Red Door’s Tips for the perfect gin & tonic

Crisp, clean, classy! We know that the G&T is one of the nation’s all-time favourite drinks…

In 2016, Britain reportedly enjoyed the equivalent of a billion of these crowd-pleasing classics. Even with the rising popularity of gin-based cocktails (such as our Red Door Gin Martini) the simple Gin and Tonic remains the most popular way to drink gin.

And for good reason! When made well, a G&T is fresh, fragrant and the perfect cocktail to draw upon a gin’s natural flavours.

Let’s have a look at Red Door’s tips for the perfect gin and tonic…

What is the best balance of tonic to gin?

The first part of perfecting your G&T is to find the right gin-to-tonic ratio. This is to ensure your tonic water complements the delicate flavours of the gin without overpowering them. So, let’s look at the maths involved…

Check your bottle of Red Door Gin and you’ll see that our delicious highland spirit is 45% ABV. It’s also widely accepted that the ideal strength for a G&T is 14% alcohol. This is why Red Door recommend the magic ratio of 1 part Red Door Gin to 2 parts tonic water. It’s our rule of thirds.

If you are looking for a gin and tonic that is mouthwatering, refreshing and still allows you appreciate the full flavour of Red Door’s deliciously distinctive botanicals, then try this ratio!

Do you need to fix your mixer?

The Red Door team understand that the best cocktails require premium quality ingredients. However, that doesn’t always mean that the tastiest tonic waters are best…

We actually recommend using a neutral tonic water for your G&T. Try to find a mixer that will complement the natural tasting notes of your gin without distracting from them.

Another characteristic to look for in tonic water is the level of carbonation (how bubbly the tonic is). You want to avoid something too flat, or something so fizzy that it will end up flat before you finish your drink!

What is the best garnish for a Gin & Tonic?

Choosing the a garnish for your G&T is a big decision. From raspberry to rosemary, peppercorns or even chilli, there’s much more on offer than a lemon twist or wedge of lime!

A great garnish should either contrast the complex flavours of your gin, or work with the botanicals to accentuate flavours.

After much testing and tasting with the team, we discovered that our Red Door Gin & Tonic works wonderfully with a handful of fresh raspberries. That, or a slice of grapefruit. The balance between sharp, sweet, tangy and tart perfectly complements the flavour profile of our gin.

You can tell us which is your favourite on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

Don’t forget the ice…

Most people will agree that a Gin and Tonic is best served cold, with plenty of ice. Especially satisfying in the summer sun when the warm weather welcomes us to enjoy our gin al-fresco!

One fantastic tip is to opt for larger ice cubes. These should last longer, keeping your drink cool without diluting the natural flavours of your gin.

And lastly, the best glass for a Gin and Tonic…

There are many types of glass that you might explore. Some are practical, better for bringing out the flavours of the gin, and others are more decorative and pleasing on the eye – perfect for impressing those special guests.

For Red Door Gin and it’s exquisite nosing profile we find a balloon glass works best. The large round body of the glass traps perfectly the complex aromas allowing you to experience the full depth of our locally-influenced botanicals.

A top tip for whichever glass you choose to use: Chill your glass in the fridge or freezer before serving to help keep your drink cool. A frosty glass is also a lovely touch if you are hosting guests!

There you have it, Red Door’s recipe for a perfect gin and tonic! You can continue the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where you will find a regular servings of all things Red Door Gin. Do let us know if you try out any of our tips!