Happy Friday people. This week were drinking to our health, as this week’s cocktail had roots in keeping you healthy. According to The Gentleman’s Companion by Charles H. Baker (of which, is quickly becoming my favorite cocktail book) the Gin & Tonic “originated to combat fever – both real and alleged”. Alcohol does kill germs right?  Plus, quinine is an anti malarial. So there has to be some truth to this statement.

Gin & Quinine Water, or Gin & Tonic:1 to 1 and a half jiggers of dry or Old Tom gin

Quinine water

Ice

Combine the gin and ice in a highball glass, top with Quinine water

A gin & tonic really underscores the need for quality ingredients, because you’re only using gin and tonic water, and garnishing with citrus. So good quality is a must. For the gin, I used Bombay Sapphire which is one of the gins I almost always have on hand.

For the tonic, I went with Fevertree Elderflower Tonic. Fevertree is a brand that I had a lot of in England, and was very excited to see it stateside. The elderflower tonic is smoother than their plain tonic. There is no quinine bite, and it is a touch sweeter than their regular tonic water. Going forward, I’ll stick with the regular Fevertree tonic. I will say if you or someone you know is not a gin & tonic fan, I would mix them one with the elderflower tonic to show them how good they can be.

The last ingredient is the citrus garnish. I used to exclusively put lime in my gin & tonics, however the trip to the UK showed what I’ve been missing. A slice of lemon, orange, or even grapefruit are all delicious when added to the drink.

Baker warns, and I concur, that this “a medicine, and not primarily a stimulant only”. Abuse of this medicine can lead to a morning with “ears ringing unmercifully” and feeling like “Ramses II rechauffe“. So, to avoid feeling like death incarnate the next day, stick with 2-4 doses per sitting.

(Banner image found here)