The World of Gin & Tonic: Classic and Contemporary Twists

By Mallory Ambrose | August 01, 2024

The Gin & Tonic is a cocktail steeped in history and bursting with refreshing simplicity. Yet, within its timeless formula lies a world of potential for creativity and exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious cocktail enthusiast, the nature of gin, being a complex blend of herbs, spices and fruits, makes it one of the most playful and versatile spirits in a bartenders’ toolkit.

Once the star of the cocktail scene and Martini heyday of the 1970’s, the gin category has struggled to find the mainstream appeal of vodka, tequila and rum. However, the number of new craft gins and unique expressions hitting the market reveals that the U.S. is warming to gin once again. Let’s venture on a journey through the wonderful world of gin.

History of the Gin & Tonic

The Gin & Tonic’s origins trace back to the 19th century when British officers in India mixed their daily dose of quinine—a bitter compound used to prevent malaria—with gin to make it more palatable. The addition of soda water and sugar completed the concoction, giving birth to what we now know as the Gin & Tonic.

Some expect to see more guests opting for Gin & Tonics, as the new craft gins and gourmet tonics available present unique flavor possibilities. Data from the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey found that the Gin & Tonic is the top bar call for 2024, beating out the Mojito at #2 and the Margarita at #3.

Before we delve into variations, let’s perfect the classic recipe:

The Classic Gin & Tonic

Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 4-5 oz tonic water
– Ice
– Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

Tips for the Perfect Gin & Tonic

  • Choose the Right Gin: With so many gins on the market, each with its unique botanical blend, experiment to find the one that suits your palate. London Dry is a classic choice, but don’t shy away from trying something new.
  • Quality Tonic Water: The tonic is just as important as the gin. Opt for a high-quality tonic water to complement your gin.
  • Glassware Matters: Serve your G&T in a large balloon glass or a highball to allow the aromas to fully develop.
  • Ice, Ice, Baby: Use plenty of ice to keep your drink perfectly chilled. The larger the ice cubes, the slower they melt, preventing dilution.

Classic Variations to Try

  1. Lemon & Thyme Gin & Tonic:

– Replace the lime wedge with a lemon wheel and add a sprig of fresh thyme. The citrusy lemon and aromatic thyme bring a new dimension to the drink.

  1. Cucumber & Mint Gin & Tonic:

– Muddle a few slices of cucumber and a couple of mint leaves in the glass before adding ice. This variation is incredibly refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day.

  1. Elderflower Gin & Tonic:

– Add a splash of elderflower cordial to your G&T. This floral note pairs beautifully with the botanical flavors of gin, creating a delicate and fragrant twist.

Contemporary Twists for the Adventurous

For those looking to push the boundaries, here are some innovative variations to try:

  1. Gin & Tonic with Botanical Ice Cubes:

– Freeze edible flowers, herbs, or even thin slices of fruit in your ice cubes. As they melt, they’ll slowly infuse your drink with subtle flavors, complimenting the refreshing profile found in the gin.

  1. Smoky Gin & Tonic:

– Use a smoky gin, such as one that’s been infused with charred oak or mesquite. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary that’s been briefly singed with a lighter. This adds a captivating smoky aroma and flavor to the cocktail.

  1. Spicy Gin & Tonic:

– Infuse your gin with a few slices of fresh chili or add a splash of chili bitters. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño. The heat from the chili contrasts beautifully with the bitterness of the tonic and the botanicals in the gin.

Where To Find High Quality And Unique Gin & Tonic Cocktails

IHG Hotels & Resorts

This summer IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Hotel Indigo, voco, and Crowne Plaza properties have partnered with Hendrick’s Gin to bring guests the perfect summer Gin Tonic, introducing fresh new flavors and exciting fruit and herb fusions that embody the flavors of the season.

“IMI worked alongside IHG’s Premium F&B team to create an interactive experience for guests to create their own Perfect Summer Gin Tonic for our Summer LTO,” said Gabrielle Daniel, Beverage Project Manager, IMI Agency. “With the help of IMI’s CSD team, we were able to showcase this simple but beautiful cocktail and all the ways that it could be executed.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts worked with IMI Agency’s Creative Services Department (CSD) who designed the ‘Perfect Summer Gin Tonic’ promotion collateral.

The Spanish-style Gin Tonic, inspired by the botanicals in Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic water and Hendrick’s Gin, is garnished with a hand-picked selection of the day’s bounty fresh from the farmer’s market.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Spanish-style Gin Tonic

AC Hotels By Marriott®

The ACGT served at AC Hotels worldwide

At AC Hotels By Marriott®, guests can enjoy the refreshing flavors of the ACGT (A Custom Gin Tonic), AC’s Signature cocktail. The ACGT is served in a scientifically engineered glass with etchings that discreetly guide the perfect ratio of ingredients developed by Nigel Barker and Bacardi to heighten taste, aroma and trigeminal effects.

To accompany the signature glass, AC Hotels and Bacardi partnered to create a unique tonic recipe using exotic ingredients from all over the world. Paired with Bombay Sapphire East Gin – a combination of unique botanicals including Thai Lemongrass and Vietnamese Black Peppercorn, and the world’s first gin specifically designed to pair with tonic – the drink is presented with garnishes of fresh orange peel and a thinly-sliced lime wheel to emphasize the flavor profile.

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta – Bar Margot

Bar Margot’s award-winning craft cocktail program is led by lead bartender Nick Middlebrooks, using the most premier spirits, fresh ingredients and house-made garnishes. The initial spirits menu was concocted by two of Atlanta’s most celebrated barmen – Greg Best and Paul Calvert. Their signature Gin Margot cocktail continues to stand the test of time –an elevated variation of a gin and tonic crafted with Monkey 47 Gin, salted lime, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, and aromatic Thai basil.

Bar Margot’s Gin Margot Cocktail, an elevated variation of a gin and tonic

Join the Gin & Tonic Revolution

The Gin & Tonic is more than just a drink; it’s a canvas for creativity. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or venture into uncharted territory with bold new flavors, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a G&T. So, grab your favorite gin, pick a variation (or invent your own), and toast to the endless possibilities this beloved cocktail offers. Cheers!