Gifts for gin and tonic lovers: 15 ideas that hit the mark

|By Mateo Cabrera
Regalos para amantes del gin tonic: vaso de gin tonic con lima, romero y hielo sobre una mesa de madera

People who enjoy a good gin and tonic don’t just care about the drink: the glass, the ice, the citrus peel and those few minutes spent making it slowly all matter to them. That’s why the best gifts for gin and tonic lovers don’t have to be a bottle. A well-chosen gin and tonic gift is usually everything around the drink: glassware, botanicals, bar tools or an experience to learn how to make it even better. Here are 15 ideas sorted by type and a table to help you choose according to their profile.

In short: for gin and tonic lovers, balloon glasses, a jigger with a bar spoon, a botanicals kit or moulds for large ice cubes usually go down well. If they already have everything, give them a tasting or a cocktail workshop. First, take a look at what they use at home and what they’re missing.

How to choose gifts for gin and tonic lovers

Before you buy, ask yourself three questions:

  • Do they make it at home or order it when they’re out? If they make it at home, anything that improves their drinks corner will get used. If they have it when they’re out, an experience is a better fit.
  • Do they like to experiment? Some people always have it the same way; others try new spices and citrus fruits every weekend.
  • What do they already have? Take a look around their kitchen: a few odd glasses or the small cubes from a basic ice tray will give you a clue.

Gin and tonic glasses and bar tools

  1. Balloon glasses. These are the glasses most associated with gin and tonic: there’s plenty of room for ice, and the wide rim lets you smell the citrus peel and the spices.
  2. Personalised gin and tonic glasses engraved with their initials or a date. They work really well as an anniversary gift or for a couple.
  3. A double-ended jigger, the kind bartenders use so they don’t overdo the gin and get the ratio with the tonic just right.
  4. A long bar spoon with a twisted handle. It lets you stir without breaking the ice and pour the tonic in slowly, so it tends to lose less fizz.
  5. A channel knife or citrus peeler to cut thin strips of lemon or orange peel without the white pith, which is bitter.
Glass of gin and tonic with ice and grapefruit, a gin and tonic gift idea to enjoy at home

Gin and tonic gift kit: botanicals and tonics

A gin and tonic gift kit is the most appreciated option for anyone who enjoys trying new combinations.

  1. A botanicals set in small jars: juniper berries, cardamom, pink peppercorns, star anise or cloves.
  2. Dried citrus: slices of orange, lime or grapefruit that keep for months in the cupboard and look lovely in the glass.
  3. A selection of different tonics, drier, more bitter or with floral notes, so they can find out which one suits each gin.
  4. A box you put together yourself with two glasses, a jigger and a couple of botanicals. A mini version also makes a nice favour for wedding guests.

Ice and serving at home

Ice is half of a good gin and tonic, yet hardly anyone pays attention to it.

  1. Silicone moulds for large cubes or spheres. Large ice takes longer to melt, so the drink gets less watered down.
  2. An ice bucket with tongs to serve at the table without going back and forth to the freezer.
  3. A tray or a bar cart to keep glasses, bottles and tools together in one corner.
  4. Cork, slate or wooden coasters to protect the table from wet glasses.

Experiences and personal gifts

For someone whose kitchen is already full, it’s better to give something memorable.

  1. A gin tasting or a cocktail workshop, to go to together and learn how to make mixed drinks at home.
  2. A cocktail book with classic recipes and gin and tonic variations. If you want a personalised gin gift, pair it with a bottle with a personalised label and a handwritten note.

If you give alcohol, always give it to an adult, with the idea that it’s enjoyed in moderation.

Gin and tonic gifts by profile

If they… A good bet
Are starting to make it at home Balloon glasses, jigger and bar spoon
Like to experiment Botanicals set and different tonics
Host dinners at home Ice bucket, ice moulds and tray
Have everything Tasting or cocktail workshop
Just need a small token Coasters or dried citrus

The best gifts for gin and tonic lovers are the ones that make that moment a little more special without making life complicated. If you’re looking for more ideas, have a look at our gifts for wine lovers or browse our shop.

Frequently asked questions

What can you give someone who loves gin and tonic?

Balloon glasses, a jigger with a bar spoon or a botanicals set are safe bets. If they already have all that, a tasting or a cocktail workshop usually goes down better than another object.

What goes in a gin and tonic gift kit?

The usual combination is one or two glasses, a jigger, a long bar spoon and a few jars of botanicals such as juniper, cardamom or pink peppercorns. You can add dried citrus and a different tonic or two.

Why is gin and tonic served in a balloon glass?

Because it holds plenty of ice, the drink stays cold for longer and the wide rim lets you appreciate the aromas of the citrus peel and the spices.

Which gin and tonic gift is cheap but still looks good?

Some coasters, a jar of dried citrus or moulds for large ice cubes. If you add a handwritten note, it shows you’ve put thought into it.