whisper Original Gin, mix yourself something refreshing, and taste what happens when all the right pieces come together. Whether you prefer it classic or with a twist, this is your go-to summer drink.

Visit us in Bryan, Texas, or contact our team to find a bottle near you. Let’s raise a glass to better G&Ts—made with style, served with character.

RELATED POST