From the choice of gin and tonic to the purity of the ice and garnish, every element is important in the creation of your favorite cocktail. But don’t underestimate the choice of glass. Design, appreciation of aromas and sensations in the mouth, special tasting moment… it too has a crucial role to play. Here’s an overview of the 3 main ones to choose for your gin & tonic.
Highball, a timeless classic
This tall, straight, flat-bottomed glass is certainly the most common when ordering a gin & tonic in a bar. Its slender tube, filled with ice cubes, keeps the cocktail very fresh throughout the tasting experience, thanks to the large contact surface between the ice and the drink. It also has the advantage of preserving effervescence. Ideal for long drinks with little garnish.
Tumbler, the essence of spirits
Less tall and stockier than the highball, it also has a flat bottom. It is often reserved for dry spirits or short drinks such as Negroni or Old Fashioned. But why not shake things up and use it for a gin & tonic ? The only rule to adopt is to leave more room, in terms of proportions, for the spirit, whose powerful flavors it will bring to the fore, than for the tonic. Then add a single large ice cube, or simply chill the glass to the right temperature. Stronger spirits tend to be sipped slowly.
Ballon, elegance and aromatic expression
As you will have noticed, this rounded stemmed glass is becoming increasingly popular in your favorite bars. This success is due to its delicate appearance, which automatically brings to mind premium cocktails, and its many qualities. First and foremost, its large capacity and stem. You can put lots of ice cubes in it without heating it with your hand, for guaranteed freshness. Then there’s its curvature. It ensures that aromas are concentrated and released in the same way as in a wine glass. All the botanicals of gin are expressed. Finally, its volume. Its imposing size makes it easy to admire decorations and garnishes. Perfect for sophisticated creations.
