Classic Gin & Tonic Cocktail

What’s the telltale sign you’re getting old in da club? If you order a gin & tonic instead of an AMF.

Yes, AMF’s are probably the most bang for your buck, but no, they usually don’t taste great. So what are your options if you’re still looking to get a buzz on but want to actually enjoy your drink? Answer: A gin & tonic! It’s a classic, tasty cocktail (often made really strong) that is decently priced at the bar, so you don’t have to say “Adios” to either your wallet or your taste buds. Or better yet, take a pass on going to the club (especially right now!) and make it at home. This is a great recipe that you can follow to the T, or use as a base to get creative and make some interesting combinations!

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Where did the Gin & Tonic originate?

Well, we did the Googling for you. To start, it’s important to note that there are contrasting histories of the G&T, including the origin stories of both key ingredients.

One known possibility was that gin was first created in 17th century Holland. By the middle of the century, it became widely popular in Holland for its medicinal properties. The Thirty Years War was happening at the time (Fun fact: in middle school, Noelle did a History Day project about the Thirty Years War, and made it all the way to the state competition!) and British soldiers came across gin while on Dutch land. They brought it back to England, where it became even more popular!

The British eventually made their way to govern India, and brought with them the delicious spirit. There, the cinchona tree bark was combined with water and sugar (their version of tonic water.) The tonic was then combined with gin to make a “medicinal” drink, and the gin & tonic was born!

What’s the difference between tonic water, sparkling water, and sprite?

It’s all in the sugar and bitterness.

• tonic water = carbonated water that has added sugar and quinine (creates a bitter taste.) Very often used in combination with other liquids, such as in a cocktail.
• sprite/7up = a type of soda water. It has added carbonation, sugar, and lemon-lime flavoring. For g&t cocktails, you can definitely substitute it for tonic water, but note that it can lead to a sweeter cocktail.
• sparkling water = contains minerals (like calcium, sodium, magnesium) and carbonation that are natural. The taste of sparkling water often differs because of the location of the water source.

References & Further Reading:

https://flaviar.com/blog/gin-tonic-history

https://www.ginfoundry.com/gin-news/gt-history-in-a-glass/

https://slate.com/technology/2013/08/gin-and-tonic-kept-the-british-empire-healthy-the-drinks-quinine-powder-was-vital-for-stopping-the-spread-of-malaria.html

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclaimer policy for details. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.