What Makes the Best Gin and Tonic in the UK?
That's not a question most gin brands can answer with a trophy. We can.
In 2023, Torbay Gin won Gold at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in the Gin and Tonic category - the most prestigious spirits competition in the world. We were the only gin in the UK to receive that award. One of just six gins in the entire world to be recognised for the perfect pairing of gin with Mediterranean tonic.
The judges described it as having herbaceous and earthy spices, citrus on the nose and palate, with a smooth mouthfeel. In plain English — it makes an exceptional gin and tonic.
But what actually makes a perfect G&T? And how do you make one at home that rivals anything you'd get in a bar? Here's everything you need to know.
The Gin and Tonic — A Brief History
The gin and tonic has been around longer than most people realise. It was born in British India in the 19th century, where quinine - the bitter compound in tonic water - was used to ward off malaria. Soldiers mixed it with gin, sugar and lime to make it palatable. The drink that resulted was so enjoyable it outlasted the empire entirely.
Today the gin and tonic is one of the most ordered drinks in the UK. And yet most people are still making it wrong at home.
The 5 Rules of a Perfect Gin and Tonic
Rule 1 — Start with the right glass
The copa glass - the large, balloon-shaped glass you see in good gin bars - exists for a reason. The wide bowl keeps the ice from melting too quickly, holds the aromas close to the nose, and makes the whole thing look as good as it tastes. If you're serious about your G&T, invest in copa glasses. The difference is immediate.
Rule 2 — Use more ice than you think you need
This is the mistake most people make at home. A single ice cube melts quickly, dilutes the drink, and makes it warm within minutes. Fill the copa glass to the top with ice. More ice means slower melting, colder drink, better flavour from start to finish.
Rule 3 — The ratio matters
The golden ratio for a gin and tonic is 50ml of gin to 150ml of tonic — a 1:3 ratio. Most people pour too little gin or too much tonic. Measure it once, remember it forever.
Rule 4 — Choose your tonic carefully
Not all tonics are equal. A premium gin deserves a premium tonic. For Torbay Gin's Devon Dry, we recommend Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic. The lemon thyme and rosemary in the Mediterranean tonic work in perfect harmony with the coastal botanicals in the gin — it's the exact pairing that won us IWSC Gold. Pour gently down the side of the glass or over a spoon to preserve the bubbles.
Rule 5 — One garnish, chosen deliberately
A wedge of fresh lime is the classic choice with Torbay Gin. It lifts the citrus notes already in the gin and adds a visual freshness to the drink. Resist the urge to pile in multiple garnishes - one purposeful garnish beats a cluttered glass every time.
The Perfect Torbay Gin and Tonic - Step by Step
This is the serve that won the IWSC Gold. Follow it exactly.
— Fill a copa glass to the brim with cubed ice
— Pour 50ml of Torbay Devon Dry Gin over the ice
— Watch it turn from blue to a stunning pink as it hits the ice
— Gently pour 150ml of Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic down the side of the glass
— Add a large wedge of fresh lime
— Lift once with a long spoon. Don't stir.
— Serve immediately
This is the serve that won IWSC Gold. The gin that makes it is available now with UK delivery.Available now with UK Delivery.
That's it. The UK's best gin and tonic, made at home in under two minutes.
Why Torbay Gin Makes the Best G&T
Most gins are made to taste good neat. Torbay Gin was built from the ground up to shine in a gin and tonic. The botanicals -South Devon sea spaghetti, locally grown thyme, fresh citrus, juniper - are chosen specifically because they open up and intensify when they meet tonic water.
And then there's the colour change. As the tonic hits the gin, the butterfly pea flower that gives Torbay Gin its deep blue colour reacts to the acidity of the tonic and transforms to a vibrant pink. It happens every time. It never gets old. And it makes every gin and tonic feel like a moment rather than just a drink.
It's the reason 2023's IWSC judges gave us Gold. It's the reason we're one of only six gins in the world to receive that specific recognition. And it's the reason people who try Torbay Gin in a G&T rarely go back to anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gin for a gin and tonic in the UK?Torbay Gin Devon Dry is the only UK gin to win the IWSC Gold in 2023.
What tonic goes best with Torbay Gin? Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic is the recommended pairing. The herbal notes in the tonic complement the coastal botanicals in Torbay Gin perfectly.
What glass should I use for a gin and tonic? A copa glass — the large balloon-shaped glass — is the best choice. It keeps the drink cold, preserves the aroma, and makes the colour change in Torbay Gin look spectacular.
What makes Torbay Gin different from other gins? Torbay Gin is handmade in small batches in Cockington, Torquay on the English Riviera. It uses locally sourced South Devon sea spaghetti and garden-grown thyme. It is one of the UK's most popular colour changing gins and the only UK gin to win IWSC Gold in the Gin and Tonic category.
Where can I buy Torbay Gin? You can order Torbay Gin online with UK-wide delivery directly from torbaygin.co.uk. It is also available from the distillery shop in Cockington Village, Torquay.
Ready to make the UK's best gin and tonic at home?
Order Torbay Gin online today with UK delivery. Whether you're treating yourself or looking for a gift for a gin lover, there's nothing quite like opening a bottle that's won international recognition — and watching it turn pink in your glass.
