Gin And Tonic a Double Treat

Author: Uday Patel

Discovered in India the fabulous tonic was once a bitter concoction containing quinine a mendicant to ward off the scourge of malaria. A mosquito born disease, the parasite host transformed it whence it bit unto the officers of British army who ruled the country at that time. They were advised to imbibe quinine daily and they did this mixed with sweetened lemon water to make the taste acceptable and this mix was called tonic. This then progressed to a mixture with gin added to it and so the famous cocktail of gin and tonic was born. In those days this combination became a norm and remained for some time before losing its popularity due to competition from other variants. But in recent times the combination has bounced back thanks to addition of new herbs and spices. It has become immensely popular among the new generation in Europe.

In the contemporary the quinine has been diluted for the tonic is no longer required as a mendicant. The taste has become more favorable and the tonic is carbonated to accord fizz to the drink. Various flavor are used nowadays in order to diversify the taste and add a unique taste to the whole blend. The bitter quinine is retained as a flavor in order to preserve the old taste somewhat without the customary bitterness. Hence all tonic sodas with or without carbonation have quinine added to them. Lemon is the most popular flavor but some distillery in Estonia use spruce made from second hand X'mas trees as flavoring agent.

Wherever you go in UK and Europe you will find people ordering this combination in bars and restaurant while for many it has become a family drink. Before you say cheers with gin in hand do not forget to pour the tonic. The taste with tonic soda is remarkable and patented by many in Europe.

Gin an alcoholic drink was invented in Italy surprisingly as a mendicant drink. It is a broad category spirit available in various flavors distilled using various techniques all over Europe. Lahhentagge a distillery in Estonia mixes local herbs to accord a unique taste and flavor to its dry craft gin. The predominant flavor is from juniper berries easily available in Europe. Nowadays this broad category drink uses many types of herbals as flavoring agents. The liquor later emerged in England where it is a favorite of many tipplers.

Craft liquors are variant with personal signature and a private mechanism of distilling which is not known outside the distillery. This has become a brand among the drinkers and they have become loyal. The brands carry their distinct styles and flavors. This is the way the beverage industry grow in Europe. Alcohol consumption besides recreation comes with social and health related problems and should be consumed in limit. Only people over eighteen years are allowed to consume liquor but the age limit may vary from one country to another.

The new carbonated tonic is mixed with craft gin to add to the taste. This is the famous gin and tonic combination bouncing back among the young and old as well. The future if bright and more and more brands are entering the market.