Friday, March 22, 2024

How To Drink Gin And Tonic

Once Youve Become A Gin Geek Sip Vintage Gins

How to make a gin and tonic cocktail

If you really start to get into this gin thing, there is another realm: vintage gins. Generally, youll find more collectors bottles overseas in cities like Tokyo and in bars like Lebensstern in Berlin that stock more than a thousand spirits, including decades-old bottles available by the pour. Whitechapel is one of the rare American bars to find gin bottles that date back decades and that can be drunk.

Gins werent necessarily meant to be drunk aged or to sit in a bottle for 40 years, says Rivers. I aerate it first, then pour and taste 10 minutes later, then another 10 minutes later, then an hour later . … The fun part is to see what the flavor palates were back in the 1930s, 40s, 50s, 60s. They were much more grain-derivative back thenyou could taste what the gin was made from. I love to give gin enthusiasts a chance to taste a Bombay from the 1950s compared to one today and to discuss the differences.

What Does Gin And Tonic Pair With

There are plenty of alcoholic drinks that pair well with the fatty, salty, and nutty taste of this snack. The gin and tonic food pairing is also great with wine, beer, whiskey, absinthe, or anything else. Peanuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts are just some of the goodies you can select.

Dont Discount The G& t

The careful consideration of ingredients employed when mixing Martinis extends to fixing a G& T. In this case, the tonic is every bit as important as the gin, and preparing the drink also ties in many of Browns other lessons.

Find a tonic that matches your gin, he says. But also dont overlook the garnish.

If the gin at hand showcases grapefruit peel, for example, reach for a neutral or slightly citrus-forward tonic to amplify that character. And turn to the fresh version of that very same fruit for the garnish. If you see grapefruit, youre expecting grapefruit , Brown says. When you then taste grapefruit, that confirmation bias is like fireworks in your brain.

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Glassware And Garnish: Give Up The Lime

You’re not legally required to include you a lime in your G& T. In fact, maybe skip it.

In Spain, the gin tonica is served in a giant goblet, trussed with pretty garnishes. Most of the bartenders I spoke with praised the goblet for its ability to hold loads of ice . But a few mentioned that the goblet can feel precariously top heavy, and if keeping your bubbles is the primary concern, they said, a tall, thin Collins or highball glass is better. Its the same idea as a flute for Champagne, notes San Francisco bartender Meryll Cawn. It keeps it carbonated. Also, you dont have an avalanche of ice cubes coming at your face.

Lemon? Sure. Grapefruit? Highly recommended.

The one garnish Cawn avoids might be the one you see most often: I dont like lime in G& T because its rarely used as a botanical in gin, or in tonic. When you add it, she says, the lime takes over almost the entire flavor of the drink. Ditching the lime may sound like the hardest of all these rules to follow I promise, though, your new signature G& T will go down easy.

Maybe You Want To Go With A Gin & Tonic Or Even Gin & Coke

Best Gin and Tonic  A Couple Cooks

Across the pond in England, gin expert David T. Smith and The Craft of Gin with co-author Aaron Knoll) has spent years studying hundreds of gins and how they pair with different tonics. Yes, a quality tonic makes a difference. But he also says, The tonic should always be chilled. … If the tonic is warm, the whole mix will taste sweeter and will be less fizzy.

He also vouches for mixing it up: Read tonic labels and look for the flavor profile. For example, if theres rosemary tonic, you can look for gins that might work with rosemary. Or choose a classic London dry gin that mixes well with a range of tonics. There are a lot of other sodas that work well with gin, like soda water and San Pellegrino citrus sodas, or if you want to be bit controversial, cola works well with gin. Smith goes on to quote The Whos song Substitute: Substitute me for him / Substitute my coke for gin. So if its good enough for The Who …

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Gin And Tonic Variations And Garnishes

Aside from the main ingredients, other variations of this concoction include lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, grenadine, tea, and spiced simple syrup in the elements. This famous cocktail has also inspired new mixed drinks, which add champagne, whiskey, vermouth, bitters, fruit-flavored liqueurs, chocolate liqueurs, and more into the mix.

One notable variation of the gin and tonic is called Gin-Tonic, which originated in Spain. Perhaps its most noticeable difference from the traditional gin and tonic is the glass used for serving.

The Gin-Tonic is served in a balloon glass or coupe glass for aromatic purposes. The garnish is also versatile, as it is chosen based on the flavors of the gin. This variation has become so popular that bars dedicated to it have been established. Called Gin-Tonic bars, customers can choose their preferred gin, tonic, and garnish off their menu.

The traditional gin and tonic is usually garnished with a lime wheel or lime wedge. The juice of the lime is often squeezed into the drink first, then placed in the glass.

In recent years, the use of lemon as an alternative to lime has been gaining fame. This is because lemon is more affordable and more readily available than lime. However, some top brands of gin still recommend the use of lime for the garnish.

How To Garnish A Classic Gin And Tonic

I like to serve my gin tonics in the style of a Spanish Gin & tonic. In a large wine glass with the following garnishes for flavor:

  • Lime wedges
  • Fill your glass with ice, all the way to the top.
  • Add your gin and the tonic water.
  • Squeeze two lime wedges into your cocktail and stir well to combine.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint if desired.

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Is It Bad To Drink A Gin And Tonic Every Night

There is no danger associated with the compound, as long as you take it in small amounts. Quinine can cause serious side effects, which is why the U.S. Tonic water can only contain a certain percentage of tonic. The Food and Drug Administration regulates this amount. Tonic may not be a good idea if you drink gin every night.

When Should I Drink Gin And Tonic

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Traditionally served as a light, refreshing beverage, gin and tonic is a classic. Drinking this drink is as simple as mixing the two ingredients named above and adding a touch of lime, which are all natural flavorings and partners. If you are looking for an invigorating beverage, this would be a great selection during happy hour, dinner, or anytime.

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What Do You Mix With Gin

  • Historically, vermouths have been blended with gin in Martinis for at least a hundred years, but there are many varieties out there.
  • I took a tonic.
  • Soda Water is a type of carbonated water that comes from the process of carbonation.
  • Im obsessed with limes.
  • I ate a grapefruit.
  • You can also make pineapple juice.
  • Seltzer with a hint of flavor
  • Cucumber.
  • Why I Love This Fantastic Cocktail

  • The insanely short ingredient list. I have never had the luxury of extra space and storage in any of the homes I have lived in, so knowing that I can easily store a bottle of gin away for weekends is pretty awesome.
  • However, my main love comes from the absence of added sugar. Yes, there is sugar in all gin and tonics thanks to the tonic water BUT it is pretty minimal- at least when compared to the oh so popular simple syrup. Now that I am old and I require daily naps, I simply cant party like I used to. In other words, more than one super sugary drink knocks me outfor the week.
  • Finally, the gin and tonic really are so dang easy to make. And easy-to-make alcohol containing beverages that basically make themselves are kinda my favorite.
  • If you try making your own gin & tonic, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.

    For more cocktail recipes check out,

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    How To Build The Cocktail

  • Select your glassware, considering size and shape
  • Fill the glass with plenty of quality ice
  • Pour 1.5 to 2 ounces of a high quality gin over the ice.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice, and stir to chill.
  • Top with 4-6 ounces of ice-cold, premium tonic water.
  • Garnish to accent the botanicals in your gin
  • Enjoy!
  • Blackberry Gin & Tonic

    Tanqueray and the perfect Gin and Tonic

    Handful of ripe blackberriesJuice of half a lime or lemon40ml gin90ml tonic

    Save a few blackberries for the garnish. Fill your drinking glass with ice. In a separate glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the remaining blackberries with the lime juice, then add more ice, the simple syrup and gin. Shake or stir using a long spoon until the ingredients are well combined and the colour and juices of the blackberries have infused the mixture.

    Strain the liquid into your drinking glass to get rid of the pips. Now add tonic and stir gently. Garnish with a few blackberries on a cocktail pick or a twist of lime peel.

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    How Should A Gin & Tonic Be Served

    Typically, bartenders serve a gin and tonic in a high-ball glass. For those who truly want to bring out the flavor of the gin, however, this cocktail should be served in a balloon glass.

    Now lets think about garnishes:

    While a lime is a classic and suitable garnish, there are many other flavors that can accompany a gin and tonic. The choice of garnish largely depends on the flavor profile of the gin. For a gin with cucumber and rose petal notes, a cucumber garnish is perfect. Spiced gins pair nicely with an orange wheel. An oranges warmth and sweetness tends to complement the winter flavors of clove, cassia, and nutmeg. Lastly, a gin and tonic is best enjoyed over ice. Bartenders recommend using either purified water or tonic water for the ice cubes to avoid impurities of tap water that could impact the flavor of the drink.

    You May Experience Fewer Hangovers If You Drink Gin Every Night Instead Of Other Drinks

    How would you like to never have a hangover ever again? That may not be entirely possible unless you avoid alcohol, of course but you can lessen your chances. However, you will have to trade in certain drinks. As Healthline highlighted, studies have found an association between congeners and hangovers. As it happens, dark drinks like brandy and whiskey are high in congeners whereas clear drinks, such as vodka and gin, have much lower levels.

    “While lighter colored drinks may slightly help to prevent a hangover, drinking too many alcoholic beverages of any color will still make you feel bad the morning after,” Daniel Hall-Flavin, a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in addiction, explained to the Mayo Clinic. “Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause dehydration, low blood sugar, digestive irritation and disturbed sleep all factors that lead to hangover symptoms.”

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    Advice From The Cocktail

    By now were all familiar with the history of the gin and tonic: first a product of necessity, the G& T made bitter and quinine-rich tonic water palatable with the addition of gin, ice and citrus. Despite its initial medicinal use, the G& T has since become a favourite of drinkers around the globe and is prized for its freshness and subtle complexity.

    Its no wonder that, given its international popularity, the G& T has a number of different guises. When it comes to the eternal question of lemon versus lime, there are a few different takes on the matter. Those who argue for lime say the fruit, with its bright, punchy flavour, offers a boldness that lemon simply cant match. However, many purists argue that lemon is the only choice: as a more delicate fruit, it is less likely to overwhelm the bounty of a gins botanicals.

    How To Make The Perfect Gin And Tonic

    How to make the best Gin and Tonic

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

    • Pin

    The Gin and Tonic is a quintessential summer cocktail. At its simplest, this classic drink requires just two components. But choose high quality ingredients and finish with some thoughtful garnishing and you can make this simple gin cocktail truly extraordinary. Often regarded as just a warm weather drink, with a few tweaks, this refreshing G& T transitions easily to fall and winter happy hours.

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    What Does Gin And Tonic Taste Like Does Gin And Tonic Taste Good

    No drink is as quintessentially English as gin and tonic.

    But this classic drink has already migrated across the Atlantic and has become a staple in parties and bars.

    Did you know that the molecules of gin and tonic water have similar patterns and appearances?

    According to Matthew Hartings, a faculty member of chemistry at the American University, the molecules of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen in the two liquids attract each other.

    But how can you describe the taste of a drink, especially if you dont drink? What does gin and tonic taste like?

    Find out this interesting answer in this post below!

    Dont Be Afraid To Drink Gin Neat

    Dont be afraid to drink gin neat, says Smith. These days, a lot more gins are designed to be drunk neat. Gone are the days where drinking gin is like drinking a Christmas tree. He explains that its easier than ever to find a gin that might feature flavors you prefer, whether you like cinnamon or cardamom, citrus or floral notes, especially if you bring barrel-aged gins into the mix. Barrel-aged gins have proliferated in recent years, particularly from small-batch distillers across the U.S. Longtimers like No. 209 in San Francisco even experiment with different barrels, aging its gin in sauvignon blanc or cabernet sauvignon wine barrels.

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    Best Flavor Pairings With Gin

    Sometimes, you just don’t have the energy or time to be able to make an entire cocktail, and want to slip a little bit of booze into one or two ingredients. While you probably haven’t tended bar or trained to become a mixologist, it’s easy enough to craft your own cocktails and beverages at home once you’re familiar with the different ingredients that always pair well with gin’s aromatics.

    Spiced Orange & Cinnamon G& t

    Gin And Tonic Wallpapers High Quality

    50ml ginFresh orange slices Fresh ground nutmegCinnamon stickPour gin and tonic into a glass over plenty of ice, add in a few orange slices, a little sprinkle of ground nutmeg and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Dont use dried ground cinnamon. Sloe gin and Christmas-spiced gin work well in this recipe.

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    Sage Rosemary & Thyme Gin And Tonic

    50ml gin30ml herb-infused honey or simple syrup 2 sprigs of thyme and/or rosemary2 sage leaves1 lemon

    Gently simmer the honey with the thyme, rosemary and sage for roughly 5 minutes. You can also use just one or two of the herbs instead of all three, if you prefer. Once the honey or simple syrup is cool, add it to a glass filled with ice along with the gin, tonic, and a squeeze of lemon, then stir for at least 30 seconds. Add a twist of lemon peel and/or a little sprig of any of the herbs, to garnish.

    Elderflower Aviation Gin Cocktail

    Adding floral flavor to the traditional Aviation cocktail cuts down the tartness of the lemon juice-based mixer and works well with the Maraschino liqueur. Elderflower is sweet and friendly and works brilliantly with beautifully herbal botanical gin.

    Its great as a liqueur but Ive found Elderflower cordial is a cheaper and more long-lasting alternative. You can crank up the lemon content but playing with the floral aspect really makes it a great tasting twist on a classic gin cocktail recipe.

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    Gin & Tonic Glasses Which One To Use

    We would recommend a Spanish-style copa glass to enjoy your G& T in. The shape of the balloon glass means the aromas of the gin are trapped to give a better taste to your G& T 80% of taste is down to smell, which makes this glass style perfect. The size of a copa glass allows you to add a good quantity of ice and will also stop the ice cubes from melting as quickly as they do in a standard Collins glass.

    What Kind Of Gin Should I Use To Make A Gin And Tonic

    Gin & Tonic | How to make a cocktail with Gin and Tonic Water

    When making gin and tonics, choose a gin that is mid- to high-shelf. A London dry gin , Plymouth or Bombay work well. London dry gins will be more straightforward in flavor while Plymouth gin will be a bit more aromatic. Weve also used Bombay Sapphire and loved it, but we really enjoy Sapphires extra spiciness.

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    What Is The History Of This Drink

    It is believed that the drink was introduced to the world in the 1800s. During this time, malaria was quite a prevalent issue in tropical regions, namely India. Eager to find a way to prevent the disease, Scottish doctor George Celghorn turned to quinine, a traditional cure for malaria. Often quinine was mixed with tonic water, but this yielded quite an overpowering bitter taste. During this time British officers in India took to adding a mixture of water, sugar, lime, and gin to the quinine in order to make the drink more palatable, and thus the gin and tonic was born.

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