Gin Basics
Gin is a classic liquer with a unique flavor that can be enjoyed in many ways. To properly appreciate the flavor of gin, one must know the basics. It’s important to understand the different types of gin and how to pair them with the right tonic. This article will break down the basics of gin and explain how to choose the right tonic to maximize its flavor.
Overview of gin
Gin is a spirit derived from juniper berries, made by distilling fermented grains and botanicals. Gin is produced by combining juniper berries, coriander, citrus peel, orris root, angelica root and other botanicals with an alcoholic base. The juniper berries give gin a unique flavor and are essential in the production of gin. This base alcohol can range from grain-based spirits to sugarcane-based spirits or grape wine-based spirits.
Gin can be enjoyed neat on it’s own as well as in popular cocktails like Gin & Tonic or the Martini. The flavors of different gins vary greatly depending on the types of botanicals used and the distillation technique used during production. Some gins may have flavor notes such as juniper, citrus, spices and herbs that can define its character and make it perfect for various cocktails.
There are four main categories of gin – London Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin, Plymouth Gin, and Genever/Jenever/Holland Gin – each with their own set of regulations on production techniques that must be met in order to be classified as such type of gin.
Different types of gin
Gin is a spirit made from juniper berries and other natural botanicals that are macerated in an ethanol base distilled from grains. Gin has been around since the 17th century, first appearing in Holland and later Britain. Styles of gin have evolved over the centuries and there are now many unique varieties with different levels of alcohol. The main styles of gin are London Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin, Dutch Jenever Gin and Modern Flavored Gin.
Within these categories are specific types, each one offering its own unique taste profile:
- London Dry Gin: Distilled with a high percentage of botanicals like juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root and citrus peel to create a dry and spicy flavor. Most popular London dry gins include Tanqueray, Gordon’s and Beefeater.
- Old Tom Gin: A sweeter style of gin that was popular during the 1800s in early English-style bars. It is distilled with slightly less juniper than the London dry style as well as more sweetness from herbs like licorice root or aniseed to create a richer flavor profile than London dry. Most common brands include Ransom Old Tom Gin or Hayman’s Old Tom Gin.
- Dutch Jenever Gin: Also known as Holland’s Genever, was actually the predecessor of modern-style gin but tastes very different due to its higher proportion of maltwine base spirits derived from distilling grains like rye or barley malt instead of neutral grain based spirits used in modern gins today. Common examples include Bols Genever or Rutte Genever.
- Modern Flavored Gins: Craft distillers continue to experiment with flavors by adding botanicals such as fruit peels (i.e orange peel), nuts (i.e almond), spices (i.e cardamom) along with traditional botanicals to create entirely new types of flavored gins such as Beefeater 24 which uses 12 botanicals for its complex flavor profile or Aviation which infuses green cardamom for a subtle spiciness in its taste profile.
Popular gin brands
Gin is often referred to as “the spirit of health” and is distilled from juniper berries. It has a very distinct flavor ranging from light and floral to dry, woodsy, and herbal depending on the type of gin being made. Many popular gin brands have been around for generations and have established themselves as popular classics. Here are some of the most well-known brands currently available on the market:
- Beefeater London Dry Gin
- Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin
- Hendrick’s Distilled London Gin
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- Gordon’s London Dry Gin
- Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
- Aviation American Gin
- Brooklyn No Starters Dry Gin
- Seagram’s Extra Dry London Distilled gin
- Nolet’s Silverdry Premium Rye & Juniper Distilled Dutch Style gin
Whether you’re mixing it up in a classic martini or adding it to festive cocktails, these popular gins will make your night even more special. Be sure to stock up for your next happy hour!
Tonic Water Basics
Tonic water is a carbonated beverage that is usually mixed with gin, vodka or other clear spirits. It is usually served over ice with a citrus garnish. Tonic water has a bitter flavour, which is derived from the addition of quinine.
Tonic water has become increasingly popular over the past few years, as craft tonic water has become available in many stores. This article will explore the basics of tonic water and its use in cocktails.
Overview of tonic water
Tonic water is a popular carbonated beverage that is most commonly mixed with other drinks and mixers to create cocktails such as Gin and Tonic. It consists of quinine, a bitter compound found in the bark of the cinchona tree, with added sugar and flavors like fruit juices or extracts. The quinine gives it its distinctive bitter taste, while other flavors mask the bitterness and make it more palatable. It’s also often used as a medicinal tonic, which can help reduce fevers or ease various ailments.
Today, tonics are made in ranging flavored versions like citrus, lime or cranberry. While traditional tonic water will have around 83mg/L of Quinine Sulfate (margin of error +/- 0-30mg/L), some lower or zero-calorie versions contain much less and are generally accompanied by artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.
The unique flavor profile of tonic water makes it incredibly versatile for mixing with a variety of different spirits for cocktails at home or in bars. Commonly used ingredients to go with it include gin and vodka as well as liqueurs like vermouth or bitters for a more complex flavor profile. When external flavors are taken into consideration from fruit juices to herbs such as sage adding highly complex layers to you favorite cocktail drink combinations.
Different types of tonic water
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that contains quinine, an alkaloid derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, and sugar. Quinine has a bitter taste and was originally used to prevent and treat malaria. Gin and tonic is an iconic drink often made with a garnish of citrus.
When it comes to regular tonic water, there are two broad categories: traditional (regular) tonic and Indian tonic water. Traditional ol’ school tonic usually has lots of quinine, sugar and sodium benzoate as a preservative – all of which produce its signature bitter taste. Indian tonic is sweeter with less tartness than regular tonic because it often contains less quinine as well as other ingredients like citrus or herbal flavours.
Most stores offer dozens of varieties but here’s a shortlist:
- Traditional Tonic Water
- Fever Tree Original Tonic Water Bottle, 500ml
- Schweppes Indian Tonic Water Bottle, 200ml
- Q Mixers Indian Tonic Water Can, 4 x 500ml
- Indian Flavoured Tonic Water
- Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic Water Bottle, 200ml
- Fentimans Traditional Indian Tonic Water Can, 325ml
- Cawston Press Rhubarb & Ginger Sparkling Pressé Can 500 ml
Popular tonic water brands
Tonic water is a carbonated beverage with a bitter flavor, typically made from carbonated water and quinine. Although tonic water provides no nutritional benefit, it can be an enjoyable and refreshing beverage. The most popular brands of tonic water are Schweppes, Fever-Tree, Dry Soda, Q Tonic and Fentimans. Each brand has their own unique flavor that can be used in combination with spirits to create various cocktails and other drinks.
- Schweppes is one of the oldest tonic brands on the market and for many years it was difficult to find good quality tonic outside of Europe or Asia. Today, Schweppes is one of the most widely available brands in the US. It’s made with real quinine extracted from cinchona tree bark to give it its bitter taste. It also has a hint of lemon-lime flavor that adds a bit of sweetness to the drink.
- Fever-Tree has gained popularity in recent years due to its premium quality ingredients, such as agave syrup and handpicked oils from orange tree bark for its citrus notes. It also contains natural quinine for a unique bitter flavor unlike any other tonic brand out there.
- Dry Soda produces some interesting flavors like lavender and vanilla that are perfect mixers for traditional cocktails like gin & tonics or Moscow mules as well as craft soda creations like cherry cola juleps or cucumber lemonades!
- Q Tonic is another popular brand known for using less sugar than other brands while still providing intense citrus flavors thanks to its blend of essential oils sourced from bitter oranges! It’s also smooth enough to stand alone without any spirits as a light snack drink option on hot summer days!
- Fentimans is another British company similar to Fever-Tree that not only makes delicious mixers but also carbonated soft drinks in various flavors such as Mandarin & Seville Orange Jigger, Rose Lemonade, Elderflower Tonic Water and Victorian Lemonade!
Pairing Gin and Tonic
Gin and Tonic is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. It is a simple drink to make but there are many different ways to spice it up with different kinds of tonic. Depending on the type of gin you are using, there are a variety of tonics that can be used to create a unique and delicious drink.
Let’s explore the possibilities!
Choosing the right gin
Choosing the right gin is the most important part of a great gin and tonic. Not all gin is created equal, and there are many different varieties that will offer different flavors, aromas and textures when paired with tonic. It’s essential to start your search for the perfect combination by selecting the type of gin you’d like to use in your drink.
Gin includes a wide range of flavors from juniper-forward London Dry Gins to softer Dutch genever style gins. Most modern gins contain some amount of citrus or other botanicals as well as traditional juniper, so there’s no shortage of possibilities for an amazing G&T. Gin’s range from robust to light or floral can be used to create balanced G&T cocktails or played with in order to achieve an incredible flavor profile with your chosen tonic. You can also opt for more spirit-forward gin cocktails using premium brands that have intense flavors such as Hampstead’s Modern Dry Gin or Martin Miller’s Westbourne Strength Gin.
If you have difficulty deciding on which type of gin you’d like to use, consider trying samples before making a purchase, so you can taste different styles and make an informed decision about which one is right for your taste buds!
Choosing the right tonic
When it comes to choosing the perfect tonic for your favorite gin, you can’t go wrong with a quality product. With so many types of tonics available, you may find yourself overwhelmed with choices. Here is a brief guide to help you pick the right one that best complements your gin.
Types of Tonics:
- Classic Tonic Water: The classic choice, made with quinine and added flavors like agave, elderflower cordial, or lemon peel. A sweet and tart flavor that pairs well with most gins.
- Light Tonic Water: A lesser carbonation level and lighter sweetness to preserve the core flavor profile of some gins. Goes great with citrusy gins such as grapefruit or pink peppercorn varieties.
- Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water: Filled with herbal botanicals and light citrus notes like orange and lemon peel this tonic water is great for floral gins or strong botanical gins like rosemary or sage varieties.
- Slightly Saline Tonic Water: A salty mineral taste that adds depth to many varieties of gin but can overpower more subtle flavors so it’s important to balance out a slightly salted tonic water with the right type of gin. Great for mixed drinks featuring cucumber, mint, or citrus fruits.
Popular gin and tonic combinations
Gin and tonic is an iconic and popular drink enjoyed around the world, but what makes the perfect combination? The answer depends on the type of gin you prefer and the flavor profiles that best suit your tastes. While there are a variety of gins and tonics on the market, here are some of the most popular combinations to try:
- Classic Gin & Tonic: For fans of traditional flavors, a classic pairing of London dry gin with a straightforward tonic water is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
- Citrusy Gin & Tonic: If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, citrusy gins paired with flavorful or sparkling tonics will create Iight and refreshing summer cocktails.
- Flavored Gin & Tonic: Recently, craft distilleries have started producing a variety of flavored gin that offer unique flavor profiles. Try pairing these more experimental offerings with similarly flavorful or fruity tonics for an unforgettable twist on this classic cocktail.
- Barrel-Aged/Smoked Gins & Tonics: For those who appreciate bolder flavors, barrel-aged or smoked gins will bring an exciting depth to their favorite flavors. These can be paired with complex or herbal tonics to help balance out the strength of smokiness in the spirits.
Serving and Garnishing
When it comes to serving a gin-based cocktail, it’s important to consider the type of tonic you’re using and how to garnish it. While a classic gin and tonic is usually served cold with a lime wedge, there are many variations that can be used to create more complex and interesting cocktails.
Let’s explore the different types of tonic that can be used and the garnishes that pair best with each:
Preparing the perfect gin and tonic
A gin and tonic is a classic and popular sip of summer. It’s light, refreshing, and packs a bit of punch. To create the perfect glass for you and your friends, start by preparing the gin. A good rule of thumb is to use one part gin and two parts tonic, but vary your ratio depending on taste preferences or add additional ingredients for added flavor.
Next, fill a tall glass with ice cubes then add the desired amount of gin followed by an equal amount of tonic water. For an extra zesty touch, squeeze some lemon into the mix before stirring everything together thoroughly. To take it to another level, try adding fresh herbs such as rosemary or basil to really bring out the unique flavors in this drink. Finally, garnish with a lemon wedge or lime slice to make it look extra special! Enjoy responsibly!
Adding the right garnish
Adding the right garnish to your food or drinks can make all the difference between an average presentation and a standout dish. Garnishes create visual appeal and allow for an extra layer of flavor, texture, or aroma.
Garnishes can be any edible item used to enhance the plate presentation as well as add flavor or color. For example, sautéed mushrooms, diced red onions, or herbs can be cooked up separately then added onto a dish. A simple shape, such as a fan made from cucumber slices is also considered a garnish. The key to garnishing is choosing something that compliments the dish in color, taste and texture.
When it comes to coffee drinks in particular, think of things you can add that will enhance their appearance and provide unique textures such as candied ginger or citrus peels. You could then take it one step further with optional liquid additions like flavored syrups for sweetening or liqueurs for additional alcoholic kick. Assembling these items together will result in a sensational coffee beverage experience!
Tips for serving the perfect gin and tonic
Achieving the perfect balance between the juniper notes of a quality gin, and the sweetness and acidity of tonic water or other mixers can be a craft in itself. Serving your gin and tonic to your guests requires a bit of finesse too, so be sure to follow these steps:
- Start with a copa glass – this balloon-shaped glass allows more room for botanicals of your preferred mixer to infuse with your gin
- Fill your copa glass with ice cubes – these help cool down the drink faster, as well as keep it chilled until you’re ready to drink it
- Add one part gin to three parts tonic water or other mixer – if you’re using flavored gin, don’t add too much more soda or it will completely overpower the subtle nuances of the spirit
- Stir (rarely shake) gently – this is just enough to mix together all elements and evenly distribute them
- Garnish – Lemon wedges work nicely in most cases, but feel free to try out different fruits or herbs that will enhance rather than overpower the flavors of your drink. Be careful not to use anything that will give off too much flavor, such as mint leaves – these pair best with vodka and can change the character of a gin cocktail significantly
- Enjoy!
