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The history and mixology of the G&T

The Gin and Tonic is one of the perennial cocktails of history, with a vibrant story of its own. As a mix of British Imperialism, the G&T has a flavor and style unique to itself.  We here at Hobocans will go through what makes this cocktail test time.

Gin is one of the famous 5 liquors: Liquors that every bar must have, in ample supply (joined by its brethren Vodka, Rum, Tequila, and Whiskey).  Like Vodka, Gin has a grain alcohol base, in addition, its infused with juniper berries, amongst other botanicals, to give each gin a uniqueness of its own.

During the days of British Imperialism, a confluence of need and availability created the most famous Gin cocktail: The Gin and Tonic.  Made of 1/2 gin, 1/2 tonic and a squeeze of lime, the Gin and Tonic is the same as it was in the 17th-century, save maybe for the addition of ample ice.

During the heydays of the British Royal Navy there was an necessity for the consumption of lime and tonic by sailors. Tonic Water was created as result of the British invading malaria ridden equatorial zones, like India.  Quinine, the active ingredient in tonic, actually does something, unlike most snake oil tonics: It prevents and relieves the symptoms of Malaria.  Its the quinine that gives tonic its peculiar taste.  Lime, in addition, due to its strong citrus nature, can prevent scurvy, which was a common ailment for sailors living off of salted pork and fish.  And those are just two of the ingredients, lets not negate the drunkening effects of the third active ingredient: Gin.

London gin along with quinine tonic and the need for a daily dose of lime created a drink today that has outlived the needs of yesterday.

So you want to get into Gin?  Well, it all starts with picking a good one: Bombay, Beefeaters, and Tanqueray are the bulge bracket brands.  We like Bombay Sapphire for the use in a G&T. The Sapphire has a nice mix of botanicals with out too much of the juniper bite, like Beefeaters.

Lately though, we have been getting out of the bulge bracket and going with Hendrick’s Gin, which is infused with rose and cucumber.  This gin tastes a little more sweet, negating the strong herbals in other gins and goes great with cumber or a twist.  We also recommend the Hendrick’s G&T with a spash of Midori to make the sweeter, iridescent green GMT.

The Gin and Tonic is an excellent cocktail: Different, potent and with a hint of class.  Try a bit of each gin at your local public house, find one that suits you and gulp them down, especially the next time malaria and scurvy threaten your travel plans.

Cocktail Review: The Gin and Tonic

Date Invented: 17th Century

Great for: Sipping on a porch, at a club or touring the equatorial zone.

Recipe: 1/2 Hendrick’s Gin, 1/2 Schweppes Tonic Water poured over a highball filled with ice.  Add a slice of lime or cucumber for garnish. 

Potency: 8/10

Overall: 8/10