A gin and tonic is a highball cocktail made with gin and tonic water poured over a large amount of ice. The ratio of gin to tonic varies according to taste, strength of the gin, other drink mixers being added, etc., with most recipes calling for a ratio between 1:1 and 1:3. It is usually garnished with a slice or wedge of lime. To preserve effervescence, the tonic can be poured down a bar spoon.The ice cools the gin, dulling the effect of the alcohol in the mouth and making the drink more pleasant and refreshing to taste.
Most people think that Gin comes from England or Ireland. But it is not true! What actually very few know: Gin is originally from the Netherlands. Since the Middle Ages people knew about the medical effects and the disinfectant healing power of juniper berries which were consumed to fight against fever and even the pest. The dutch doctor Franciscus Sylvius de la Boe is the inventor of Gin. In the 16th century, he made a schnaps distilled with juniper berries, so called “Genever” (in dutch: juniper berry) which was consumed for medical purposes. During the Eighty Year’s War (1568-1648) the dutch soldiers were supposed to drink the “Genever” to feel brave. In the 17th century “Genever” came to England, where the originally “Genever” developed to the today’s “Gin”.
In England, Gin became very popular. Gin promoted not only the production of local spirits, everybody was allowed to distill his own Gin. The increase of import taxes for alcohol from foreign countries and the high taxes for the local beers and wines had lead to an explosion of Gin production in England.
The question arises, when exactly one of the most requested long drinks in the world, Gin Tonic, emerged? When Britain occupied India in the beginning of the 19th century, the soldiers had to ingest quinine every day to prevent Malaria. To cover the bitter taste, the smart Britains added water, sugar and lime. One day, someone got the glorious idea and added Gin. The first Gin Tonic was born.
By World War I, gin and tonics were staples in British clubs and bars. In Post World War II America, they became a favorite of the country club set. Historically Tanqueray, Beefeater, and Bombay Sapphire have been the gins most people grab when making at G & T.
Today we challenge you to celebrate Gin & Tonic Day by trying some of these newer gins:
GREEN HAT GIN: Crafted in Washington D.C.’s first distillery since Prohibition, distilled with a unique blend of botanicals in copper pot stills, Green Hat Gin is inspired by the infamous Man in the Green Hat.
Hendrick’s is the marriage of two different spirits from two rare and unusual stills: The harmonious combination of the Bennett and Carter-Head stills create and unusually smooth gin like no other that has the required character and balance of subtle flavors. Hendrick’s is handcrafted in tiny batches of only 500 lovely liters at a time, which gives the Master Distiller, Ms. Lesley Gracie, greater control of her careful artistry.$34.99 750ml
Neptunia$39.99 750ml
$39.99 750ml
Vim & Petal Dry Gin
$25.20 750ml
Middle West Spirits, a Columbus distillery, also draws inspiration from local plants, using Ohio’s soft red winter wheat as the base for its Vim & Petal Dry Gin. In this full-bodied American-style gin, 18 botanicals come together to create citrus aromas, notes of elderberry, and a floral finish. The versatile herbal flavors will awaken your senses, much like crisp air on a bright spring day.
This American style dry gin bursts forth with a pioneering robustness, then falls quietly like the soft red winter wheat at its base. Each full-bodied flavor and enticing note of Vim & Petal brings to life 18 botanicals and the delicate tension between them, to give you character, dimension, and a refined versatility.
