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When I order multiple G&Ts which should I ask for?

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2 Answers

I always ask for "Gin and tonics". Complex phrases used as proper nouns are always a little complicated, but in most cases we treat the entire phrase as a noun an attach the plural -s to the final element. This is true even in the case where the final element isn't even a noun, as in the sentence "Do six sit-ups".

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A gin and tonic is a drink with the gin and the tonic already mixed. It's one thing, so "gin and tonics" is correct.

If you ask for "three gins and tonics" it sounds like you want three glasses of gin plus some bottles of tonic water.

If you ask for "three gins and tonic" it sounds like you want three glasses of gin plus one bottle of tonic water.

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