The gin and tonic is a classic, refreshing summer cocktail – so classic that this combination is over 100 years old. It tastes crisp, slightly bitter and is quite easy to prepare. A classic G and Tea cocktail is made by pouring gin and tonic water over a large amount of ice. Most recipes call for a ratio between 1:1 and 1:3. Gin and tonic fans celebrate October 19 every year as International Gin and Tonic Day. The day is a great opportunity to enjoy this historic drink and celebrate gin distillers and tonic producers around the world. If you’re also a fan of gin and tonic, read on to learn about its history and some great ways to flavor your favorite cocktail.
Origin of Gin and Tonic:
The classic gin and tonic combination has a complicated history. One of the first known examples of this combination was when it was brewed to help combat malaria in Holland in the 1840s. Tonic water contains quinine, a bitter ingredient in this drink that is believed to treat malaria. In the 19th century, the British Army in India also added gin to tonic water to improve the taste of this healing drink.
Also read: Uncover the Mysteries of Gin – History, Types, and Tips for the Perfect Gin Cocktail
Who started International Gin and Tonic Day?
A woman named Jane Withers started Gin and Tonic Day in 2012 in honor of her grandmother, Mary Edith Keyburn, who loved the G&T. Jane writes, “Mary Edith was a remarkable woman who loved to enjoy the occasional gin and tonic. She died in hospital on October 19, 2010, aged 95, having had a gin and tonic Which was brought to the hospital hidden in a water bottle and served in a tea cup,” The Gin Guide was quoted as saying.
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Celebrating International Gin and Tonic Day 2024:
Host a gin and tonic tasting this October 19th and gather all your friends and family for a fun evening. You can also take photos from the event and post them on social media using the hashtag #internationalginandtonicday. Here are some fun ways to upgrade the classic gin and tonic, for your particular tastes.
5 fun ways to jazz up your good old G and T:
1. Cool as a Cucumber
Cut the cucumbers into thin ribbons and place them in a highball glass. Add a handful of ice cubes. In a cocktail shaker, squeeze the juice of half a lime, then add the gin, a splash of elderflower liqueur, a few basil leaves and a few cucumber slices. Crush the mixture well, then add ice. Stir well and strain the mixture into your glass. Finish by pouring tonic over it and garnishing with more basil leaves.
2. Berry Berry Delicious
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Wash the strawberries and cut off the tops. Next, cut them into halves or quarters. Mash the strawberries with plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Add gin and top with tonic. Garnish with strawberries and enjoy.
3. Mint Meets Chocolate
Pour herbal-style gin into a glass and add a few fresh mint leaves. Add a tablespoon of chocolate liquor. Add tonic and garnish with a few mint sprigs and grated dark chocolate. Your mint-meets-chocolate G and Tea is ready.
Also read: The ultimate guide to the gin trends of 2024: How India is changing the sipping game
4. Peachy not preachy
If you love fruity peach flavors, this cocktail is for you. Pour your gin and tonic over ice and add peach slices. Garnish with a sprig of thyme. For a more pronounced peach flavor, you can blend the fruit and strain it into a glass before adding the other ingredients. Stir until juice is added to the drink.
5. Pine-ing for apples
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Smoky, caramelized and grilled pineapple make a great G and Tea. Start by grilling the pineapple wheels for 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Cut a wheel of pineapple and mash it in a cocktail shaker. Combine ice, gin, lemon juice and pineapple juice. Stir for two minutes. Filter it in a glass with ice. Pour tonic water on top. Garnish with another grilled pineapple wheel and serve!
What’s your favorite gin and tonic cocktail? Share with us in the comments section. Happy G&T Day!
