Making the perfect gin and tonic doesn’t just rely on an incredible gin, you also need to think about the best pairing tonic. Gin and tonic, like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or peanut butter and jelly, is one of the greatest duos of all time. Since a mixer makes up the majority of the drink, a lot is riding on the tonic, this post will help ensure that you get the most out of your duo and your combination is the best it can be.
The first thing to consider
Of course, the type of gin you drink does greatly impact the tonic that you choose to pair it with. For example, you might love putting your Tanqueray Gin with Mediterranean tonic but if you choose an Adnams Copper House Gin it may be better paired with elderflower tonic. It is all about complimenting the flavours of the gin with your tonic and enhancing them in the best way possible.
Thankfully, there has been an increase in premium tonic water on the market, with a greater emphasis on using real quinine as opposed to artificial flavouring, so you have lots to choose from. Below we will explore the different tonics available and help you to make an educated decision regarding the best tonic for your G&T.
Indian Tonic Water
This is usually what you will receive if you don’t specify a particular tonic for your G&T in a bar. It is known for its fresh floral, snappy citrus and perfect bitterness. Using a handful of different botanicals, including natural quinine and oils from bitter oranges, Indian tonic water gets its uniquely clean and refreshing taste and aroma. There isn’t really a premium gin that Indian tonic water doesn’t work well with, so if you’re ever in doubt then always turn to this tonic. We are gin lovers and a few of our personal favourites to drink with Indian tonic include classics such as Hendriks, Tanqueray and Sipsmith gin.
Mediterranean Tonic Water
This particular tonic water doesn’t have such an intense flavour, it is cool and refreshing. This tonic uses essential oils of flowers, fruit, and herbs from the Mediterranean, including lemon thyme and rosemary to give it its unique taste. All of this is blended with quality quinine to create a tonic that’s more located on the floral side.
Mediterranean tonic water pairs incredibly well with citrus and herbaceous gins. This is a distinctive category of gins that all use an abundance of citrus, often fresh as well as the traditional dried varieties, alongside more savoury herbaceous botanicals for a uniquely zesty, uplifting spirit. For example, Mediterranean tonic water is the perfect partner for Bombay Sapphire gin or Beefeater 24 gin.
Flavoured Tonic Water
Many people overlook flavoured tonic water, especially when it comes to pairing it with gin but you may be missing out one of the best types of G&T. It isn’t uncommon for a flavoured tonic to work incredibly well with a flavoured gin or to even bring a new flavour to a classic gin, so we definitely recommend that you explore the many different flavoured tonics on the market.
Flavoured tonic water works best alongside contemporary gins where new botanicals and distilling methods have been introduced to craft more delicate and fragrant flavours. If you haven’t previously, you should consider trying elderflower, pink grapefruit and lemon tonic - you can thank us later.
Summary
Of course, once you have found your perfect combination you need a high-quality glass to drink this incredible gin and tonic from. For this, turn to the experts like us here at Vemacity to provide you with a gin glass set.
Not only will your new gin balloon glass have plenty of room for the perfect combination of your gin and chosen tonic but there is also room for ice and you can even add a garnish to create the ultimate drink. You can use our gin accessories to impress your friends and treat them to your new favourite drink - so you know we are the business you need to go to.