View Full Version : The Gin And Tonic Thread.
Minstrel SE
07-06-2019, 08:41
A craft gin is a proper gentlemans drink and Im getting into it
I love a Gin and tonic. My favourite so far is the Rhubarb and Ginger Gin but I want to work my way through the best Gins and ideal mixers. I always have a slice of lemon and lime handy. About three ice cubes and chilled tonic does the trick. I dont think the gin glass should be filled with ice. I just buy Sainsburys tonic water
I think the most popular brand names are the fast food of gins. ie..Gordons and Greenalls. I dont think 37.5 ABV is good enough and is skimping.
I am going to try Roku the Japanese Gin and then Martin Millers made with Icelandic water :) Im looking for a special blend of botanicals and a Gin to beat all the rest
I have a gin kit with a small infuser ball seive but I dont know what Im supposed to infuse in there.
Lets have your favourite brand and tips for the perfect Gin and Tonic.
WESTLOWER
07-06-2019, 08:50
A nice glug of Hendricks, Fever-tree ‘full fat’ tonic, chilled, 3 medium cubes of the cold stuff and a nice slice of Cucumber.
Oh, and very importantly, good company and Sun.
Audio Al
07-06-2019, 08:52
A nice glug of Hendricks, Fever-tree ‘full fat’ tonic, chilled, 3 medium cubes of the cold stuff and a nice slice of Cucumber.
Oh, and very importantly, good company and Sun.
Cucumber :eek:
WESTLOWER
07-06-2019, 08:53
Cucumber :eek:
Yup ! You’ll never go back once you’ve tried it!
‘According to Hann it all depends on the gin you're drinking and the botanicals that are used to flavour the gin. ... Hendrick's uses cucumber and rose petal botanicals in their distillation process, which is why the fresh slice of cucumber compliments it so well.
mightymonoped
07-06-2019, 08:59
This Rambla 41 Lot d’Hivern is really different but delicious. Smooth and fruity (juniper and figs) and non-chill filtered.
Best with Fever Tree Indian tonic (not Mediterranean).
Good as is, but going to try it with half a fig and a few blackberries as recommended.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190607/6347b1e6d6f72648f992facbf2dd5881.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
rmcin626
07-06-2019, 10:42
Yup ! You’ll never go back once you’ve tried it!
‘According to Hann it all depends on the gin you're drinking and the botanicals that are used to flavour the gin. ... Hendrick's uses cucumber and rose petal botanicals in their distillation process, which is why the fresh slice of cucumber compliments it so well.
Plus 1 for Hendricks and cucumber, that’s the way to drink it.
Plus 1 for Hendricks and cucumber, that’s the way to drink it.
Where do you stick the cucumber?:eyebrows:
Marco.
More seriously, from where I buy my jam and marmalade [from their Thursday Cottage range], check out Tiptree's fruit-flavoured gins :https://www.tiptree.com/index.php/products/fruit-gin-liqueur.html
The strawberry (and raspberry) one, in particular is superb, as the quality of the ingredients (especially the fruit used) is top-notch, which is the same in their (superb) jams/conserves.
Enjoy that gin ICE COLD [yes store it in the fridge], served in a tall glass, topped with ice-cold Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water, which in my opinion is the best with this particular gin: https://fever-tree.com/en_GB/products/mediterranean-tonic-water, and a nice fresh strawberry (or raspberry, if applicable), and enjoy it during the coming weeks with Wimbledon!:cheers:
Another option is to add a dash to some chilled Prosecco, to make a strawberry or raspberry Gin Royale!
Marco.
rmcin626
07-06-2019, 11:00
My current favorite gin is The Botanist from Islay, with Fever tree and some blueberries and lots of ice of course.
Audio Al
07-06-2019, 12:25
Where do you stick the cucumber?:eyebrows:
Marco.
:hmm:
Pigmy Pony
07-06-2019, 15:55
Mrs. P's favourite is Whitley Neill's rhubarb & ginger.
In the mid seventies I had a spell of drinking sloe gin, and when I came across some last Christmas I bought a bottle for my friend's wife (method in my madness), but when I called round a couple of days later she'd drunk the lot, the greedy bitch :( She's getting a can of Tennents next Christmas.
archiesdad
07-06-2019, 16:00
A nice glug of Hendricks, Fever-tree ‘full fat’ tonic, chilled, 3 medium cubes of the cold stuff and a nice slice of Cucumber.
Oh, and very importantly, good company and Sun.
Partial to it that way too, fond of Martin Miller gin and also Eden Mill of St Andrews cause it’s local. I’m also fond of a large glass lots of ice, large gin of your choice filled up with a bottle of fiery ginger beer! The two flavours contrast and complement each other, give it a go, ya never know.:eyebrows:
WESTLOWER
07-06-2019, 16:47
Partial to it that way too, fond of Martin Miller gin and also Eden Mill of St Andrews cause it’s local. I’m also fond of a large glass lots of ice, large gin of your choice filled up with a bottle of fiery ginger beer! The two flavours contrast and complement each other, give it a go, ya never know.:eyebrows:
Sounds Divine :cool:
Pieoftheday
07-06-2019, 17:28
A craft gin is a proper gentlemans drink and Im getting into it
I love a Gin and tonic. My favourite so far is the Rhubarb and Ginger Gin but I want to work my way through the best Gins and ideal mixers. I always have a slice of lemon and lime handy. About three ice cubes and chilled tonic does the trick. I dont think the gin glass should be filled with ice. I just buy Sainsburys tonic water
I think the most popular brand names are the fast food of gins. ie..Gordons and Greenalls. I dont think 37.5 ABV is good enough and is skimping.
I am going to try Roku the Japanese Gin and then Martin Millers made with Icelandic water :) Im looking for a special blend of botanicals and a Gin to beat all the rest
I have a gin kit with a small infuser ball seive but I dont know what Im supposed to infuse in there.
Lets have your favourite brand and tips for the perfect Gin and Tonic.
Not my favourite brand as such, but Morrisons did they're own brand, forget the name, but if 37.5abv isn't enough this was around 45 abv, getting giddy was quite easy with that:):)
Beobloke
07-06-2019, 19:08
Now you're talking! The Beobloke house is a big fan of gin. Current favourites in the drinks cabinet are:
- Silent Pool with Fever Tree limited edition Clementine and Cinnamon Tonic
https://silentpooldistillers.com/
- Opihr with Fever Tree Aromatic tonic
https://www.ginfoundry.com/gin/opihr/
- Twisted Nose Watercress gin with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic. This gin is from Winchester Distillery, which is a tiny setup in the village of Alresford. They also do a cracking Wasabi vodka!
https://www.winchesterdistillery.co.uk/collections/top-sellers/products/twisted-nose-gin
And for the everyday 'go-to', I still think you simply can't beat Bombay Sapphire with Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic.
Finally; don't forget - national gin day tomorrow. Cheers everyone! :D
rmcin626
07-06-2019, 19:31
Now you're talking! The Beobloke house is a big fan of gin. Current favourites in the drinks cabinet are:
- Silent Pool with Fever Tree limited edition Clementine and Cinnamon Tonic
https://silentpooldistillers.com/
- Opihr with Fever Tree Aromatic tonic
https://www.ginfoundry.com/gin/opihr/
- Twisted Nose Watercress gin with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic. This gin is from Winchester Distillery, which is a tiny setup in the village of Alresford. They also do a cracking Wasabi vodka!
https://www.winchesterdistillery.co.uk/collections/top-sellers/products/twisted-nose-gin
And for the everyday 'go-to', I still think you simply can't beat Bombay Sapphire with Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic.
Finally; don't forget - national gin day tomorrow. Cheers everyone! :D
Will add Silent and Twisted nose to my list of gins to try, Bombay Sapphire is our house gin.
Minstrel SE
08-06-2019, 00:06
Thanks I will try most of not all of the mixes mentioned. Cucumber sounds interesting and the ginger beer as a mixer. I wonder about the quality of tonic. Ive served fever tree but wonder if cheaper big bottles of tonic are ok.... theres aromatic, mediteranean, indian but I dont want it to spoil the flavours to the gin
I served some of these gins on a bar but havent tried them yet again
Wonder what the male equiv of mothers ruin is because I find it very refreshing to unwind after work
Some of the more subtle gins are worth trying with ice but no tonic. Just enjoy the flavour of the gin.
mad-moon
09-06-2019, 11:02
Some of the more subtle gins are worth trying with ice but no tonic. Just enjoy the flavour of the gin.
precisely...the only thing you should be adding to Gin....is more Gin....The makers go to great lenghths to perfect the perfect flavour drink, then you go put something in it to alter the taste of it....rediculous...
Yes, most definitely, if you're a gin lover and/or connoisseur... I'm certainly not (or indeed a fan of any neat white-spirits), and so like other flavours added, to make the gin more palatable!:eyebrows:
Ot you could say give the whole drink more 'interest'... I'm the same with vodka. Can't stand it on its own, so either mix it in cocktails (perhaps add some Coke) or drink the flavoured stuff, ice-cold in shot glasses:)
Marco.
Minstrel SE
10-06-2019, 00:33
Yes I agree Marco. Its the combination of tonic and extras which can make it an enjoyable and interesting drink. Really its been distilled down to pure ethanol so its the botanical infusions that make it.
The rhubarb works in a way I never thought it would
With enough tonic I never feel that drunk which is perhaps why its dangerously creeps up on people and addicts them to ruin. Its a refreshing drink on a summers day.
I dont like paying the tax on it but I will find the better Gins that hit the spot
Im not even that much of a drinker (hic) :) but my first bank manager always had some ready and he used to fly Spitfires in the war :)
Minstrel SE
10-06-2019, 00:41
precisely...the only thing you should be adding to Gin....is more Gin....The makers go to great lenghths to perfect the perfect flavour drink, then you go put something in it to alter the taste of it....rediculous...
Yes having said that to Marco maybe I do feel that the tonic adds too much of its own character to the drink. I will try the gin neat with maybe a touch of ice
Thats why I started this thread as I have plaenty to learn. I got a craft gin book but all it does is list niche brands Ive never seen and probably wouldnt pay for
Yup, it boils down to whether you *really* enjoy the taste of the raw liquor, and if so, don't seek to adulterate it.
In that respect,I love red wine and good malt whisky, and feel the same way Alan (mad-boy) does about gin, when I see folks adding lemonade or soda to the former, or ginger ale to the latter, or putting ice cubes in white wine, with the end result of simply watering it down!:eek::mental::nono:
Fair enough, if that's what they enjoy, but connoisseurs of wine or whisky they ain't! They enjoy either of those only as a base from which they can create a drink that they do like - and I'm exactly the same with gin... Am I a gin lover? No. Do I enjoy some gin-based drinks or cocktails? Yes:)
I'm the same with tequila... The only time I'll touch it is in a margarita!
Marco.
mad-moon
10-06-2019, 15:32
Yup, it boils down to whether you *really* enjoy the taste of the raw liquor, and if so, don't seek to adulterate it.
In that respect,I love red wine and good malt whisky, and feel the same way Alan (mad-boy) does about gin, when I see folks adding lemonade or soda to the former, or ginger ale to the latter, or putting ice cubes in white wine, with the end result of simply watering it down!:eek::mental::nono:
Fair enough, if that's what they enjoy, but connoisseurs of wine or whisky they ain't! They enjoy either of those only as a base from which they can create a drink that they do like - and I'm exactly the same with gin... Am I a gin lover? No. Do I enjoy some gin-based drinks or cocktails? Yes:)
I'm the same with tequila... The only time I'll touch it is in a margarita!
Marco.
Tequila is fabulous neat...not even salt and lime/lemon..it has a wicked kick....also...try Mexican White Rum...but be prepared to stay sat down for quite some time...
mad-moon
10-06-2019, 15:35
Anyway...back to the Gin....
Tequila is fabulous neat...not even salt and lime/lemon..it has a wicked kick....also...try Mexican White Rum...but be prepared to stay sat down for quite some time...
There's an old saying in Italian that translates along the lines of: 'Everything is good, as long as you like it'...;)
Marco.
InThe Sticks
17-06-2019, 21:26
https://i.imgur.com/y4seJoS.jpg
Nothing special, just good ole reliable Gordons with Fever Tree tonic.
That was a fresh bottle at lunchtime :eek:
Can't wait for the hangover :doh:
Gin & Tonic with a firepit and twilight - sublime!
I'd rather a nice bottle of red, or on a warm summer's evening, chilled Prosecco!;)
But nevertheless. a cool pic:)
Marco.
Minstrel SE
19-06-2019, 09:28
Well I did say its a Gentleman's drink :D
I'm now a member of the craft gin circle where the icecubes have to be the perfect size for each glass, stirred to cool the glass and lifted with the right implement
I now have some Roku and there are videos about the perfect tonic to go with it. An elderflower or cucumber tonic works well. 43% ABV is the way to go. A premium chilled tonic and garnish with six matchstick sized strips of peeled ginger :) Gently stir and enjoy
Im not massive on drinking it neat but it should work well in a Martini
To be honest there is a lot of faff around gins and it gets pricey
Well I did say its a Gentleman's drink :D
Lol - yes, and usually an *English* gentleman... G&Ts are rather quintessentially English, which as a proud red-blooded Italian, simply just isn't me!:eyebrows:
That's why, with spirits, I much prefer vermouth, Campari, etc, or with liqueurs, Amaretto..... And my favourite cocktail is a Negroni.
Marco.
Beobloke
19-06-2019, 11:49
Lol - yes, and usually an *English* gentleman...
Is there any other sort?! ;)
:D I'm saying nowt!
Marco.
That's why, with spirits, I much prefer vermouth, Campari, etc, or with liqueurs, Amaretto..... And my favourite cocktail is a Negroni
Love a Negroni, though not really big on cocktails. When we were in Italy last year we discovered “Aperol Spritz” which is probably more of an aperitif but my, they are good on a summer’s evening.
Anyway, back to Gin...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
When we were in Italy last year we discovered “Aperol Spritz” which is probably more of an aperitif but my, they are good on a summer’s evening.
One of our favourites mate, and been enjoying them for years:)
Marco.
Lol - yes, and usually an *English* gentleman... G&Ts are rather quintessentially English, which as a proud red-blooded Italian, simply just isn't me!:eyebrows:
That's why, with spirits, I much prefer vermouth, Campari, etc, or with liqueurs, Amaretto..... And my favourite cocktail is a Negroni.
Marco.
I am quite fond of Amaretto and Lemonade. There’s a cocktail name for it, I’m sure. Somehow it has a cherry aftertaste. It’s a whisky sour, substituting Amaretto for whisky, so maybe it’s called an Amaretto Sour?
Russell
I’m not familiar with this Fever Tree tonic? Here in the states the easiest to find is Canada Dry Tonic water. Best to buy in the 8 pack of 6oz. bottles. You open a fresh one with each cocktail.
I’m not a big fan of flavored liquors, most of the time, it’s a bit much. After one drink I can’t stand it anymore. I’d much rather have the clear stuff. Beefeater’s Gin, Canada Dry Tonic, and a slice of lime, now that is a refreshing drink on a hot day! Maybe I’m uneducated on the finer gins? The same drink with a good vodka works nearly as well.
One thing I do know, if you drink too much gin in one evening, you’ll feel dry as the desert the next morning! Other liquors will dehydrate you too, but gin seems to top them all on that front.
Russell
Minstrel SE
20-06-2019, 16:13
Yes the Hotels and pubs seem very keen on the Fever Tree tonic. I remember Britvic and Canada Dry when I was growing up.
Fever tree seem to have cornered the market here but there are lots of different tonics when you seek them out
All spirit drinking is pricey. Roku is £30 a bottle (reduced to £25) and I detest the tax we have to pay on it. I dont drink too much because I cant afford to.
I do like a gin and tonic. I think there is hype involved....can I taste every botanical?....Nah...they are often overwhelmed by the cheap tonic Im using
I’m not familiar with this Fever Tree tonic? Here in the states the easiest to find is Canada Dry Tonic water. B
Russell
Which reminds me of the joke from my childhood of how Dean Martin saw an advert saying 'Drink Canada Dry' and decided to accept the challenge.
Which reminds me of the joke from my childhood of how Dean Martin saw an advert saying 'Drink Canada Dry' and decided to accept the challenge.
And he gave it an honest try!
Russell
Minstrel SE
24-06-2019, 13:28
I didnt think the rat pack were known for sobriety :)
Back to the gins I will probably end up back on the cheaper stuff or with one main flavour like rhubarb.
I cant honestly taste all the exotic botanicals with tonic and I dont drink it neat. I think it all gets a bit hyped and pricey when a cheaper gin still hits a spot. Ive just tried the elderflower tonic which can overwhelm any other taste
The rhubarb and ginger is a particular favourite. I think its about a refreshing drink with just a bit of an alcohol kicker
If Im on the neat stuff, I like a brandy.
InThe Sticks
06-10-2019, 19:57
My latest favorite tipple.
https://i.imgur.com/ZgZo4bm.jpg
Was at my brothers last night and after scything through most of a bottle of Glenfiddich Winter Storm he produced the Opihr, which i have to say is up there with the nicest Gins i’ve had (not that the winter storm was bad). I’m drinking it with orange slices instead of lemon.
Just perfect!
Bit of a bargain if i’m honest at £18 at the moment.
Beobloke
07-10-2019, 19:02
My latest favorite tipple.
https://i.imgur.com/ZgZo4bm.jpg
Was at my brothers last night and after scything through most of a bottle of Glenfiddich Winter Storm he produced the Opihr, which i have to say is up there with the nicest Gins i’ve had (not that the winter storm was bad). I’m drinking it with orange slices instead of lemon.
Just perfect!
Bit of a bargain if i’m honest at £18 at the moment.
Agreed, but Opihr is best with Fever Tree Aromatic tonic (the pink one) - trust me!
I'm not normally a big gin lover, but one of my favourite country pubs locally has now installed its own copper Gin still, used to produce their own house gin, called 'The Lady Dee', which is just stunning and nothing like I've ever tasted before:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/uMnuWE.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/ZVznry.jpg
Makes a rather nice feature in the bar, doesn't it?:)
And here's the liquor in the flesh:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/vSoXlV.jpg
Marco.
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