Beyond The Classic Gin And Tonic: Unexpected Spirit Pairings With Gordon’s Tonic Water
While gin and tonic retains a top spot as one of the most iconic cocktail pairings featuring this subtly bitter, sparkly mixer, tonic water has now become a rising star in contemporary mixology for its pairing potential with spirits other than gin. The light effervescence, bitter notes and citrusy element in tonic water make it a mixer which is versatile enough to blend with a lot of different spirits. Its clean and crisp flavours and fresh texture build light layers and a citrusy finish into drinks, increasing its potential to pair with different spirits.
It is only evident then that tonic water is being rediscovered over the last few years as a mixer that can be put to use for blending cocktails with versatile base liquors. A mixer such as the Gordon’s Tonic Water or any other premium tonic water of choice paired with spirits like vodka or certain liqueurs like vermouth has tremendous creative possibilities within the mixology realm.
Read on below to know more about how tonic water pairs suitably with spirits beyond gin, in the making of cocktails other than the famed gin and tonic:
With Vodka — For Crisp Flavours
Bring together 30 ml good quality vodka with about 60 ml Gordon’s Tonic Water or any other premium tonic water of choice to craft a signature vodka tonic. This drink has become popular over time for the crisp and clean intermingling of vodka’s neutral flavours with the subtle bitter notes of tonic water that come from the quinine which goes into its making. A lime wedge or cucumber garnish, or even some muddled herbs added to this cocktail further heighten its flavour possibilities by introducing savoury, citrusy and sharp tasting notes into the blend.
In Rum Cocktails — For Richer Tasting Notes
Dark rum is known for its molasses-rich, caramelised flavours. White rum, for its part, stands out for its slightly tart, citrusy notes. A mixer that goes well with both varieties of rum is tonic water whose fresh notes become an interesting canvas for the spirits to explore their tropical nuance. Embellished with lime wedges or a dash of bitters, cocktails brought forth by mixing 45 ml Gordon’s Tonic Water or any other premium tonic water of choice with rum carry layered flavours, embodying a luxurious richness.
Also Read: 5 Cocktails With Tonic Water That Are Perfect For Every Season; Recipes Inside
With Tequila — For A Contrasting Sharpness
A coming together of tequila and tonic produces a stunning contrast of the former’s peppery touch with the latter’s sharp flavour notes, leading to the creation of cocktails which have a light quality but a fresh edge. Bring together 30 ml tequila blanco with about 50 ml Gordon’s Tonic Water or any other premium tonic water of choice to craft a margarita-like drink that is slightly more herbal and just as vibrant. Adding lots of citrusy elements like lime juice and lemon wedge garnishes elevates the flavour potential of this blend, tied together with the subtle tartness of tonic water.
Paired With Sweet Vermouth — For Flavoured Nuance
Tonic water coming together with sweet vermouth is hardly a new phenomenon. But what is interesting is blending about 25 ml sweet vermouth with 60 ml Gordon’s Tonic Water or any other premium tonic water of choice as a simple aperitif at a sundowner. Quinine’s flavours in the tonic water are a fresh coupling with the straightforward flavours of this liqueur. The two come together as a low ABV drink with a fresh flavour and effervescent texture, well-suited to slow sipping.
Diluting Brandy — For A Fruit-Forward Effect
Another interesting and unexpected tonic water and spirit pairing is its coming together with brandy. This grapey liquor carries pronounced fruity flavours which become highlighted when blended with about 45 ml Gordon’s Tonic Water or any other premium tonic water of choice. Brandy’s fruity richness becomes the highlight of the cocktail when backed by the smooth, bubbly and sharp layers of a premium tonic water, leading to the creation of a rather creative mix for a cocktail party.
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