Italian G&T
A herbal, refreshing and bubbly gin cocktail ∙ Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 14.9% ABV ∙
The Italian G&T is a gin and tonic with a splash each of red bitter and sweet vermouth, served tall over ice with an orange twist and rosemary.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour all ingredients into the chilled glass: London dry gin 60 mlRed bitter 15 mlRosso vermouth 15 mlTonic water 90 ml
- Fill the glass with ice
- Stir gently
- Express an orange twist over the cocktail and use as garnish with a rosemary sprig
Tips
- Stir only briefly and gently after adding the ice so the tonic keeps its carbonation.
History
The Italian G&T is a modern hybrid that grafts the two defining ingredients of a Negroni onto a classic gin and tonic. It is credited to bartender Alex Smith, who created it in 2019 while developing a gin and tonic menu at Whitechapel, a gin-focused bar in San Francisco. Looking to Italian aperitivo flavors for inspiration, Smith added Campari-style bitter liqueur and sweet vermouth to the traditional gin-and-tonic base, reasoning that the two defining Negroni ingredients suited the format. The result reads as a cross between the two classic drinks, bittersweet like a Negroni but lighter and more effervescent from the tonic.
Similar Campari-spiked gin and tonics appeared elsewhere around the same period under related names, such as the Milanese G&T, reflecting a broader trend of bartenders splicing Italian aperitivo ingredients into the gin and tonic template.
FAQ
What is a G&T cocktail?
Gin and tonic water over ice, usually with a citrus garnish. This Italian version adds 15 ml each of red bitter and sweet vermouth, which makes it bittersweet, like a lighter, fizzier Negroni.
What is the best gin and tonic ratio?
A classic gin and tonic is commonly poured at 1 part gin to 2 or 3 parts tonic. The Italian G&T is more gin-forward: 60 ml gin to 90 ml tonic, plus 15 ml each of red bitter and sweet vermouth.
What are common gin and tonic mistakes?
Too little ice, which melts fast and waters the drink down; warm or flat tonic; and stirring too long, which knocks out the bubbles. Chill the glass, fill it with ice, and stir only briefly and gently.
