Gourmet tonic waters are the latest trend

With the rise in popularity of gin over the past number of years, tonic water also has experienced some new developments with new varieties coming out.

I have to say, I love the elderflower versions as they add a light sweetness to the drink. Tonic water is carbonated with the addition of quinine, a medication to treat malaria. Tonic water was initially used to treat malaria by the British military in the Indian subcontinent but due to the bitter taste of quinine, gin was added (they knew how to make medicine back then).

These days, tonic water is not as bitter as the quinine content is much lower than it used to be. The first commercial and patented version under the name Tonic water was by Erasmus Bond of Pitt & Co in the UK in 1858.

The first time gin and tonic was mentioned was in 1868 in the Oriental Sporting Magazine where it was described as a refreshing cocktail – I couldn’t argue with that. These days, tonic water is sweeter and more citrussy than the original, making it more palatable.

Flavourings are the latest trend after the large gin hype with elderflower still in the lead, but I tried also grapefruit (excellent with Tigh Nora Gin from Galway).

I even loved adding rosemary syrup to tonic water – adding a bit of lemon the result was really tasty.

Gourmet tonic waters are the latest trend. Brands like Fewer Tree, The London Essence Co. and the Irish tonic water Poachers are coming up with new flavour combinations to make the G & T experience tastier.

Pomelo & Pink Pepper, Blood Orange and other delicious combinations can now be added to your favourite gin. By adding the word gourmet, you pay a rather premium price for it though.

As the marketing slogan by Fewer Tree says – if 3/4s of your drink is the mixer, mix it with the best (not saying that Fever Tree is the best) – so try to experiment a bit with different flavours of tonic water.

Or make your own flavoured syrups. Herbs are a great flavouring – try basil or thyme. Fruit is also a great addition to a great gin. Just let your imagination run wild a bit. What’s the worst that can happen?

One way I like my gin is with Sprite rather than tonic water. When I am at home, I add a bit of sugar syrup and the juice of a lime. The result is called a Tom Collins although the original is made with lemon juice, I prefer lime juice.

Other classic gin cocktails are Gin Fizz, Negroni, Cucumber Cooler (Hendrick’s is used for this refreshing and very tasty cocktail) and Gimlet.