Bright Spanish Gin and Tonic Recipe

It’s always a good time for a cocktail, anyway, it’s five o’clock somewhere. A good drink must be made quickly, with few ingredients, and most importantly, be enjoyable.

All these characteristics are found in the Spanish gin and tonic. It is one of the most loved drinks in practically all of Europe, so if you haven’t tried it, what are you waiting for?

Keep scrolling down this article to learn how to make a gin and tonic, the best gin and tonic to use, the changes you can make to the ingredients, and the perfect way to serve this Spanish drink.

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Background of the Dish

As far as Spanish gin and tonic history goes, many people immediately associate gin and tonic with England.

While it is true that the drink was created and popularized there, it is also true that in Spain the drink got some unique twists.

Unlike the British classic created in the 19th century, the Spanish version has a greater amount of ice or larger and more solid ice. In addition, it is served in a large glass or glass, while the English were originally served in a narrow glass.

With the larger glass, you can better appreciate the aromas of the drink, especially if you added lime or juniper to your Spanish gin and tonic. 

For that reason, many people prefer the Spanish version over the more traditional one.

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Things You’ll Need for Spanish Gin and Tonic

For making a gin and tonic you do not need a shaker or professional bartender equipment, a large glass, and a metal spoon or toothpick will be more than enough to prepare this drink.

The main ingredients of the gin and tonic recipe are as you can imagine, gin and tonic, but the ice and some kind of lemon or lime slice give it just the right touch.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) gin
• 1 2/3 cups (400 ml) Tonic
• 1 slice of lime
• Ice
• 1 or 2 juniper berries per drink (optional)

How to Make Spanish Gin and Tonic – Step by Step Guide

1. To start with this gin & tonic recipe you have to choose the right glass. This type of drink is prepared directly in the glass, not in a shaker, so it is better if you grab a wide glass, the important thing is that it has enough capacity to fit all the ingredients comfortably.

2. After that, put the ice in the glass. It must be a cube of compact and large ice so that it does not dissolve and water your drink. You can buy a special ice tray for drinks, or use 5 or 6 common ice cubes.

3. Then cut a slice of lemon or lime and then separate it into two halves. With one of them, gently rub the edge of the glass and squeeze a few drops of its juice inside. Place the other half inside the glass.

4. It is time to add the Spanish gin, so you’ll get the best gin and tonic. The amount per glass is 1/4 cup (60 ml). If you want softer you can opt for 40 ml or 50 ml per glass.

5. Then, add the tonic. You have to pour the tonic gently, directly from its bottle or can so that it doesn’t lose its gas.

6. Now, with the braided spoon or a cocktail stick, give the glass a quarter turn, no more, so that the ingredients are integrated.

7. Finally, you have to serve it immediately. The typical gin and tonic garnishes are juniper berries and a slice of lime or lemon on the edge of the glass, but feel free to serve it however you like.

Substitution of Ingredients

The great advantage of this recipe is that there are different gin and tonic variations that you can make, and you will still have a delicious drink. 

Here in this section, we will recommend the best brands that you can use, and other good but cheaper ones.

The best gin for gin and tonic is without a doubt the Gin Mare, although the Gin Nordes is not far behind either. 

Both are from different regions of Spain, they are ideal but a bit expensive. Another delicious and cheaper is the Spanish gin, Larios.

The best tonic for gin and tonic is fever-tree since it is the most consumed in Spain and has different awards worldwide that verify its quality. 

If your budget is lower, the typical Schweppes will be enough to give it a great flavor. Another thing you can do is, add various fresh fruits into the gin and tonic.

Try the fizzy rebujito cocktail that is made with sherry wine and lemon-flavored soda and finished with peppermint leaves.

The refreshing Agua de Valencia is another famous drink from Spain, that uses freshly squeezed orange juice and sparkling cava.

Tips on Serving Spanish Gin and Tonic

This is the best gin and tonic recipe because you can prepare it quickly and serve it at any time. 

If you have unexpected guests who are in the mood for a drink, you will have this Spanish gin and tonic ready in less than 10 minutes.

For a Spanish gin and tonic garnish, we recommend the classic slice of lime or lemon and a couple of juniper berries. 

However, some people choose to put a dash of neutral syrup (to give it sweetness) or decorate it with edible flower petals to make it more summery.

If you are looking for a drink that is best for a quiet night or an afternoon, then we recommend making the carajillo Spanish coffee.

It is a drink whose main star is coffee, so you can imagine how delicious it is.

How to Store Spanish Gin and Tonic

One disadvantage of the gin and tonic recipe is that it cannot be stored. It is designed to be prepared and served immediately since it only takes a couple of minutes to be ready. 

The reason why it can’t be stored is that the tonic loses all the gas, making the gin and tonic cocktail not have its traditional taste. 

There is nothing worse than drinking a watery or flat Spanish gin and tonic.

However, other Spanish cocktails can be made in advance. The Sangria, a very summery drink, or the Coquito, a perfect drink for the holidays, are the two most popular Spanish drinks that can be made and kept in the fridge without problems.

Recipe Card: Spanish Gin and Tonic Recipe

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