By now we'd like to think we are pretty good at making the perfect gin and tonic. From the best glassware to the ideal measurements, we've got our G&T making skills down to a T.
But according to gin expert David T Smith, there's one crucial step we're missing towards the end of the G&T process... letting the ice in our drink melt a bit. Yes, really
According to the expert, we should be more patient before drinking our gin and tonic, allowing a minute or two for the ice to melt more to mix the flavours better. "The final chill-factor comes from the use of ice which absorbs the heat of the drink, and this, in turn, is what turns the ice into water," he says. "When the ice begins to melt; this not only makes the drink cooler but helps to marry all the flavours together."
A big misconception about G&T making is that the more ice there is, the worse it will taste, but it couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, two cubes of ice are more likely to make your drink watered down and not very pleasant, compared to ample ice in the glass.
According to James Chase, CEO and Founder of Chase Distillery, it’s "crucial" that we get our glass as cold as possible. "Add as much ice as you possibly can," he told Good Housekeeping. "I always say the more ice you use, the less dilution you get – meaning you’ll be able to taste the quality of the gin."
But as David points out, it doesn't hurt to leave it for just a minute or give it a calm swirl to help marry those flavours together.
So, as difficult as it might be, patience is key.
Vicky is our Food & Drink Director, where she oversees strategy and content across all of Hearst's brands, from recipe development to fun video franchises and everything in between.
With almost a decade's experience, Vicky was previously Editor of Delish UK, and Digital Food Editor of Good Housekeeping and she lives and breathes food content creation.
Outside of work, Vicky loves learning about wine, eating her way around the world, and hanging out with her dog Pickle.
