A Better Gin and Tonic

When we have visited our younger daughter and husband in Connecticut, we’ve been served an amazing gin and tonic, made by our son-in-law. I’ve always loved gin and tonics, but this one was different, and I finally asked for the recipe. Here was the last one I enjoyed, in July.

Turns out, our SIL had talked to a bartender who made this G & T version for him. It was at the Mayflower Hotel, located in Washington, Connecticut. A beautiful place to stay and eat, by the way, and beautiful grounds.

One factor is to use a goblet-style glass, and lots of ice. But another thing I learned is that there are different types of tonic. I never knew! They vary in the amount of quinine, sweetness and complexity, some with added flavors from citrus or other fruit. There are even tonic syrups. So what I discovered is Mediterranean tonic, which I now prefer over what I’d been using!

From google: “Mediterranean tonic water is crafted by blending the essential oils from plants gathered from Mediterranean shores with high-quality quinine. For example, lemon thyme is sourced from the rocky hillside farms in Provence, France, where the warm Mediterranean air and well-drained soil contribute to its deep, concentrated flavor.”

Being British, our SIL recommends Sipsmith gin, which I can’t get where I live. I used Tanqueray No. TEN, which is “distilled with fresh, whole citrus fruits (grapefruit, orange, lime) and chamomile flowers, giving it a brighter, more vibrant, and distinctly citrus-forward profile.”

Even though it was Christmas time, I made this Gin and Tonic recipe, and it was a hit! Any time of year works for a better gin and tonic!

A Better Gin and Tonic
Printable recipe below

2 ounces of gin
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce lemon juice
1 – 5 ounce can Mediterranean Tonic

Mix all of the ingredients in a pitcher or cocktail shaker. Mix well.

Place a generous amount of ice in a goblet-style glass and add the cocktail mixture.

Enjoy!!!

 

 

By Published On: December 29th, 202542 Comments on A Better Gin and Tonic

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

42 Comments

  1. Teagan Riordain Geneviene December 29, 2025 at 8:07 AM - Reply

    Lovely post. (I’m definitely a gin girl.) Hugs.

    • Chef Mimi December 29, 2025 at 8:23 AM - Reply

      Me, too! Happy New Year!!!

  2. johnrieber December 29, 2025 at 8:37 AM - Reply

    I;m not a Gin fan but have learned to love it more now that I have a Vesper everyone in a while and this drink looks very refreshing…cheers1

    • Chef Mimi December 29, 2025 at 9:12 AM - Reply

      Thanks, John! Happy New Year!

  3. It looks festive, so perfect for any holiday – even if it is not 90 degrees in the shade!

  4. cookingwithauntjuju.com December 29, 2025 at 10:07 AM - Reply

    This use to be my drink of choice, however it is now mainly wine.

    • Chef Mimi December 29, 2025 at 12:13 PM - Reply

      Mine as well, but this g & t is very refreshing!

      • cookingwithauntjuju.com December 29, 2025 at 2:46 PM

        I knew I used Fever Tree before in a post but it was ginger beer in a Pimms Cup. Good brand!

      • Chef Mimi December 30, 2025 at 8:04 AM

        It is a good brand. Never knew there were so many different varieties. Happy New Year!

  5. Karen December 29, 2025 at 1:21 PM - Reply

    While I’m not a gin drinker my husband is. When we are in Austria that is what he drinks and they also serve it using a goblet style glass with lots of ice. I know he would enjoy this cocktail.

    • Chef Mimi December 30, 2025 at 8:04 AM - Reply

      Somehow, the lemon juice, simple syrup, and using a better tonic water all makes a huge difference! Happy New Year!

  6. beth December 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM - Reply

    sounds great!

    • Chef Mimi December 30, 2025 at 8:05 AM - Reply

      Happy New Year Beth!

      • beth December 30, 2025 at 8:10 AM

        you too! and I have found both of these ingredients near me –

  7. CarolCooks2 December 30, 2025 at 1:56 AM - Reply

    I love a G & T and these are the exact ingredients I use to mix mine … the perfect G & T…

    • Chef Mimi December 30, 2025 at 8:07 AM - Reply

      Really?!!! Fantastic! Happy New Year Carol!

      • CarolCooks2 December 30, 2025 at 8:23 AM

        Happy New Year,Mimi 🎉🎊🥳

      • Chef Mimi January 2, 2026 at 8:58 AM

        Thanks Carol! May 2026 be everything we hope for!!!

      • CarolCooks2 January 2, 2026 at 11:06 PM

        I do hope so, Mimi…World peace would be lovely…x

  8. Angela@mealstreetkitchen December 30, 2025 at 3:33 PM - Reply

    Sounds wonderful. I haven’t had a Gin and tonic in years but I think I might have to have one now. 😄

    • Chef Mimi December 31, 2025 at 8:40 AM - Reply

      Thanks Angela! Happy New Year!

    • Chef Mimi January 2, 2026 at 8:58 AM - Reply

      I really don’t know why this recipe is so much better, but it really is!

  9. Jeff the Chef December 31, 2025 at 9:18 AM - Reply

    I love this! I’ve never seen a gin and tonic like this, and I had no idea there were different types of tonic (although I knew different brands tasted slightly different). I can’t wait to try this.

    • Chef Mimi January 2, 2026 at 8:58 AM - Reply

      I know! I hope you do try this!

  10. Hannah Kaminsky December 31, 2025 at 12:00 PM - Reply

    I used to hate gin and tonics, but the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference in the world! I love Roku gin especially for its more citrus-forward flavor.

    • Chef Mimi January 2, 2026 at 8:59 AM - Reply

      Have you ever had G’Vine gin? Made in France. Dumb name.

  11. Peg December 31, 2025 at 8:41 PM - Reply

    Thank you, it’s always nice to have a different tasting G&T.

    • Chef Mimi January 2, 2026 at 8:59 AM - Reply

      Oh good! You’ll love this!!!

  12. Anonymous January 3, 2026 at 1:51 AM - Reply

    this does sound good. if only i still drank … :=) happy new year to you.
    cheers
    sherry https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/

    • Chef Mimi January 3, 2026 at 7:51 AM - Reply

      Ohhh. Well never mind!!!

  13. Evening With A Sandwich January 3, 2026 at 3:31 PM - Reply

    Chef Mimi, I have always enjoyed a good gin and tonic and Fever Tree has always been my ‘go to’ I do like the idea of serving these refreshing cocktail in a goblet glass with lots of ice. I think I will be doing that going forward for sure.

    Happy New Year! Looking forward to following your cooking journey in 2026.

    Velva

    • Chef Mimi January 4, 2026 at 8:25 AM - Reply

      Good to know! Yes, I love the goblet idea. Happy happy new year!!!

  14. My Home Food, That's Amore January 5, 2026 at 7:38 AM - Reply

    Happy new year Mimi! I too love a gin and tonic now and then and my husband is always happy to oblige and he has experimented with many brands – some I find too ‘medical’ almost? too ‘botanical’ at times. Whatever. So I think I am happy to stick to Tanqueray. As for glasses – ha! Like you, I rather like the big fat globa glass but I accidentally found out from etiquette expert William Hanson that … well, aesthetics are all very well but the best/most appropriate glass for a G&T is a tall high ball glass – because it keeps the bubbles going it seems. Makes sense. Mind you, I get through my G&T so fast that it wouldn’t make much difference with me haha! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5FjC41SyneE

    • Chef Mimi January 6, 2026 at 5:48 AM - Reply

      Happy New Year!!! Oh that William Hanson!!! He’s something! I agree with you on some gins. But I would like to try sipsmith.

  15. Raymund January 6, 2026 at 12:40 PM - Reply

    This G&T sounds incredibly refreshing, Mimi, the Mediterranean tonic and citrus‑forward gin really take it up a notch.

    • Chef Mimi January 6, 2026 at 5:19 PM - Reply

      I hope you get a change to try it Raymund!

  16. Ann Coleman January 6, 2026 at 5:14 PM - Reply

    I do love a good gin and tonic, and this one sounds quite good. One of the restaurants we frequent had something called a “Missouri Gin and Tonic”on its menu, and it was different, but good. Still, I think I’d prefer your recipe.

    • Chef Mimi January 6, 2026 at 5:20 PM - Reply

      I’ll have to check that out! Maybe it’s a thing. Happy New Year Ann!

  17. Healthy World Cuisine January 9, 2026 at 8:38 PM - Reply

    Who knew there were so many tonic options?! Must give you tonic a go! We always make our with lots (I mean lots) of limes – we don’t want to get scurvy! (smiling) Will have to try it with lemon for a change.

    • Chef Mimi January 10, 2026 at 7:51 AM - Reply

      I’ve always used limes as well, but I hope you try this – it’s exquisite!!!

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