Why Gin & Tonic?

Gin & Tonic. It’s a classic - it’s been popular for way longer than either Sam or Chris have been around. But why has this pairing been so popular for so very long?

What started as a medicinal drink fast became a popular drink and is now one of the most widely consumed cocktails in the world - and some would even say is the absolute perfect drink pairing (but not Sam - Sam would never say that…)!

After gin was discovered around 1270, and its fair partner tonic water popularised in the 18th century, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the soldiers in the British East India Company combined the two, using their daily rations of half a pint a day and mixing it with their malaria medication - tonic water! Throw in some ice and a slice/wedge of lime to stave off scurvy, and you have what is known as one of the most refreshing cocktails on a hot summer’s day.

Would this cocktail have been discovered had the British not colonised India? We will never know!

While this drink is popularly consumed “today”, modern gin and tonics are less medicinal, and more pleasurable, with the levels of quinine much lower than in the origin-years as it is no longer a required medicine. Modern gins have also evolved the way that people are enjoying this spirit, with different flavoured tonics (such as lemon, pepperberry, elderflower, lilly pilly, etc.), sonics (half soda half tonic), just soda, or if you’re like Sam, just on the rocks!

Garnishes are also becoming much more adventurous than your standard citrus wheel or wedge. Rosemary, pomegranate, thyme (native time is particularly yummy), cucumber, peppercorns, and the list goes on, and on, and on…..

At the end of the day - find what works for you and enjoy your Gin and Tonic your way….