The year is 1840. You’re a Dutch citizen, living in Holland, and it’s a damp summer. The mosquitoes seem bolder and busier this year, and you swat at them every time you walk out the door. The local physician has spread the word that quinine helps prevent malaria. Great! Bring it on. You know quinine comes in tonic water. Your first glass of tonic water gives you a sense of some control over this serious health threat. Except…it’s so bitter, you sputter and cough the first time you sip. What could make it more palatable? More refreshing? Gin.

The bright, zesty flavor of gin, infused with its essence of juniper, florals, and herbs, turns your medicinal tonic into a delicious cocktail. Boom…the Gin and Tonic is born.

That’s one historical narrative on the origins of the now classic Gin and Tonic, or G&T. We know the Dutch were blending G&T’s, then the Brits caught on within 10 years, sending tonic water to their soldiers in India (where it was actually required they drink it, so they used their gin rations to blend). That’s how the G&T trickled back to Britain, exploded in popularity, and started clinking glasses with the rest of the world.

These days, an icy G&T is a classic summer beverage, beloved for its taste and super easy to make. There are also plenty of excellent gins to explore, from classics like Tanqueray, Beefeater, and Bombay Sapphire, to interesting takes like Tulchan (Scottish gin) and Hendrick’s Flora Adora (made with rosewater). 

With that in mind, here are a few variations on the G&T to expand your palate…

We’ve been to Spain, and the local obsession with this cocktail is real. In Madrid, there are actually several bars devoted to G&Ts and their variations. The classic Spanish Gin-Tonic (they don’t say “and”) is a fragrant, tangy spin, and it’s truly delicious…the flavors are light and refreshing on hot, summer nights and carry a crispness that swings this drink seamlessly into the autumn months. This version is all about the botanicals and aromatics, so have fun crafting your perfect combo!

• 2 oz gin 

• 4 oz tonic 

• 1 slice fresh grapefruit (can sub a slice of orange, or a small splash of grapefruit juice)

• 3 olives (Castelvetrano are the best, and can be found in most grocery stores)

• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme

• Ice cubes
  
  

1. Use a rocks glass (or be like the Spanish and use a wide-mouth wine glass with a stem).

2. Fill half the glass with ice.

3. Squeeze the slice of citrus, and add to the glass, along with the olives and thyme.

4. Pour in the gin, add the tonic, and stir.

• 2 oz gin 

• 4 oz tonic 

• 1 slice fresh lemon

• 2 slices fresh cucumber

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• Ice cubes
  
  

1. Use a highball glass.

2. Fill half the glass with ice.

3. Squeeze the slice of lemon, and add to the glass, along with the cucumber slices

4. Smack the rosemary sprig on a hard surface like a counter, and drop into the glass.

5. Pour in the gin, add the tonic, and stir.

• 2 oz gin 

• 1 tsp whiskey (preferably a smoky one)

• 4 oz tonic

• Splash of Peach Schnapps

• Twist or orange or grapefruit peel

• Ice cubes

1. Fill highball glass with ice.

2. Pour in the gin.

3. Add the whiskey.

4. Pour in the tonic, add the splash of Peach Schnapps.

5. Twist the citrus peel and drop it in the glass.

6. Stir and enjoy.

Now that you’re prepared with a few variations on a theme, you may wonder…which gin should I buy? Which tonic? We’re happy to help. Ask any of our staff at our Cox’s & Evergreen locations, and they’ll listen and guide you to the gin that suits your tastes and your plans, along with the tonic best suited to match. We’ve always liked Gins and Tonic, and we like what we do. The rest is history. Cheers!