Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/4 oz Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 5 dashes Bitters
- Tonic Water chilled, to top
Instructions
Combine the Ingredients:
- In a tall glass filled with ice, add 1 1/2 oz of gin, 1/4 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 5 dashes of Angostura bitters. The Angostura bitters add a distinctive pink color and a layer of bitterness with complex spice notes.
Top with Tonic Water:
- Top off the mixture with chilled tonic water. The tonic water provides a refreshing and effervescent balance to the gin and bitters.
Stir Briefly:
- Stir the mixture briefly to combine all the ingredients. This ensures a well-mixed drink with a harmonious blend of flavors.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Pink Gin & Tonic.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The original Gin & Tonic emerged from British colonial India in the 19th century, a medicinal concoction of quinine to ward off malaria, mixed with gin and water to make it palatable. The "pink" version, however, refers to two distinct drinks. The classic Pink Gin, a simple mix of gin and Angostura bitters, originated with the Royal Navy as a remedy for seasickness.
The Pink Gin & Tonic as it's largely known today is a modern iteration of the classic G&T. It typically uses a flavored "pink gin" infused with fruits like strawberries or raspberries, or it can be a standard G&T with a splash of a berry liqueur or muddled fruit. This separates it from the more bitter, medicinal profile of its historical namesake.
You'll find the Pink Gin & Tonic gracing menus at sunny patios, trendy brunch spots, and anywhere people are looking for a light, refreshing, and visually appealing drink. It's an easy-drinking option for those who might find a traditional G&T too dry or herbal.
What it tastes like
A Pink Gin & Tonic typically offers a softer, often fruitier take on the classic G&T profile. Expect the familiar botanical notes of gin, often complemented by sweet berry or citrus undertones from the pink gin itself. The quinine bitterness of the tonic water still grounds the drink, creating a balanced, refreshing, and slightly sweet experience.
Assuming a standard 2 oz pour of 40% ABV pink gin, diluted with about 4 oz of tonic, your Pink Gin & Tonic will clock in around 13-14% ABV. That puts it roughly on par with a glass of wine or a strong craft beer, so it's not a session drink if you're planning a long afternoon.
The technique
Building a Pink Gin & Tonic is as simple as it gets. Fill a highball or copa glass with fresh ice. Pour in your pink gin, then top with your preferred tonic water. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz. Garnish with a lime wedge, grapefruit slice, or a few fresh berries to complement the gin's flavor profile.
The one technique tip that matters most for any G&T is using plenty of fresh, solid ice. Dilution is key, but you want it to happen slowly, keeping your drink cold and crisp. Skimp on ice, and your drink will get watery and warm fast, dulling the flavors.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Pink Gin
- Use
- Malfy Rosa, Gordon's Pink, Tanqueray Sevilla, Beefeater Pink. Look for gins infused with berries, rhubarb, or citrus.
- Skip
- Cheap, overly sweet "pink" liqueurs that aren't actual gin. Avoid anything that tastes like artificial candy.
- Why
- This is the defining ingredient. A good pink gin brings the necessary fruit, floral, or citrus notes that distinguish this drink from a standard G&T, without being cloying.
Tonic Water
- Use
- Fever-Tree Indian Tonic, Q Tonic, East Imperial Old World Tonic. Good quality tonics with natural quinine and balanced sweetness.
- Skip
- Generic, overly sweet, or artificially flavored tonics. The cheap stuff will overpower the gin and taste flat.
- Why
- Tonic makes up the bulk of the drink. A quality tonic provides the crucial bitterness and effervescence that makes a G&T refreshing.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Classic Pink Gin
- The original gin and bitters.
- Two ounces of gin with a few dashes of Angostura bitters, stirred and served up or on the rocks. No tonic, just gin.
Berry G&T
- Fruity and fresh.
- Muddle a few fresh raspberries or strawberries in your glass before adding ice, gin, and tonic for a natural fruit infusion.
Elderflower G&T
- Floral and aromatic.
- Add a splash of elderflower liqueur or cordial to your standard Gin & Tonic for a fragrant, slightly sweeter twist.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a standard dry gin with a splash of raspberry or strawberry liqueur, or muddle a few fresh berries. A few dashes of Angostura bitters will give you the classic Pink Gin flavor.
A Gin Rickey uses soda water for a less bitter, drier drink. Alternatively, try a Gin Fizz with lemon juice and soda.
A few fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries) or a lemon wedge work well. Even a simple cucumber ribbon can add a fresh note.
Any tall, straight-sided glass will do the job. A large wine glass or even a pint glass can work in a pinch, just make sure there's enough room for ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Pink Gin & Tonic?
A Pink Gin & Tonic typically contains pink gin, tonic water, and is often garnished with a lime wedge, grapefruit slice, or fresh berries.
What makes gin "pink"?
Modern pink gins are usually infused with fruits like strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, or rhubarb, which impart their color and flavor. Historically, "Pink Gin" referred to gin with Angostura bitters.
Is Pink Gin sweet?
Many modern pink gins are designed to be sweeter and more fruit-forward than traditional dry gins, making them very approachable. However, the sweetness level varies significantly by brand.
What's the difference between Pink Gin and a regular Gin & Tonic?
The primary difference is the gin itself. A Pink Gin & Tonic uses a pink-colored, often fruit-infused gin, resulting in a sweeter, fruitier drink compared to a classic G&T made with clear, dry gin.
What's the best tonic for Pink Gin & Tonic?
A good quality Indian tonic water with balanced sweetness and natural quinine is usually best. It allows the flavors of the pink gin to shine without overpowering them.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Pink Gin & Tonic?
Absolutely. Use a non-alcoholic pink gin alternative or a berry-flavored non-alcoholic spirit, then mix with tonic water and garnish as usual.
What kind of garnish should I use?
A lime wedge or grapefruit slice is classic. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also work well, complementing the fruit notes often found in pink gin.
Is Pink Gin a new trend?
While fruit-infused gins have seen a resurgence in popularity recently, the concept of adding flavor or color to gin isn't new. The classic Pink Gin with bitters dates back to the 19th century.
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