Great pairings often make history – like peanut butter and jelly, the quintessential wine and cheese, or even bacon and eggs. And in the alcoholic beverage world, one such legendary duo is the refreshing Gin & Tonic. Cutting a classy look in its highball glass, dressed with a wedge of lime, the cocktail has been a popular choice since time immemorial. Even with the outpouring of ‘Gin-aissance’ world-over, its humble companion, tonic water, tends to get completely side-lined. What was once consumed as a medicinal drink quickly became the Watson to the gin’s Sherlock. Although the simple cocktail tends to be a turn-off owing to its trademark bitterness imparted by quinine present in tonic water, we wanted to unravel a whole new breed of tonics that contains all the herbal goodness of natural flavours. We decided to give some of the high-end ones a whirl and offer the mixer the recognition that it deserves.
Fever-Tree
Fever-Tree tonics are considered the gold-standard of tonic waters for a reason. With quinine extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree, popularly known as the ‘fever tree’ found in the lush forests of East Congo, this tonic water is concocted using botanical oils that come in a variety of flavour variants such as elderflower, lemon and more.
Fentimans
This botanically brewed mixer with notes of lemongrass is so clean and refreshing on the palate that it will straight away transport you to a holiday under the Italian sun as you lounge with a classic G&T in hand.
Bringing back tradition to Indian tonic water is our very own homegrown brand, Svami. Making their presence felt across most gin watering holes and restaurants in town, the tonic water contains half the quantity of sugar present in your regulan can of tonic water that we tend to reach for every single time. We’d say that’s enough reason to make the switch!Svami
Franklin & Sons
With just the right amount of fizz and a sweet aftertaste, Fentimans blends its tonic water with natural spring water sourced from the locales of Staffordshire which gives it that extra fresh kick that we can’t get enough of.
1724
What sets apart 1724 from the rest of the tonics, you ask? The fact that they handpick their quinine from its birthplace, the Peruvian Inca trail. Tailor-made to serve as the perfect companion to the gin, 1724 tonic water with its zesty flavour and well-rounded taste is just as good when had all by itself.
Bengal Bay
Another brand repping the homestead is Bengal Bay. Paying homage to the Bay of Bengal which provides the tonic with a bounty of home-grown ingredients that lend it a distinct flavour. From fragrant orange to the spicy kick from ginger, don’t mind us if we ignore the gin and gulp down the relishing mixer instead.
It’s all about citrusy notes at East Imperial. Be it the presence of grapefruit or yuzu, the brand picks up regional citrus fruits and infuses them with tonic waters for you to relish on piquant flavours from all around the world.East Imperial
O’
It warms our hearts to see more and more Indian brands coming up with mixers and what’s better, O’ happens to be the only brand in India that provides a healthier alternative to the sweet tonic water. Using Stevia instead of sugar, the O’ Light makes sure that you forget your calorie count for the day as you sip on your drink.
Thomas Henry
The up-and-comer award among tonic waters aptly goes to Thomas Henry. Having been launched fairly recently in 2010, it has quickly become a favourite among gin aficionados around the world. It gives your gin just the boost it needs in the form of its delicate flavour structure.
Q
If you are a big fan of the bitterness in a G&T then Q tonic waters are going to become your go-to. Created by a disgruntled bar patron who felt that the regular tonic water being served was weakening his drink, he went ahead and created his own. That kind of sincerity needs to be lauded and we wouldn’t mind raising our glasses with some of that Q and Tanqueray.
If you are still holding on to that can of soda water, we highly suggest that you mix up a storm with these artisanal mixers for the ultimate G&T experience.