Gin & Tonic (G&T) a popular drink in the mid-19th century and was made popular when the early British migrants turned to it as a preventive cure against malaria and scurvy.
In those days, tonic water was heavily infused with quinine that was extracted from the bark of the “fever-tree” as it was shown to cure and prevent malaria.
Unlike the tasty tonic water we have today, the original tonic water was known to be bitter and harsh until (I assume) some aspiring bartender realize that the taste could be improved simply by adding gin, citrus fruits, sugar, and plenty of ice.
Regardless of its history, here is how you can make the venerable G&T in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients (Makes 1 serving):
– 150ml of tonic water
– 75ml of gin
– A slice of lime
– Plenty of ice
Method:
Combine all the ingredients into a large glass with plenty of ice and serve.
Pro Tips:
Pro Tip 1: The type of tonic water matters!
While the gin is the main hero of the drink, the type of tonic water used can either bring out the taste or bury it so deep that you might as well use rubbing alcohol instead.
I generally try to use the East Imperial Tonic Water due to its high level of quinine (which gives it the bitter taste) and how it has a nice aftertaste of lemongrass and lime. A good alternative would be the Premium Indian Tonic Water from Fever-Tree. In my opinion, while it may not be as sharp as the East Imperial, it is still clean and refreshing.
But if you are unable to get your hands on either of them, just go for Schwepper as the other brands have disappointed me regardless of how good they have claimed to be.
Pro Tip 2: Keep between 1 to 2 parts gin
Depending on which bartender you are talking to, the “ideal” amount of gin in a G&T can vary anywhere from 1-3 parts gin to 3 parts of tonic.
If you tend to go slow on your drinks, keep it at 2 parts gins but if you are a relatively quick drinker, go for 1 part. This helps to prevent the gin from overwhelming the nuances that the tonic water imparts.
Pro Tip 3: Go for the ends of the lime!
Don’t squeeze the limes because it will change the taste of the drink! You are really looking to increase the zesty taste that comes from the oils of the limes!
— Terrence Quah