A cocktail introduced by the army of the British East India Company in India two centuries ago.
In the 18th century, Scottish doctor George Cleghorn studied how quinine, a traditional cure for malaria, could be used to prevent the disease. The quinine was drunk in tonic water, but the bitter taste was nasty.
How gin and tonic was born
In India and other tropical regions back then, malaria was a persistent problem. British military officers in India in the early 19th century resorted to adding a mixture of water, sugar, lime and gin to the quinine in order to make the drink more pleasant, thus the sweet concoction of gin and tonic was born.
Since it is no longer used as an antimalarial, tonic water today contains much less quinine and is consequently much less bitter.
How to make a gin and tonic
One of the most popular British cocktails and enjoyed the world over, this refreshing cocktail takes only moments to create.
Gin and tonic water are poured over a large amount of ice.
The ratio of gin to tonic varies according to taste, strength of the gin and other mixers being added, with most recipes calling for a ratio of between 1:1 and 1:3.
It is traditionally garnished with a slice or wedge of lime, often slightly squeezed into the drink before being placed in the glass.
The ice cools the gin, dulling the effect of the alcohol in the mouth and making the drink more palatable and refreshing to taste.
G&T / gin tonic
Gin and tonic is commonly referred to as G and T in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US.
In some parts of the world, such as in France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Japan, it is called a gin tonic.
International Gin & Tonic Day
A decade old, International Gin and Tonic Day was founded by the family and friends of Mary Edith Keyburn in her honour.
At the age of 95 years old, Mary Edith passed away on October 19, 2010, with a gin and tonic at her side. The nonagenarian’s favourite drink had been smuggled into her hospital room in a water bottle and served in a teacup.
Now, International Gin & Tonic Day is celebrated worldwide on 19 October, with a virtual gin and tonic party held every year where partygoers are encouraged to post a photo of their gin and tonic.
In past years, gin and tonic fans from more than 20 countries participated in the virtual event. Also, on this day, pubs and bars across the globe offer drink specials on gin and tonics.
Stay home, drink safe
With the movement control order (MCO) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, you can’t celebrate International G & T Day at your favourite drinking hole, but you can still enjoy the refreshing cocktail in the comfort and safety of your home.
Asiaeuro’s AE Club is offering three super value deals of Caorunn (pronounced as ka-roon) gin with Sanpellegrino tonic water plus two gifts – a Caorunn Small Batch miniature and Sanpellegrino opener.