“In Spain, gin-tonic is not just a cocktail, 
it is an obsession,” says José Andrés. Here’s everything you need to know to nail this iconic drink at home—and six places in the States with excellent G&T options.

• In Spain, fresh herbs (lemon verbena, rosemary or lavender), 
lemon peel, juniper berries, edible flowers and even whole spices are used to enhance the gin’s botanicals.
• Spanish bars stock as many as 50 different gins. Our choice: a London dry style. José’s two favorites: Rives Special Premium Tridestilada from Andalusia and Xoriguer Gin de Mahón from Menorca.
• Amplify the aroma of the 
gin and the garnishes with a large wine glass or goblet.
• Big ice cubes keep your gin-tonic chilled without watering 
it down.
• Look for tonic made with cane sugar or agave (not high-fructose syrup), such as Q, Fever-Tree or Fentimans, for 
a balanced mix 
of sweetness 
cut with quinine bitterness.

Of all the gin joints…

Pagu: 310 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA; 617-945-9290

Make your own with Pagu’s tasting 
tray of gins, tonics 
and garnishes.

La Vara: 268 Clinton St., Brooklyn; 718-422-0065

Try riffs on the classic formula with housemade quinine syrup 
or Spanish soda.

Jaleo: Multiple locations


Check out the gin 
and tonic festival 
in March and April.

El Chipiron: 2717 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin; 512-518-3618

Chef Pablo Gómez Tollar takes Spain’s signature drink seriously at this new tapas spot. 


Corrida: 1023 Walnut St., Boulder

Opening this fall. Bartenders will kick it old-school with tableside prep from a special cart.

Ashland Hill Brick Bar: 2807 Main St., Santa Monica; 310-392-3300

There are 11 G&Ts on the menu, or 55 gins and nine tonics to mix and match.