We Asked 3 Bartenders to Name the Best Gin for a Gin and Tonic, and They All Said the Same Thing
Few drinks are as refreshing as a classic Gin and Tonic. Every sip transports me to a sun-filled garden, dressed in a crisp seersucker suit, savoring the crisp cocktail as the bubbles playfully dance against my lips. Selecting the proper gin is crucial; it’s what stands between me and fully embracing my summer era.
To delve into the art of the perfect G&T, I consulted a few bartenders for their expert opinions. The consensus? London Dry gin is the ultimate choice, and here’s why.
The Best Gin for a Gin and Tonic, According to Bartenders
London Dry gin boasts a distinctive, juniper-forward profile that harmonizes beautifully with the bitterness of tonic water. Thanks to its adherence to strict production standards prohibiting added sweeteners or artificial flavors, this gin’s commitment to consistency results in a crisp, clean, and pure taste that allows the natural botanicals to shine. (Contrary to what the name suggests, this style of gin can be made anywhere in the world.)
If you’re just starting your gin journey and looking for something that won’t break the bank, Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, MasterClass instructor, recommends Beefeater London Dry Gin. He praises it not only for its taste but also for its affordability and widespread availability. “The good thing about Beefeater is you can wander into any store and find it. Pound for pound, it’s the best,” says Chetiyawardana.
Buy: Beefeater London Dry Gin, $21.99 for 750 ml at Total Wine
“There’s something about the balance of the citrus elements and that punchy juniper that is so perfect,” he adds. “When the drink opens up, you get that harmony of bittersweet notes from the tonic playing with the citrus and the juniper.” (If you want to spice things up — literally — Colombo No. 7, a Sri Lankan gin that highlights its native botanicals, is Chetiyawardana go-to when he wants “something more spiced and aromatic.”)
Thomas Mizuno-Moore, former senior beverage manager at Aba, recommends a less widely available choice. “If I’m going for an ultra-classic Gin and Tonic profile with spice, juniper, and citrus, I usually reach for Fords London Dry Gin. It’s less common as a retail option or in the average corner bar, but cocktail bars and restaurants with craft cocktail programs will have it,” says Mizuno-Moore.
Buy: Fords London Dry Gin, $24.99 for 750 ml at Total Wine
What if you want to sip a gin, but aren’t a fan of the characteristic juniper taste? Fear not, Anthony Carron, CEO of Chéri Rooftop, has a solution. “I would recommend Hendrick’s for people who are not gin drinkers. It has one of the most restrained profiles with the least juniper of the major brands, and more of a cucumber profile.”
Buy: Hendrick’s Gin, $35.39 for 750 ml at Total Wine
But Wait, What About the Tonic?
Remember, it takes two to Gin and Tonic, and a great one requires attention to both the gin and the tonic. When mixing one at home, the latter is often overlooked, yet it constitutes three-quarters of your drink — so it should be of the highest quality.
“I’m a big fan of the Fever-Tree Lemon,” says Carron. “Sometimes people squeeze too much lemon and lose the carbonation. Having the lemon already in the Fever-Tree is nice.” In fact, everyone I spoke to agreed that Fever-Tree is the way to go. Not only will it enhance the gin, but it also adds flavor without diluting the drink.
Is it actually worth splurging on a fancy tonic? “Fever-Tree is worth the expense,” confirms Chetiyawardana. “That’s why Beefeater is great — the gin is cheap, so you can spend the money on the mixer.”
Buy: Fever-Tree Lemon Tonic Water, $6.89 for 4 (200 ml) bottles at Instacart
Do you agree with these bartenders? What gin do you use to make a G&T?
This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: We Asked 3 Bartenders to Name the Best Gin for a Gin and Tonic, and They All Said the Same Thing