March Cocktail of the Month: Gin & Tonic

A monthly cocktail recipe from your Tizz & Tonic Team

Since we are cocktail enthusiasts (enjoying responsibly of course and never at the sewing machines) and have our studio located in an old cocktail lounge we thought it would be very fitting to share with you some of our go-to-cocktails. Some of these we particularly love to enjoy after a long day of undie making.

So, every month we will bring you a simple, enjoyable recipe. It’s a great way to discover new and old style cocktails and diversify your mental library of drinks. This will surely come in handy next time you're stirring up something delicious for your favourite people. We try to keep each cocktail selection basic since most home bars are not going to have all the necessary ingredients. And because we are just the right amount of fancy.

 

Cocktail Of the Month: Gin & Tonic

Just as underwear is the staple of our wardrobes, Gin & Tonic is the staple of our cocktails. Does this surprise you wink wink nudge nudge?

 

Although Tizz & Tonic has a wildly different founding story than this, the invention of the Gin & Tonic is actually quite interesting - and surprising. 

You may not have thought this but the Gin & Tonic was actually invented in India. In the early 19th century when Britain took control of India, many British travelers and colonists suffered from malaria. Cinchona bark became a favored treatment for malaria and it was soon learned that it not only treated malaria, but it actually worked preventatively in helping protect them from the harmful disease. This bark was made into a tonic by being dissolved in water and while this served its purpose, it was actually far too bitter to enjoy. (Clearly a drink must be enjoyed at all costs even if it’s medicinal!)

The British (of course) decided to sweeten the bark elixir with added sugar and topped it off with their favorite gin to help mask the not-so-tasty taste. And that's ladies and gentlemen, was how the Gin & Tonic was invented! 

Although malaria medicines have advanced significantly, this drink remains an icon and tastes fantastic. This is a dark story with a delectable ending. 

Since a Gin & Tonic actually only contains two ingredients, it is important that both are high quality. There are many gins that are very herbal and floral, some bitter, some sweeter and some a little fruitier. Because of this. you can be creative with gin but the best thing to do is try out different types until you find the gin that fits your taste.

Key Ingredients

• 2 parts gin 
• 4-6 parts tonic water
• wedge of lime or another citrus fruit 
• Ice

How to Prepare

Fill a highball glass full of ice, add your favourite gin then top it off with tonic water. Stir gently but not too much as to lose the carbonation. Garnish with a citrus fruit of your choice. 

The Gin & Tonic can be as light or as strong as you want to make it. The strength is controlled by the amount of tonic you add to your drink. 

Sip & enjoy. It's medicinal after all. ;)