Mother's Day I had a lavender infused Bombay gin and tonic at the Dolphin on the Hudson River in Yonkers. Subtle, refreshing without all that din you find in Bombay Sapphire.
Times' writers Asimov and Fabricant did a tasting of tonics last year and said Schweppe's was the best tonic!
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Tonic is indeed versatile - but it's so much better when it's homemade tonic! And try it with no sweetener at all - you'll be amazed!
my summer favorite; I/2 shot campari, 1/2 shot good gin, lots of tonic in a tall glass, and a slice of orange; enjoy at midnight in alaska , when the sun finally goes down.
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Myers, tonic, and a bit of Rose's lime. Rose's in first, flat tonic in so many bars make tonic orders a waste of time and money.
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Great suggestions however you treat the tonic almost as an afterthought. Canada Dry or Schweppes? These are loaded with corn syrup. Calories aside, it should be about taste not sweetness. How about Q tonic or Fever Tree?
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Schweppes all the way. Canada Dry is awful Even cheap brands like Shasta have always been a better complement to good gin. The idea of designer tonic just seems ludicrous. It's like "infused" vodka, a solution looking for a problem.
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So right. Schweppes is the "it" tonic. And Gordon's gin... all ice cold. Summer!
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"Designer tonic" is a derogatory term, and using ordinary "quinine flavored" mixers (with high fructose corn syrup) is as "ludicrous" as using cheap tequila or any other liquor. Somehow the quality of the liquor is so important, but the mixer is not? If you're using high-quality booze, you must use a high-quality mixer. Both Q and Fever Tree leave the supermarket brands in the dust. They use real quinine, no artificial flavoring, and are lightly sweetened with real sweeteners. You can drink them alone and they are delicious! Try them, and you'll never look back.
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Try making this ( be patient it's worth it ) - goes great with gin or vodka http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/case-study-building-a-bett...
Thanks of this great article. For Rum and Tonic I prefer a barrel aged such as Myers (not "spiced") Rum, it always has the same effect : it takes me straight to the Carribean for a few moments!
I like the concept of the Calvados and will definitely have to try that soon.
I like the concept of the Calvados and will definitely have to try that soon.
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I recommend a Mountgay and tonic with lemon: sweet, sour, bitter and refreshing. But none of these are cocktails; a single spirit and mixer makes a long drink or mixed drink.
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Yes. White Port with tonic is a great drink. But try Cointreau & Tonic which dates back to the 70s when the three amigos: Max, Robert & Pierre Cointreau of Angers in the Loire tried hard to promote it as a 'new drink' but consumers were trapped with the concept that Cointreau was exclusively an after dinner liqueur. Ditto: Green or Yellow Chartreuse.
Bartenders please note the picture with the article.
That's a tall glass and the tonic still has some bubbles left in it.
I can't tell you many totally flat G&T's served in a fat, short glass have been offered to me.
That's a tall glass and the tonic still has some bubbles left in it.
I can't tell you many totally flat G&T's served in a fat, short glass have been offered to me.
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I agree and the culprit is the soda "gun" that bartenders use. Has to be a fresh bottle to get the bubbles; otherwise flat and not so great.
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I agree-- US bartenders note----the G&T experience requires a good gin (not expensive), a fresh bottle of just-opened tonic, and a tall glass of ice. A garnish of lime zest is nice, but optional.
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For an (almost) non-alcoholic mixer with tonic, try bitters. I have about 7 different ones. Peychauds is the one I prefer. Angostura is okay, but look around they are not easy to find, but there are different flavored ones. Alcohol gives me A Fib, so this is the closest I can get to a taste that doesn't taste like a soda. I use 8-10 shakes to a large glass of tonic and ice. And no hangover.
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This is a trade secret passed down among clergyfolk. You want to look - and feel - like you're taking part in an event, but you can't forget yourself, even a little. Tonic or soda, bitters, twist: a safe party in a glass.
It's also a safe drink for dieters who want to look festive; and is also great when you're being entertained by the boss and don't want to lose control. I can't tell you how many times I've ordered a "fake-tini" -- arrive at location early, and tell bartender you want cold water in a martini glass with olives. Then, if you're having another round, tell him/her "I'll have the same." Safe. Sane.
Try Hendricks gin and Tonic,
a refreshing alternative with cucumber instead of lemon!
and a great gin too!
a refreshing alternative with cucumber instead of lemon!
and a great gin too!
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Can one get bitter lemon anymore? One likes to laugh at the good old days but sometimes, they were great (and tasty!!).
PS-- the brand of gin that you are using also really matters!! (I like Plymouth!)
PS-- the brand of gin that you are using also really matters!! (I like Plymouth!)
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Schweppes and Canada Dry still make bitter lemon, and so does Fever Tree.
What about a Maker's & Tonic? I know some establishments serve it as an IJ, after its two inventors. It's surprisingly refreshing and tasty and the combination lends itself to a cocktail for all seasons.
Some things are just sacred. A G&T is one of them. We're in the midst of a Renaissance in craft gin production, and custom quinine mixers. There's a whole new universe to explore.
The pairings in this article come across as acts of boredom, desperation or self-flagellation. I was once served a tequila and tonic by a clueless bartender that did not know how to make a "Cambodian mist". I'll pretty much consume anything you put in front of me, but this is not one of them.
The pairings in this article come across as acts of boredom, desperation or self-flagellation. I was once served a tequila and tonic by a clueless bartender that did not know how to make a "Cambodian mist". I'll pretty much consume anything you put in front of me, but this is not one of them.
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The simple Rum Tonic is a refreshing delight in the summer season, as is Rum Ginger -- with good ginger beer of course. While it might be news to some, or considered trendy, these light and refreshing libations have long served us well between the Everglades and the Florida Keys. Cheers!
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I'll have to give Rum Ginger a try!
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Rum and Ginger Beer is a Dark "N" Stormy in Bermuda - made with
Gosling's Black rum and ginger beer
Gosling's Black rum and ginger beer
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"In recent years, bartenders and drinkers, ... have been slowly discovering that the quinine bite of tonic goes well with a surprising number of other spirits." -- This is not at all a recent discovery! But I applaud the recipes cited in the article. How about cognac or armagnac with tonic too?
Yes to Kingsley, one of the foremost in an estimable line of great English drinkers. I shall break out my faded and fragile paperback of Lord Jim and read the funniest lecture scene ever delivered, drunk or sober, while imbibing generously with gratitude and fond remembrance of the inimitable Kingsley. Cheers!
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When you've finished re-reading might I borrow your copy? Where mine disappeared to, I don't know. Surely one of the funniest books ever.
Still, I'm uncomfortable with any adulteration of Calva, perhaps my favorite of the eau de vies. Water of life, what more is necessary?
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That's "Lucky Jim", I think.
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Of course. Lord Jim is Joseph Conrad. Another great author, a very different book.
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My favorite is actually green chartreuse and tonic. I adore it!
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I'll give it a try!