A gin and tonic is a classic and refreshing summer cocktail, so classic that the combination is over 100 years old. It has a crisp, slightly bitter taste and is quite easy to prepare. A classic G and T cocktail is made with gin and tonic water poured 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 wonderful opportunity to enjoy this historic drink and celebrate gin distillers and tonic producers from around the world. If you’re also a Gin and Tonic fan, read on to learn its history and some great ways to improve your favorite cocktail.
Origin of Gin Tonic:
The classic gin and tonic combination has a complex history. One of the first known cases of this combination was drinking it to help fight malaria in Holland in the 1840s. Tonic water contains quinine, the bitter element in this drink, which was 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 medicinal drink.
Also read:Discover the secrets of gin: history, types and tips for making perfect gin cocktails
Who started International Gin and Tonic Day?
A woman called Jayne Withers launched Gin and Tonic Day in 2012 in honor of her grandmother, Mary Edith Keyburn, who loved G and T. Jayne writes: “Mary Edith was an extraordinary woman who loved the occasional drink of Gin Tonic. He passed away in hospital on October 19, 2010, aged 95, with a Gin and Tonic by his side that was smuggled into the hospital in a water bottle and served in a teacup. “, quoted The Gin Guide.
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Celebrating International Gin and Tonic Day 2024:
This October 19th host a Gin and Tonic tasting and gather all your friends and family for a fun evening. You can also take photos of the event and post them on social media using the hashtag #internationalginandtonicday. For your special tasting, here are some fun ways to improve the classic Gin and Tonic.
5 Fun Ways to Liven Up Your Old G and T:
1. Cool as a cucumber
cut a cucumber into thin strips and place in a tall glass. Add a handful of ice cubes. In a cocktail shaker, squeeze the juice of half a lime and add gin, a splash of elderflower liqueur, some basil leaves and a few pieces of cucumber. Mash the mixture well and then add ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into your glass. Finish by covering it with tonic water and garnishing with more basil leaves.
2. Berries and tasty berries
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wash the strawberries and cut the top. Next, cut them in half or quarters. Mash the strawberries with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Transfer the mixture to a glass filled with ice. Add gin and top with tonic. Garnish with a strawberry and enjoy.
3. Mint meets chocolate
Pour herbal gin into a glass and add a few fresh mint leaves. Add a tablespoon of chocolate liqueur. Pour the tonic and decorate with a few sprigs of mint and grated dark chocolate. Your mint chocolate G and T are ready.
Also read:The Ultimate Guide to Gin Trends of 2024: How India is Changing the Sipping Game
4. Peachy doesn’t preach
If you like the fruity flavor of peach, this cocktail is for you. Pour your gin and tonic over ice and add the peach slices. Garnish with a sprig of thyme. For a more pronounced peach flavor, you can blend the fruit and strain it into the glass before adding the rest of the ingredients. Stir until the drink is infused with the juice.
5. Longing for the apple
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Smoked, caramelized, and roasted pineapples are a fantastic G and T. Start by grilling the pineapple wheels for 5 minutes until lightly browned. Cut a wheel pineapple and mash it in a shaker. Add ice, gin, lemon juice and pineapple juice. Shake for two minutes. Strain it into a glass with ice. Top with tonic water. Garnish with another slice of grilled pineapple and serve!
What is your favorite Gin and Tonic cocktail? Share it with us in the comments section. Happy G and T day!
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