History & Heritage
“The Pink Gin & Tonic represents the convergence of two separate British colonial beverages. The original Pink Gin—gin and Angostura bitters—was created by Royal Navy sailors in the early 19th century to make medicinal bitters more palatable. The Gin & Tonic emerged in British India as officers added gin to their daily quinine tonic rations. The combination evolved naturally as drinkers appreciated both the refreshing qualities of the G&T and the complex spice notes of the Pink Gin.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a Copa de Balon or large highball glass by filling with ice and stirring for 30 seconds
Discard melted water and add Plymouth gin to the chilled glass
Add 4-5 dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the gin
Top with chilled premium tonic water, pouring gently down a bar spoon to preserve carbonation
Give the cocktail one gentle stir to integrate ingredients
Express lemon peel oils over the drink and drop in
Glassware
Served in a Copa de Balon over ice
Garnish
Wide lemon peel, expressed over drink
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use Plymouth gin for historical accuracy and optimal flavor balance
Chill all ingredients and glassware thoroughly
Pour tonic water slowly to preserve carbonation
Express fresh lemon peel for aromatic oils
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Pink Gin & Tonic.
The Stronger Pour
Equal parts gin to tonic for a more spirit-forward drink.
Changes
Extra Bitters
More Angostura bitters for deeper color and spicier flavor.
Changes
London Dry Pink G&T
Uses London Dry gin for a more juniper-forward profile.
Changes
Modern Fruit Pink Gin & Tonic
Uses contemporary fruit-infused pink gin instead of traditional gin and bitters.
Changes
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