History & Heritage
“The Spanish Gin Tonic emerged in the Basque region of Spain around the early 2000s, particularly in San Sebastián's culinary scene. Michelin-starred chefs began serving gin and tonics in large wine glasses to keep them cold in hot kitchens, adding leftover herbs and garnishes from their cooking. This practice transformed the simple mixer into a sophisticated cocktail experience that spread worldwide, making Spain one of the world's largest gin consumers per capita.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
2 oz
6 oz
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a copa de balón (balloon glass) by filling with large ice cubes and swirling until frosted
Drain any melted water from the glass
Add 3-4 juniper berries to the glass
Express orange peel oils over the glass, run around rim, then add to glass
Pour 2 oz Spanish gin over the ice
Tilt glass and slowly pour 6 oz premium tonic down a bar spoon to preserve carbonation
Give a single, gentle stir to combine
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprig
Glassware
Served in a copa de balón (balloon glass) over large ice cubes
Garnish
Gently clap between hands to release oils
Long thin peel, oils expressed
3-4 berries, lightly pressed
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 a large copa de balón glass - it's non-negotiable for authenticity
Pre-chill the glass with ice and cold water
Use large, dense ice cubes to prevent rapid dilution
Pour tonic slowly down a bar spoon to preserve carbonation
Choose garnishes that complement your specific gin's botanicals
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Spanish Gin Tonic.
Gin-Forward Spanish G&T
1:2 gin to tonic ratio for stronger gin presence
Changes
Refreshing Spanish G&T
1:4 gin to tonic ratio for lighter, more refreshing option
Changes
Mediterranean G&T
Uses Mediterranean-style gin like Gin Mare with complementary garnishes
Changes
Vermouth-Splashed G&T
Addition of small amount of vermouth for botanical complexity
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Gin & Tonic
British colonial classic pairing juniper-rich gin with bitter quinine tonic and a bright hit of lime.
Dubonnet Cocktail
Gin and Dubonnet Rouge stirred and served with a lemon twist—Queen Elizabeth II’s favored aperitif.
Gibson
A dry gin martini garnished with cocktail onions—clean, crisp, and subtly savory.