Gin And Tonic Special, 6 Types Of G&Ts To Brighten Up Your Cocktail Hour
Cocktail fads come and go, but there are some which have made an indelible mark on mixology and continue to gain popularity as years go by. The Gin and Tonic is one of them. It stands as an enduring and beloved choice. Its simplicity is part of its charm, relying on an unpretentious blend of gin and tonic water, topped with a splash of fruit or flavour and garnished with a wedge of citrus.
History Of The Gin And Tonic
When this noteworthy drink first came into being, it wasn’t as a pleasurable libation at all. In the 1700s, Dr. George Cleghorn, a Scottish physician, discovered that quinine had the ability to treat malaria and in a bid to prevent cases from rising among the British soldiers stationed in India, they got into the habit of consuming gin mixed with tonic as a way to receive their daily dose of quinine, which was the active ingredient in tonic. Winston Churchill once remarked that the Gin and Tonic drink had been more effective in saving the lives and sanity of Englishmen than all the doctors in the Empire.
With such a notable endorsement, the popularity of the Gin and Tonic soared in the 1900s. During this time, many people began adding a squeeze of lime to their drinks for additional health benefits. In the 1950s, a shift towards a Mad Men-style of drinking emerged, characterized by stiff and frequent cocktails. While in Churchill's era, gin was added sparingly to make the quinine more palatable, the midcentury Gin and Tonic was predominantly gin with a splash of tonic.
Today craft gins are on the rise and with them people are enjoying the milder flavours of a G&T to really let the ingredients shine through.
8 Fresh Types Of Gin & Tonic To Try
Classic Gin and Tonic:
Old is gold and sometimes sticking with the classics pays off. In this timeless combination of London Dry Gin and tonic water, garnished with a slice of lime or lemon, you might find everything you’re looking for. The slight bitterness of the tonic water can really make the botanicals in a quality gin shine through. A crisp and refreshing choice that never goes out of style.
Elderflower Gin and Tonic:
If you’re on the hunt for something fruity but not too sweet, Elderflower could be your ideal match. With its intensely floral top notes and hints of fruitiness that compares to pears, litchi or even tropical fruits, Elderflower easily harmonises with gin, adding a touch of sophistication by mixing your gin with elderflower liqueur and tonic. It imparts a delicate floral sweetness to your drink, perfect for a garden party.
Gin and Ginger Tonic:
Spice things up and explore the potential of ginger outside the kitchen. Ginger has unique heat that simultaneously has a burn and a herbaceous nature that works effortlessly with Gin. Spice up your G&T by adding to your tonic with ginger beer or even a ginger syrup infusion. The fiery kick of ginger complements the botanicals in the gin, creating a zesty and invigorating blend.
Cucumber Mint Gin and Tonic:
Summer evenings call for elegant refreshments and nothing does the job quite like cucumber. Pair these simple, hydrating veggies with some mint in your glass before adding gin and tonic. It's a cool infusion that's perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Gin and Tonic with a Twist of Grapefruit:
Citrus and Gin are always a safe bet, but if you want to amp things up, switch the regular lime, lemon or orange and play with the bittersweet notes of pink grapefruit. Add a slice of pink grapefruit, a squeeze of juice or even just a sliver of rind for a fresh twist that complements the gin's botanicals beautifully.
Hibiscus Rose Gin and Tonic:
Bring the taste of a spring garden into a glass with a floral hibiscus rose cocktail. Infuse your G&T with hibiscus tea and a dash of rosewater. This elegant concoction has a floral aroma and a subtle pink hue which is delightful for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Blueberry Basil Gin and Tonic:
Celebrate the interplay of fresh fruits and herbs with a simple Blueberry Basil cocktail. Muddle together fresh blueberries and basil leaves in your glass with a dash of simple syrup and a touch of lime before adding gin and tonic. The result is a vibrant and herbaceous blend with a hint of berry sweetness.
Spiced Gin and Tonic:
Get crazy with kitchen spices and unleash a new world of G&T possibilities. Both whole and ground spices can add a unique dimension to a drink. Just add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cardamom, or star anise to your G&T for a warming, aromatic twist. Perfect for a cosy evening by the fire.
