#TheStoryOf The Gin And Tonic
For a cocktail that comprises of just three ingredients – gin, tonic, and a garnish, the gin and tonic has a lot of tales to tell. Requiring very little skills to make, the classic is one that millions of people all over the world swear by.
But, just like all great cocktails, its be-gin-inngs are far from simple, and goes beyond continents, empires, and even medicinal advancements.
Whether you like your lemon or lime, here’s the full story behind the exceptional ori-gin (alright, I’ll stop with the puns here) of this simple serve.
The Spirited Past
The story of G and T begins in the jewel of the British Empire: India. The cocktail was introduced by the army of the British East India Company in India. In the early 1700s, malaria was a huge problem in the country. And due to the looming danger of contracting it, each British soldier had to consume a daily dose of quinine. The quinine was supposed to be added to tonic water, however, was quite bitter to taste. And to make it tolerable, they started adding a mixture of water, sugar, lime and gin to it.
The addition of citrus fruits to the concoction is said to have been initially introduced to prevent scurvy on the long journey across the ocean from England to India. And, that’s how the first gin and tonic was created.
The Spanish Soiree
While Spain is known for its wine and sangria, a particular drink called Gin-Tonic has become quite popular recently. One of the top gin consuming countries in the world, Spain mixes a drink that is stylish and quite different than the traditional English recipe. Here, the drink is elaborately garnished with different herbs, spices, and flowers reflecting the many botanicals in the gin – a long way from the simple garnish of lime. Served in a balloon or coupe glass, it uses plenty of ice and has led to bars across the country solely devoted to the drink and showcasing it in its different forms.
Gin-uinely Popular
From rock band Oasis’ Supersonic, to Billy Joel’s Piano Man, the G and T has been featured in many a catchy tune.
When it comes to television, you might recall How I Met Your Mother’s popular character Barney Stinson often ordering a gin and tonic.
Or if you’re a bibliophile, you might recall how James Bond specifies a recipe for a gin and tonic while in Kingston, Jamaica, in the book Dr. No.
Need A Recipe?
Here’s how you can make your own!
Ingredients:
50ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin
150ml tonic water
Lime, for garnish
Ice
Method:
1. Add ice to your glass and pour in the Tanqueray London Dry Gin.
2. Add the tonic water and stir.
3. Add a wedge of lime to garnish.
And if you try making your own gin and tonic, please drink responsibly and don’t forget to leave us a comment below!
