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!

Makar Gin and Tonic
Glasgow's original G&T recipe using Glasgow's Original Gin. The humble G&T's origins can be found in the early 19th century when the army of the British East India Company were prescribed quinine (a medicine mixed in tonic water to help them with their fight against malaria. The bitter taste of the tonic water was unpleasant so the soldiers added water, sugar, lime and gin to the tonic and thus the G&T came into being. This origin story is also the reason why many tonic waters are known as 'Indian Tonic Water!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 oz / 50ml Makar Original Dry Gin
- 4oz / 100ml Fever-Tree Tonic Water
- 1 Fresh Mild Green Chilli for Garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with cubed ice.
- Add Makar Original Dry Gin
- Top with Fever-Tree Tonic Water.
- Garnish with a fine slice of fresh mild green chilli pepper for an extra spicy kick!
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 124Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 13mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 0g
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.