What Exactly Is Tonic Water And Can You Make It At Home For A G&T Cocktail?
Ask a bartending enthusiast for a recipe to make the perfect G&T and one would receive detailed instructions on the usage of tonic water in the preparation of this classic cocktail. Inevitably, gin and tonic has become a favoured mix across the years for its well-balanced flavour components.
It would hardly be an exaggeration to say that the gin and tonic water is a perfect culinary coupling, so much so that G&T is a staple in many a mixologists’ drink making playbook.
Significantly, what makes the flavours of the gin come through in this classic cocktail recipe is the tonic water—a carbonated drink complete with sweet, bitter and slightly acidic notes, whose bubbles release the herbaceous notes of the spirit into the cocktail glass.
The origins of this mixer go way back to some time in the 19th century, when British troops of the colonial ages prepared a mixer to add to their gin.
Quinine In Tonic Water
Tonic water essentially contains quinine, or a bitter compound derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. The drink was concocted during the colonial period primarily as a substance of some apothecarial use. As the flavour of the quinine was found to be excessively bitter, a bit of sugar and some flavours such as that of lemon were added to the tonic water later on, to make it more palatable.
And eventually, this tonic water was blended with gin to dilute some of the spirit’s more intense tasting notes leading to the creation of the conventional gin and tonic cocktail.
Today, this carbonated water with lots of airy bubbles and a very light mouthfeel is available in different flavours such as ginger or bitter lemon to infuse a gin cocktail with an additional layer of tasting notes. Tonic water can be served on its own as well, as a non-alcoholic drink that can accompany one’s dinner. It can be poured over ice cubes and served with a lemon wedge or rosemary garnish for a more sophisticated look.
Making Tonic Water At Home
Such a drink can be prepared at home too, particularly if a mixology enthusiast prefers using homemade ingredients to make cocktails. Making tonic water at home involves first preparing the tonic syrup, or a concentrated solution that can be diluted in the water to give it the signature carbonated fizz.
The key ingredient required in the making of tonic water is quinine found in powdered cinchona bark which can be procured in specialty grocery stores or gourmet online grocery marts.
Other ingredients required to make tonic water include lemongrass, lime, orange and lemon zest, coriander seeds, allspice berries, citric acid, a bit of sugar and water. The trick to making excellent tonic water at home lies in boiling all the different herbs, spices and condiments in water until they release their juices and flavours.
Once this mixture is ready, it needs to be strained well in order to obtain a clear liquid. The flavoured water can then be transferred into a saucepan with the addition of sugar to give it a sweeter taste that tones down some of the tonic water’s bitter notes. It is essential to refrigerate and store this concentrated mix in a glass jar once it has cooled down so it lasts longer.
Adding Fizz To Tonic Water
Once the tonic water concentrate has been prepared, it can be turned into a carbonated mixer when the need arises to prepare a gin and tonic cocktail. One of the easiest ways to do so is to pour carbonated water over the tonic concentrate so that all its flavours are released into the fizzy drink. Such a tonic water can then be poured over gin in the makings of a classic G&T.
Some of the other hacks for making tonic water variations include using honey or agave for an additional flavourful layer or adding lavender essence into it especially when this mixer is being used with a lighter, floral gin.
The sweetness of the tonic water can be adjusted according to one’s own preferences too, when it is made at home.
Do remember that like everything, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. Always drink and serve responsibly!
