5 Tonics you need to try with your gin
I don’t think there can possibly be a better pairing than the classic Gin & Tonic: the perfect double act. Despite it seeming simple, creating the ultimate gin and tonic is actually quite easy to get wrong. Gin has become so incredibly popular over the last few years, and there is so much choice. Whilst it may take a while to choose your desired gin, ¾ of the nations favourite is made up of tonic, so this is crucial too.
Before we point out some incredible tonic waters, let’s go through a few tips to find the perfect combinations. The gin you should select depends on what flavour profile you like. Personally I enjoy a juniper heavy gin, like Plymouth or Sipsmith. If you enjoy something a little more citrusy, how about Tanqueray 10? Perhaps you like floral botanicals, head for Hendrick’s or Bloom.
Your tonic water choice then depends on the gin. Junipery gins work wonderfully with a classic Indian Tonic, whereas delicate botanicals in floral gins are complimented by Elderflower Tonic. Gin’s with more savoury notes can work really well with a Mediterranean Tonic. For the G&T lover, you will know that Fever Tree really did revolutionise the way we see tonic. They discovered that the majority of tonics before didn’t have great quality ingredients. Fever Tree spent a lot of time developing their recipe and ever since, more companies have upped their game.
Classic Schweppes or even a supermarket own brands is now frowned upon by serious gin drinkers. So here are five awesome tonic waters which will seriously jazz up and improve your G&T skills.
1. Double Dutch Cranberry Tonic Water
Double Dutch have a range of tonic waters and mixers which are all delicious. Their Cranberry Tonic with Ginger is designed to pair the astringency of quinine with the perfectly balanced sweet’n’sour of cranberry. The warm ginger adds a spiciness which lingers. It has a light summery aroma and was created in collaboration with Maison Hennessy Cognac to be the soul mate for all dark spirits. However, it works perfectly with many gins out there. Get experimenting!
2. Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water
This is one of my favourite tonics from Fever Tree. It surprisingly mixes nicely with most gins on the shelf. By blending the essential oils from the flowers, fruits and herbs, along with the highest quality quinine, Fever Tree created a delicate, floral, crystal clear tonic. Definitely one to try in the sunshine.
3. Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom Tonic
I do get attracted to anything pink, however this tonic is seriously unique. It combines the lightness of tonic with an aromatic bouquet of cherry blossom. This Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom tonic works wonders with a bit of Hendricks.
4. Merchant’s Heart Pink Peppercorn Tonic
This Merchant's Heart tonic keeps the bitterness of quinine but has a soft, fruity spice of pink peppercorn. It works really well with gins that have sweeter botanicals. It’s quite unlike any other tonic out there.
5. East Imperial Grapefruit Tonic
If you like a dry G&T, East Imperial have created a partnership of two exotic flavours. It delivers a citrus balance and is also very low in sugar. In particular, it pairs well with London dry and citrusforward gins.
Enjoy experimenting and cheers!
*Images have been taken from the brands own websites, click on them to be redirected for more information on each tonic featured in this post.
Originally from Cornwall, Holly has two main passions in life: history and gin. With a degree in history and over 7 years of knowledge working in the gin industry, she now writes about both. Holly creates food recipes for artisan spirits companies and is always on the search to try and experiment with new flavours. You can follow her on Twitter @HollyHarwood and on Instagram @HollyHWood.
