A perfectly crafted Gin and Tonic is not a drink, it’s an experience. To others, it’s the quintessential cooling haven a purifying botanical harmony that never fades away. It’s what makes the Gin and Tonic so engaging – simplicity hand in hand with infinite space for innovative experimentation with varying gins and tonics. Though there are countless possibilities, there’s one question: with which gin does a Gin and Tonic go well?
Being so surrounded by spirits, I can say that this is a question that sparks hot arguments with bartenders. The Gin and Tonic doesn’t seem complicated, but it’s a complicated cocktail where the gin is the center of attention. With the right gin, the drink becomes an experience and not a beverage. When done correctly, the correct gin brings out the botanicals and spices, resulting in a masterpiece in harmony.
With all the gins now widely available, there’s general agreement among veteran bartenders and spirits enthusiasts of a few top favorites. In my own experience, and one that most industry experts would attest, Monkey 47, Hendrick’s, and Tanqueray Ten are among the gins that will forever be go-to when making the perfect G&T. These gins prove that although you do not have to break the bank by spending the earth on the best-end labels, using a good gin will certainly enhance the drinking experience.
The Fascinating History of the Gin and Tonic
Now first let’s find out something about the history of your favorite drink, before getting to the nitty-gritty of the best gins for your cocktail. The Gin and Tonic was not invented in the cocktail bars or trendy speakeasies of today; its origins date back to the 19th century, in much more functional circumstances. The drink was developed by British colonizers in India who, in the hopes of conquering malaria, mixed quinine-flavored tonic water with gin to render their medicinal amount more palatable. As time passed, this mix had become a fashionable drink, not just with health-giving properties but with a refreshing antidote to India’s heat.
The Gin and Tonic later found its way into the West and, no longer needed for its medical properties, evolved into an archetypal cocktail, equated with leisure and balmy summer nights. Today, the Gin and Tonic is a staple of mainstream culture as a harbinger of cold social parties and summer festivities. Yet, the spirit of its origin making the perfect marriage of gin and tonic still dictates how we select a suitable gin. It’s not simply about matching flavors when selecting a gin but one that will balance the tonic and unlock its best qualities.
London Dry Gin Classics
The London Dry category of gin remains the default choice for the classic Gin and Tonic. With its crisp, clean taste, this category of gin is classically juniper-driven with a plain and simple personality. The mark of a well-made London Dry gin is balance, simplicity, and blending with any style of tonics. In the opinion of Francesco Lafranconi, Carver Road’s Vice President of Hospitality, discovering these timeless styles has resulted in “uncovering hidden gems in subtly designed flavors.” Some of the finest examples to employ to craft the perfect G&T are No. 3 Gin, Sipsmith, Fords, and Oxley.
London Dry gins tend to have a direct but uncompromising experience, with juniper coming first and enabling the tonic to highlight the botanicals. London Dry gins are flexible gins, providing an ageless, classic flavor that never gets old.
Tanqueray No. 10: A Masterwork in Every Bottle
Tanqueray No. 10 is a gem of a gin. This gin is different in the sense that it is quadruple-distilled, resulting in a gin that is overwhelmingly rich and complex yet somehow surprisingly smooth. Tanqueray No. 10 takes the classic London Dry gin taste of robust juniper notes but rounds them out with citrusy zesty flavorings of grapefruit and lime softened by chamomile and coriander essences. The result is a deliciously well-balanced gin that performs very well in a Gin and Tonic.
To pair perfectly, I would suggest mixing Tanqueray No. 10 with a citrus-flavored tonic such as Fever-Tree Indian Tonic. The tartness and subtle bitterness of the tonic cut through the citrus-overloaded flavor of the gin, creating a crisp, well-balanced cocktail.
Sipsmith VJOP: Full-bodied, Piney, and Notable
If you like your gin with a stronger, more full-bodied taste, Sipsmith VJOP (Very Junipery Over Proof) is where it’s at. At a massive 57.7% ABV, the Navy Strength gin is juniper heaven for those that love them. The pine notes are complemented by spicy overtones and orange citrusy finish, making for a hair-raising ride for those who want a strong Gin and Tonic.
To serve Sipsmith VJOP, a Mediterranean tonic such as Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic can be utilized to counterbalance the pungent flavor of the gin and emphasize the understated herbal nuances. Orange peel and a rosemary sprig can be added for complexity to the gin.
Monkey 47: A Sophisticated Botanical Pleasure
For a drinker who wants a gin that is rich and intriguing, look no further than Monkey 47. Produced in Germany’s Black Forest, Monkey 47 is a botanical giant, with no fewer than 47 botanicals, including elderflower, hibiscus, and ginger. This is a zesty, multi-layered-tasting gin that is the best choice for a good Gin and Tonic.
To best enjoy the complexity of Monkey 47, pair it with a traditionally styled tonic like 1724 Tonic Water. The light, crisp taste of the tonic allows the complexity of the gin to speak for itself in its own way, and the end result is a clean and well-balanced beverage. Aroma and taste both have a rich, city-like quality in Monkey 47, so it is ideal for a Gin and Tonic experience that is unmatched.
Gin Mare: A Mediterranean Breeze
If you’re in the mood for something Mediterranean-style, Gin Mare is what to reach for. Gin Mare is made by distilling botanics such as olives, thyme, rosemary, and basil, which create a distinctive taste profile that’s not juniper-forward but herbal and savory instead. The herbal flavor is a welcome respite from the usual flavor of gin, so Gin Mare is an ideal option for a summer Gin and Tonic.
To create the ultimate Mediterranean-style cocktail, combine Gin Mare with 1724 Tonic Water. The subtle flavor of the tonic perfectly complements the herbaceousness of the gin, enhancing the scent of rosemary and thyme. Basal leaves or a sprig of rosemary will add an aromatic finish to complete the experience.
The traditional Gin and Tonic remains not less popular for its versatility and refreshment charm. Selecting the ideal gin is at the core of having the ultimate G&T experience. Whether you are drawn to the juniper-forward dry flavor of London Dry gins, the complexity of aged gins such as Monkey 47, or the herbalized Mediterranean gins such as Gin Mare, there is a gin to complement everyone’s taste within the family of gins. Learning about the botanicals and flavors of each of the gins, and blending them with an appropriate tonic, is the secret to unlocking the complete scope of this old-fashioned drink.
The elegance of the Gin and Tonic is just how simple and flexible it is to provide any type of flavor, and it is such an ideal beverage to try out new gins and mixers. So, sit back, pick your favorite gin, and indulge in the ultimate Gin and Tonic experience, whether you are enjoying a warm patio or taking in an evening at home.
