The origin of its birth in the 18th century is subject to debate. Some tell that English sailors based in India created the drink. At the time, they used a « tonic water », made of quinine to treat malaria. Because the taste was really sour, they decided to add gin (a national product) to make it easier to drink.
Other tell that it was Royal Navy Admiral Horatio Nelson who created the drink giving tonic water to his soldiers to cure them. He added lemon to provide vitamins and a sour taste and gin, to soften the drink and make it appreciable for sailors.
Whatever the true story, a classic cocktail was born !
Gin & Tonic was really appreciated during the 80’s, and was then replaced by cocktails based on whisky, vodka or rum… Gin & Tonic came back under the spotlight in 2010: classics never die ! It is now made of flavoured gin with taste of cucumber, rose, lavender infusions, olives, or thyme... Tonic water also comes up with flavoured infused versions based on ginger, cardamom or rosemary for instance.
Bartenders brought Gin & Tonic up to date and twisted the way to serve it. In Spain it is served for example in big wine glasses filled with ice cubes. They also flavour the classic version with syrups and garnish their drinks with fruits and spices to create a nice appealing drink!
Try out 2 of Philippe’s favourites and make your own version… flavoured with MONIN !
Apple Cucumber Gin Tonic
- 10 ml MONIN Cucumber syrup
- 10 ml Le Fruit de MONIN Green Apple
- 40 ml gin
- Top with tonic water
Pour ingredients into a large wine glass filled with ice and stir gently.
Garnish with lemon and cucumber slices.
Pink Grapefruit Gin & Tonic
- 10 ml MONIN Pink Grapefruit syrup
- 40 ml gin
- Top with tonic water
Pour ingredients into a large wine glass filled with ice and stir gently.
Garnish with lemon slices and some zests or pink grapefruit slices.
