Thirsty Thursday: Gin and Tonic

Gin and Tonic, the old standby.

For years, Gin and Tonic has been the Gin lover’s go-to drink. Clean and refreshing, the Gin and Tonic is a staple of bars and speakeasy’s.

Invented by the army of the British East India Company in the mid-1800’s, the Gin and is associated with the warmer summer months and climates. Tonic water was chosen because of its health benefits at the time.
Tonic water contains quinine, which was used to prevent malaria. Because the tonic water used to prevent malaria back then was terribly bitter and strong, soldiers added Gin to give it a better taste, as Gin was flavored with Juniper. Today’s Tonic water contains less quinine and is also less bitter as it is often sweetened when sold to bars or the general public.

Despite not offering the same health benefits as it did when conceived, the Gin and Tonic remains popular.

Ingredients:
2 Ounces Gin (I recommend Tanqueray)
Tonic to fill
Lime Wedge

Pour Gin over ice in a highball glass. Fill with tonic. Garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!