Gin and Tonic

Gin and Tonic in a Can – Ready to Drink

Pre-mixed cans have covered you for a quick and easy Gin and Tonic. You’ll find options from established brands like Bombay Sapphire, Gordon’s, and Tanqueray. Bombay Sapphire’s canned versions offer a crisp, clean taste that’s pretty close to what you’d mix yourself.

Variations

There is a large amount of variations on the Gin and Tonic, try one of our recommendations:

• Cucumber Gin and Tonic: Fresh cucumber slices infuse this drink with a crisp, refreshing essence, perfectly complementing the gin’s juniper notes for a revitalizing experience. On a hot day, I particularly enjoy the freshness it brings; it’s like a cooling breeze in a glass.
• Elderflower Gin and Tonic: Sweet, floral elderflower, often added through a liqueur like St-Germain, subtly softens the gin’s sharpness in this blend. The floral notes, which I adore, add an elegant touch, making the drink feel special.
• Rosemary Gin and Tonic: A sprig of rosemary introduces an aromatic, earthy element to this mix. Its piney scent enhances the gin’s botanicals, offering a complex aroma and taste.
• Grapefruit Gin and Tonic: Tart and slightly bitter grapefruit juice adds a citrusy sharpness. This zesty addition enhances the tonic’s quinine flavor, creating an invigorating sip.
• Lavender Gin and Tonic: Soothing lavender brings a calming, floral aspect. Its aroma pairs beautifully with the gin, resulting in an aromatic and relaxing drink.
• Lemon Gin and Tonic: Bright, citrusy sharpness comes from the addition of lemon. The zestiness cuts through the gin’s botanicals, offering a tangy and refreshing profile.
• Raspberry Gin and Tonic: Muddled raspberries lend a fruity and slightly tart flavor. The natural sweetness of the raspberries contrasts nicely with the gin, striking a delightful balance. I’m particularly fond of this one for its vibrant color and the way the raspberries complement the gin.
• Spiced Gin and Tonic: Warming spices like cinnamon or cardamom are introduced, adding a cozy, slightly exotic twist. Ideal for cooler evenings, the warmth of the spices elevates the experience, adding a comforting touch.
• Strawberry Gin and Tonic: Fresh strawberries make this mix sweet and summery. Their juiciness and sweetness pair wonderfully with the crisp tonic, creating a light, fruity option.

History and Origin

The Gin and Tonic has its roots in British colonial history, specifically in India during the 19th century. British soldiers and colonial officials faced the challenge of malaria in tropical regions. Quinine, an extract from the bark of the cinchona tree, served as an effective anti-malarial treatment. However, quinine tasted extremely bitter on its own. The British began mixing the quinine with soda water and sugar to make it more palatable, creating an early form of tonic water.

Gin, already a popular spirit among the British, soon joined the mix. Soldiers and officials started adding Gin to their tonic water for flavor and its intoxicating effects. The addition of lime or lemon came later, initially to combat scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.