Gin tastes best chilled, in a wide open glass, and don't be afraid to try unconventional garnishes. Photo / 123RF

There's nothing more refreshing than a well-made gin and tonic on a hot summer's day.

But it turns out that we've all been storing this popular spirit in the wrong way, reports The Daily Mail.

The best place to keep gin is in fact the fridge, according to the experts - especially if you don't have any ice to keep your spirit cool.

A master distiller of gin told Good Housekeeping that gin is best served cold, so bottles should be kept in the fridge if you're expecting to drink them imminently.

Joanne Moore, distiller for Greenall's gin, added that if you don't have space in the fridge, keeping it in the freezer will work to keep your gin nice and cool too.

"If you don't have any ice about, keeping your gin in the fridge, or putting it in the fridge before serving, will keep it nice and chilled," she said.

"Gin won't freeze, given that it's ABV (alcohol by volume) is 37.5%. So storing it in the freezer is absolutely fine."

Storing your gin in the cupboard or on the side won't harm the quality of the spirit, but Joanne says it should never be drunk at room temperature.

She explained: "Reducing the temperature of gin helps softens the alcohol perception on the taste, making it much easier to drink and enjoy responsibly."

It comes after Good Housekeeping revealed last month how to make the perfect G&T.

The secret to the best tasting gin is to use a large open wine glass instead of a highball, and to selecting unusual garnishes such as ginger rather than always reaching for a lime wedge.