How to make the perfect gin and tonic, according to Heston Blumenthal

He’s a trailblazer in the kitchen serving dishes like snail porridge and ‘Meat Fruit’.

Now, celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has nailed his drinks credentials to the mast, claiming he knows the best way to make a gin and tonic.

Tonic water should be the very last thing that goes in the glass, according to Heston, who said far too many people pour their mixer before adding a garnish.

Instead, the gin should go first, followed by your preferred garnish, preferably something with citrus notes like lemon rind, and plenty of ice to allow the flavours to mix without the need to stir your glass too much.

He also added that a wide-rimmed glass is essential for a top G&T, particularly if your spirit has heavy botanical notes.

The madcap Michelin-starred chef added that high quality ingredients are crucial when it comes to perfecting the mixer.

Conveniently, Heston launched his own premium Citrus Sherbert Lazy Gin at Waitrose this week, according to the Mail.

The news comes after Waitrose released its annual food and drinks trend report. The report showed that sales of premium tonics, in particular fever-tree, are on the rise alongside a boom in the craft spirits sector.

Despite recommending using premium ingredients, Heston said it ultimately doesn’t matter which gin, tonic or garnishes you choose, as long as you keep experimenting to find the perfect combination.

“The type of citrus you use depends on the type of gin and its particular botanicals,” Heston said.

“The glass you choose to drink from makes a difference too – and the right one depends on the gin, the tonic and the garnishes.

“If the gin is particularly aromatic, you need a wide rimmed glass to ensure the aromas come through as you’re drinking the cocktail.”

Heston is famous for breaking the boundaries of molecular gastronomy, from serving freeze-dried aperitifs at The Fat Duck to recreating Tudor tuck with a Meat Fruit starter at his flagship restaurant in Knightsbridge.

The chef has worked with Waitrose for years, launching his first premium craft spirit — an Earl Grey and lemon-infused gin — with the grocery giant back in 2012