Gin and tonic, a classic, can be adventurous and delicious.

Gin and tonic is about as classic a cocktail as it gets. It is popular around the globe in almost any bar. This classic, though, can be on the plain side. In America, it is almost always served with a wedge of lime. However, a gin and tonic can and should be elevated to a spectacular cocktail worthy of sitting with the fantastic cocktails found in the most gourmand mixologist lounge. With the right combination of a good flavored gin, gourmet tonic water, and garnished with things that compliment or enhance the flavors of the particular gin, a gin and tonic can be a fabulous concoction. The gin and tonic was invented in the early 1800s when malaria was a huge problem, especially in India. Quinine was a traditional treatment for this horrible sickness. But on its own, it was extremely bitter and almost unpalatable. It was hard to get the British sailors to drink it mixed with water. Adding gin, sugar, and lime, it became something sailors would want to drink and willingly…lol; thus, the gin and tonic was born.

In this day and age, gins have been crafted with many different ingredients. There are an incredible array of gin distilleries with radically different flavor profiles to their gins. There are gins that tastes heavy in the classic juniper and spices such as coriander and pepper. Some gins feature pink grapefruit or even floral notes, then there are gins that are more on the savory side. if you think gin is a one note taste of juniper, you have another thought coming. Some of my favorites include Spring44’s smooth gin full of spice and juniper: The Botanist which has distinctive herbal notes and Hendrick’s classic gin, which tastes like cucumbers. And then there is Empress 1908 Gin uses blue pea flowers, which gives it a vibrant purple color that changes to pink if you add an acid such as citrus. I also love Malfy an Italian pink grapefruit gin for its fantastic grapefruit overtones that are wonderfully refreshing. That is just a few of the hundreds of fabulous gins out there. And I highly encourage you to seek out new and different gins. The art of the bottle in gin making is also fantastic. I want to keep some of them just for their fabulous bottles.

But it doesn’t stop there with the gin. The tonic matters, too. Tonic has now become its own gourmet category. There are many different makers of tonic water. Some are dry and bitter, while others are more on the sweet and syrupy. Some have different spice blends or herbs too. So, the choice of tonic matters. When I was in Europe, the tonic water was usually served in its own little bottle, with the serving glass having the gin and garnish. Then, you add your own tonic to your liking. Fever Tree was almost always the brand.

A gin and tonic are almost always served in a highball in America. However, when I got to gallivant around Europe, I noticed something about how gin and tonics were served in the various countries I got to visit. Instead of the tall, straight-sided glasses I was used to, every bar I was in served the gin and tonic in a balloon wine glass, usually with a flourish of fancy garnish, much more than just a wedge of lime. I was enchanted by the variety of flavors and how each added something beautiful to the gin it was garnishing. One of my favorites was this pink grapefruit gin served with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of thyme and sprinkled over the top were a few juniper berries to bring out the gin. It made me appreciate the gin and tonic in a whole different way. I thought the juniper berries were a great touch. You don’t actually eat the berries, but they added a distinctive look and fantastic aroma.

Ever since I got back to the States, I have remembered Europe’s love of the gin and tonic. I keep seeing it in anything European. I have even seen it in some of the fantastic European TV shows I binge watch, such as Elite and A Discovery Of Witches. They are all drinking gin and tonics in huge balloon glasses. So now I have followed suit and serve gin and tonics in some of these glasses. I found it hard to find them in the stores near me. However, Amazon has them. (I get a small commission at no cost to you from Amazon. If you use any link on this page, please consider helping fund my food journey.)

Speaking of garnish, here is where you can bring the gin and tonic to new heights of greatness. Taste the gin experiment with what goes with that particular gin. Sometimes the distillery will name some of the ingredients, which helps. Surprisingly sprigs of thyme or rosemary are incredible, as are blackberries and different citruses beyond the lime. Experiment. I found the idea of adding juniper berries almost enhances the final garnish. You can find them in the spice Isle or on Amazon as well. Ok, that is all for this week. I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. The weather is turning nice and warmer, perfect for a fabulous gin and tonic! Until next time!

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Gin and tonic, a classic, can be adventurous and delicious.

Total Time

5 mins

 

Gin and tonic, a classic cocktail that can be plain and boring. But with a few Flourishes, it can be spectacular

Course: cocktails

Cuisine: American, english, French

Keyword: cocktails classic cocktails, empress1908 gin, gin and tonic

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz good tonic water

Garnish with what goes with the particular gin: lime, grapefruit, blackberries, cucumber, lemon, rosemary, thyme, and a sprinkle of juniper berries

Instructions

1. Fill a highball or the European-style balloon wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Add the gin and then fill with tonic water.
3. Gently stir.
4. Garnish with your choice of citrus, berries, and herbs.
5. Sprinkle a few juniper berries or coriander berries to finish.