50 Old Fashioned Cocktails recipe: Gin Tonic
When was the Gin Tonic Invented ( Old Fashioned Cocktails)
The Gin and Tonic is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for many years. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is believed to have been invented in the 19th century when British soldiers stationed in India mixed gin with quinine to create a tonic water that would help prevent malaria. The addition of lime and sugar helped to make the tonic water more palatable, and the cocktail quickly gained popularity. The Gin and Tonic remains a popular drink today and is enjoyed all around the world.
What You Need
- Gin
- Tonic water
- Ice
- Lime wedge
How to Make a Gin Tonic
- Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice.
- Pour 1-2 ounces of gin over the ice.
- Top with 4-6 ounces of tonic water.
- Squeeze a lime wedge into the glass and stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve
Tip For Making it:
- Use a good quality gin: The quality of the gin you use will have a big impact on the taste of your cocktail. Choose a high-quality gin that you enjoy drinking on its own.
- Choose a good quality tonic water: Just like with the gin, the tonic water you use will affect the taste of your drink. Look for a tonic water that is made with natural ingredients and is not overly sweet.
- Use fresh lime juice: Squeezing fresh lime juice into your gin and tonic will give it a bright, citrusy flavor. Avoid using bottled lime juice, which can be bitter and lack the freshness of fresh lime juice.
- Don’t overdo the ice: While you want your drink to be chilled, too much ice can dilute the flavors. Use enough ice to keep your drink cool, but not so much that it waters down the taste.
- Experiment with garnishes: A slice of lime is the classic garnish for a gin and tonic, but you can also try other garnishes like cucumber, mint, or berries to add some extra flavor and visual appeal.
Frequently asked questions
What type of gin is best for making this cocktail recipe?
The type of gin you use for a gin and tonic is a matter of personal preference. However, a dry gin with a strong juniper flavor profile usually works well.
What type of tonic water is best for it?
A high-quality tonic water that is not too sweet and is made with natural ingredients is recommended. Some popular brands include Fever-Tree, Q Tonic, and Schweppes.
Should you add ice to this cocktail?
Yes, adding ice to it,is recommended. It helps to keep the drink cold and also helps to dilute the drink slightly to balance the flavors.
What is the typical garnish for it?
A slice of lime is the most common garnish for it. However, other garnishes like cucumber, grapefruit, or herbs like mint or rosemary can also be used.
Can you make it without tonic water?
While tonic water is a key ingredient for it, you can experiment with other mixers like soda water, ginger ale, or grapefruit juice to create a different flavor profile. However, it will no longer be gin tonic in the traditional sense.
Gin Tonic
The previous gin tonic was used by British sailors on voyages to treat malaria, they often drank tonic water containing quinine, in order to make the tonic water better to swallow, British sailors often added gin to it, later added lemon juice because of long voyages, this was later popular with sailors to the whole world.
Both tonic and gin have a bitter taste, but in gin tonic you can't taste a particularly strong bitter taste.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz gin
- Adequate amount of tonic water
- ¼ oz lime juice
- 1 cup of ice
Instructions
Add the ice cubes to the Colin glass, stir to cool it down and strain the water. Then add the gin and stir again to cool it down. Finally fill with tonic water, squeeze in a little lime juice, stir gently and serve,Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Notes
You can adjust the amount of gin and tonic water to your personal taste. Some people prefer a stronger gin and tonic with more gin, while others prefer a lighter version with more tonic water.
