Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Gin Cocktails

Pink Gin & Tonic

By
Céline Bossart
Celine Bossart
Céline Bossart
Céline Bossart is a freelance journalist and photographer based in New York, specializing in wine, spirits and travel.
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Updated 06/1/23
A dark pink gin and tonic on the rocks in a Collins glass with an empty tonic bottle and a halved lime beside it.

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Gin and tonic are a classic pairing, and the iconic G&T has been enjoyed across the globe for nearly 200 years. What sets this rosy riff apart is the addition of Angostura, which adds bitterness to the drink along with a layer of complex baking spice—and, as a result, also creating its eye-catching pink hue. The Pink Gin & Tonic is easy to make and brings a fresh, nuanced flavor profile to the classic recipe.

The combination of bitters and gin has withstood the test of time. According to Los Angeles bartender and Candra co-founder Sebastian Hamilton-Mudge, "[Pink gin] goes back to sometime after 1830 when British Royal Naval sailors got their hands on [bitters] and mixed it with gin onboard ship to combat seasickness." Historically, pink gin referred to the combination of Angostura specifically with Plymouth gin—a softer, earthier gin brand with less dominant juniper flavor than a London Dry style.

For a full-on English experience, Hamilton-Mudge has a pairing suggestion for your Pink G&T. "For me, [this drink] comes into its own when served with British-style fish and chips," he says. "It's one of the most deliciously simple food pairings you can get your hands on—the light, refreshing citrusy notes along with a bitter finish pairs and cuts through the richness of the dish perfectly."

Whether you follow Hamilton-Mudge's lead or enjoy this cocktail on its own, there's no wrong way to drink it.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces gin

  • 1/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

  • 5 dashes Angostura bitters

  • Tonic water, chilled, to top

Steps

  1. Add the gin, lime juice and bitters into a tall glass filled with ice.

  2. Top with the tonic water and stir briefly.

What Type of Gin Should You Use in a Pink Gin & Tonic?

While historically made with Plymouth gin, the Pink Gin & Tonic is versatile. Feel free to experiment with different styles to decide which gin is best for your G&T. Choose a London Dry style for an herbaceous punch of juniper, or experiment with modern styles that utilize unconventional botanicals.

The Best Tonic for a Pink Gin & Tonic

According to bartender Sebastian Hamilton-Mudge, a good Gin & Tonic should be light, crisp and refreshing. A quality tonic with a lower sugar content will best compliment the gin and bitters in a Pink Gin & Tonic.