Why Do Gin And Tonic Taste Good Together? Science May Have The Answer
The good old gin and tonic cocktail is an easy to make, light drink. There's a reason that this simple cocktail is witnessing a “ginnaisance” and why the pairing tastes good. We are talking science. But before we get into it, let’s explore how the cocktail came into being and why it’s so popular.
Tonic Water: A Peek Into History
The concentration of quinine in tonic water was far greater than that in contemporary tonic water, which rendered it bitter and unpalatable for the soldiers and officials who would drink it in times long ago. To make it taste better, they needed to add something sweeter. At first, they used brandy or whisky for the taste, and the British royal navy added rum.
Such a tonic water became popular in the mid 19th century and was patented by Erasmus Bond in 1858. By 1860, it was being exported to India in massive quantities. So, the first time gin and tonic was ever made or served was in India, where officials sipped on this drink on a hot summer day.
Gin And Tonic Pairing
What makes the classic cocktail popular is not just taste, but also the aroma it produces. Professor Matthew Hartings at the chemistry department at the American University says that there’s a scientific explanation behind a gin and tonic cocktail's flavours. In a nutshell, the botanicals in gin, with a mix of herbs and spices, create a unique flavour when blended with tonic water.
According to Hartings, it's a chemical reaction. The compounds in gin and tonic interact in a way that builds the overall drinking experience. The botanicals in gin and bitterness of the tonic water create a harmonious balance of flavours. Coupled with the effervescence of carbonation and the chill from the ice, one gets a light and crisp concoction.
So, if one is looking to recreate this drink at home, use 30 ml gin, 90 ml tonic water, a lime wedge and lots of ice. To make the cocktail, fill a highball glass with ice, pour in the gin and top it off with the tonic water. Garnish the drink with the lime wedge. That’s it. This is the iconic and classic recipe that has been around for centuries.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
