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The gin and tonic, "G&T", or "GNT", is a cocktail made with gin and tonic water, usually garnished with a slice of lime or lemon and served over ice.
The proportions of gin and tonic water vary. The typical recipe is for equal amounts (a 1:1 ratio), however it is often made far weaker as a casual drink; typically 1 part gin to 3 parts tonic.
History
This cocktail was introduced by the British in India. Tonic water contains quinine, which was used to prevent malaria. Because the tonic water consumed to prevent malaria in the 19th century was extremely bitter, gin was added to make it more palatable. Although there is less medical use today for the consumption of tonic water, the gin and tonic remains a popular drink. Tonic water available today contains less quinine and is consequently less bitter (usually sweetened). Because of this connection to warmer climates and its refreshing nature, this cocktail is more popular during the warmer months.
In popular culture
The gin and tonic has gained a central place in cultural and literary life, appearing as a bit part in numerous novels. One such example is in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, where it is stated that each race in the galaxy has developed a drink that is pronounced the same, but spelled differently (such as jynnantonnyx). The reason for this is one of the great mysteries of the universe (granted, the versions from two different planets taste nothing like each other at all).
It was the preferred drink of Mrs. Slocombe (played by Mollie Sugden) of Are You Being Served?, as she couldn't bear neat gin.
In the episode of The Simpsons entitled Flaming Moe's, Moe the bartender looks at a chart of cocktail drinks and says, "Gin and... tonic? Do they mix?"
In the Barenaked Ladies song "Alcohol" it is mentioned in the lyric "A malibu and coke for you, a g&t for me."
Oasis' 1994 debut single "Supersonic" features the lyric "I'm feelin' Supersonic, give me gin and tonic."
Similar Drinks
Sometimes Gin is mixed with Sprite, 7up or even Ginger Ale and garnished with lemon or lime. The sweeter sodas are sometimes preferred to tonic water. Although none of these are actually a Gin & Tonic, they are sometimes called so.
See also
External links
Gin & Tonic | Gin Tonic | TNT (cocktail) | 진토닉 | ジン・トニック | Gin tônica | Джин-тоник
"Gin and tonic"