Gin and tonic
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Gin and tonic with lime | |
| Type | Cocktail |
|---|---|
| Primary alcohol by volume | |
| Served | On the rocks; poured over ice |
| Standard garnish | Lime or lemon |
| Standard drinkware |
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| Commonly used ingredients | Gin and tonic water, to taste |
| Preparation | In a glass filled with ice, add gin and fill with tonic. Add a lime wedge. |
A gin and tonic is a highball cocktail made with gin and tonic water, usually garnished with a slice of lemon or lime and served over ice. The amount of gin varies according to taste from 25% to 50%.[1]
In some countries, gin and tonic is marketed pre-mixed in single-serving cans.
[edit] History
This cocktail was introduced by the army of the British East India Company in India.
Tonic water contains quinine, which was used to prevent malaria. Because the tonic water consumed to prevent the malaria in the 18th century was extremely bitter, gin was added to make it more palatable.[2] The bitter flavor of quinine complements the green notes of gin (flavored with juniper) much like dry vermouth complements gin in a classic martini.
Although the consumption of tonic water currently has less medical use than it once did, gin and tonic remains a popular drink. Tonic water available today contains less quinine and is consequently less bitter (and is sometimes sweetened). Because of this connection to warmer climates and its refreshing nature, this cocktail is more popular during the warmer months.[3]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Secrets to a perfect gin and tonic
- ^ Tonic water: sweet, bitter medicine, The Free Library, accessed 30 December 2009
- ^ The History of Gin (and Tonic)
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