Although it is customary to use a squeeze of lime in the classic Gin and Tonic recipe, the use of lemon juice in the mixed drink is testified to as early as 1938 when an advertisement for Gilbey’s Gin in Punch Magazine displayed the classic Gin and Tonic as served at the Shepheard’s in Cairo with a squeeze of lemon juice rather than lime.

Although my recipe is not the same as the recipe served at Shepheard’s, I too find a hit of lemon juice rather than lime to be a welcome addition to the Gin and Tonic  Cocktail. And as you can see from the photo, it is not necessary to use Gilbey’s Gin to make a great G&T. A classic gin such as Tanqueray is more than acceptable.

Gin and Tonic #4 (Lemon)

1 3/4 oz Dry Gin
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
3/8 oz Sugar Syrup (or to taste)
Ice
2 oz Q-Tonic
Lemon slice

Add the first three ingredients into a rocks glass
Stir and add ice
Fill with Q-Tonic
Garnish with a lemon slice