How can you not love a gorgeous Gordon’s Pink Gin and Tonic, the gin and pink tonic that is so simple and so pretty? I remember the first time I saw gin turn pink and thought it was a magic drink, and now you can have it anytime with no magic involved!
Where was the Pink Gin & Tonic born
To be brief, the marriage of gin and tonic began as a malaria cure-all. Tonic water was made from quinine, and gin was added for a much better taste. Thus, the Gin and Tonic was born!
It was the drink for British officers stationed in India during the 19th and early 20th C. Although it won’t cure malaria anymore, the Gin and Tonic is still the drink of choice for Brits in the summer, as well as elsewhere in the Mediterranean.
What is Pink Gin
Originally, pink gin was a simple combination of gin and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. It was all the rage in the 19th century and, now 200 years later, is taking the gin drinking world by storm. Even James Bond was a fan of it when he wasn’t drinking martinis! In Ian Fleming’s novel The Man with the Golden Gun, he orders one made with Beefeater and plenty of bitters. If you want to taste the original idea, my Classic Pink Martini is gin with a dash of Angostura bitters, just like the naval favorite.
In the olden days, the bitters gave it a red hue. Now in the 21st century, Pink Gin has become insanely popular. Gordon’s is all a-blush with hints of red fruit like strawberries, raspberries and red currants giving it a sweetness that is otherwise not present in traditional gin. It is inspired by an original Gordon’s recipe from the 1880s, which I love!
What does Gordon’s Pink Gin taste like
Gordon’s Pink keeps the crisp juniper Gordon’s is known for and layers on sweet strawberry and raspberry with a little tang of red currant. The result is a sweeter, fruitier take on a classic G&T that is easy to love.
How to make Gordon’s Pink Gin & Tonic
This is one of the easiest cocktails you will ever make, and it starts with Gordon’s Pink Gin. Add your favorite tonic, loads of ice, and fresh strawberries, and you are set! A jigger keeps the pour just right, and a big wine glass is my pick because it holds all that ice with plenty of room for the berries to sit on top looking pretty. Raspberries or other red fruits work beautifully too, and a lemon twist is a lovely garnish. You will find the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Which tonic should I use
I love Fever-Tree Tonic for this one. If you want to try a slightly different flavor, Fever-Tree Elderflower tonic is a treat. For a pink tonic that doubles down on the color, try Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic, which adds a blush of pink from angostura bark. And if you love a citrus twist, my Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon Gin & Tonic is another easy favorite. Don’t be afraid to try another brand you love!
You can also add lemonade, if you don’t love tonic. I definitely prefer Simply Lemonade (which goes so well with Bourbon, but that’s another story!). Gordon’s own favorite serve is a Pink Spritz with lemonade and a splash of prosecco, and I have that one covered in my Gordon’s Pink Gin Spritz.
How strong is a Gordon’s Pink Gin & Tonic
Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin is 37.5% ABV. Topped with tonic in the classic one part gin to three parts tonic from the recipe card, the finished drink lands at roughly 9% ABV before the ice melts, so it is a nice, easygoing long drink. Gordon’s also makes a ready-to-drink Pink & Tonic in cans in some markets, which is handy when you want it ready to go.
If you want to try another Pink cocktail, don’t miss:
- Gordon’s Pink Gin Spritz
- Bosford Pink Gin and Tonic
- Cîroc’s Watermelon Royale
- Cîroc Watermelon Spritz
- More of my favorite Pink Cocktails to make at home
Why Lush Life Loves It
This is the kind of drink that makes you smile the second you see it. The color is so cheerful, the strawberries look wonderful on top, and Gordon’s keeps that crisp juniper backbone, so it still tastes like a real Gin and Tonic, just sweeter and fruitier. It takes five minutes, it is easy to make for one or for a whole group of friends, and it looks special with absolutely no effort. I think you are going to love it!
Here is the recipe!
Gordon’s Pink Gin and Tonic
Ingredients
- 50 ml Gordon’s Pink Gin
- 150 ml Tonic water
- Fresh strawberries
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice
- Add in the Gordon’s Pink Gin
- Top up with Fever-Tree tonic water
- Garnish with wedges of fresh strawberries
Thanks for sharing, Sue (can I call you Sue?)
I’m Zee from South Africa, recently returned to gin after a wild ride with cognac. I must say my tolerance has lowered drastically due to gym so I’ve tried your recipe by taking it 2 notches down (30ml gin; 90ml Tonic)
Enjoying my return, however.
Cheers