How to Make the Makar Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is a timeless summer cocktail. But using a craft gin like Makar Glasgow Gin elevates this drink to new heights.

Makar Gin brings a complex blend of botanicals that pairs impeccably with premium tonic water. Read on to learn how to mix the ideal gin and tonic highlighting this Scottish gin’s unique flavor.

A Brief History of the Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic has origins stretching back to 19th century India. British soldiers took their government-issued gin rations and mixed them with tonic water containing quinine, an anti-malarial compound.

The gin hid the super bitter flavor of the quinine and over time this combination became popular back in Britain and beyond.

While many gin and tonics use standard London dry gin, specialty gins like Makar add deeper layers. Makar gets its distinctive flavor from botanicals including pine, peppercorns, coriander and citrus.

Shopping List for the Makar Gin and Tonic

To mix an exceptional gin and tonic you need only a few ingredients – but quality matters here:

• Makar Glasgow Gin
• Premium tonic water such as Fever-Tree or Q Tonic
• Fresh lime or lemon wedges
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel or citrus peel for garnish (optional)

The combination of an artisanal gin like Makar with a mixer designed to enhance (not mask) flavors is key for maximum enjoyment.

Essential Tools for Mixing

Mixing a G&T requires only basic bar tools:

• Glass – Use a tall highball or collins glass. Rocks glasses also work for a shorter drink.
• Barspoon – For gentle stirring to integrate.
• Knife – For slicing citrus wedges and peels.
• Ice cubes or spheres

Now let’s get to the fun part – mixing!

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Makar Gin and Tonic

Follow these simple steps for batching gorgeous Makar G&Ts for you and your guests:

Step 1: Prepare your glasses

Chill your glasses by filling with ice water until ready to use. This prevents immediately melting ice cubes diluting your drink.

Step 2: Fill glasses with plenty of fresh ice

Use ice cubes or blocks if you have them. This will be your base.

Step 3: Add the gin

Pour Makar Glasgow gin into each glass. Adjust amount to taste and preferred strength.

Step 4: Top with quality tonic

Fill the glass about 3/4 full with your premium tonic water. Mix to combine.

Step 5: Finish with citrus

Squeeze a lime or lemon wedge into each glass and drop it in.

Step 6: Garnish (optional)

Consider a citrus wheel or herb like rosemary for an extra pop of flavor.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Add a reusable straw and gently stir before serving. Sip and savor this exceptional elevated gin and tonic!

Achieving the Ideal Gin to Tonic Ratio

The perfect gin and tonic balance will depend on your preferences:

• More gin for a spirit-forward cocktail
• More tonic for a lighter, longer drink
• Equal parts for an even-keel balance

Taste as you go to get the proportions just right. The beauty of a G&T is you really can’t go wrong!

Serving Suggestions

Beyond the mixing methods, here are some serving tips:

• Accompany with light appetizers like prosciutto-wrapped melon, smoked salmon, or fresh oysters.
• Use a beautiful Art Deco glass or copper mug for serving.
• Garnish with citrus wheels, herbs like rosemary, peppercorns, juniper berries or cucumber slices.
• Create a unique tonic with flavored sugar rim – try lime, lemongrass or lavender.

However you choose to garnish and serve it, a Makar G&T is guaranteed to be a summertime crowd-pleaser. Bottom’s up!

More Makar Cocktails to try!

Here’s the recipe!