On a warm and humid summer evening, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as an icy cold gin and tonic.
The cocktail first gained wide popularity during the British Raj in India’s hot, humid climates where mosquitoes spread malaria in tropical environments. Drinking gin and tonics offered a delicious way to consume a daily dose of antimalarial quinine while also engaging in a pleasantly refreshing social cocktail hour.
Preparation starts with a bottle of sparkling tonic water, which delivers doses of slightly bitter-tasting quinine as well as sweet syrup to soften the flavors. Gin, of course, provides the alcohol to lighten the mood in a social setting.
But does the type of gin used make a difference in a gin and tonic?
To obtain an informed opinion, I turned again to John Wabeck, the beverage director at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in Downtown. He may be an official Master of Whiskey, but his enthusiasm for gin is equally strong.
London dry gins
“I’ve drunk more Tanqueray than I’d like to share with the world,” Wabeck said when asked about gin and tonics. “Tanqueray is still my go-to choice.”
Tanqueray London Dry Gin ($31.99; PLCB No. 4304) is a classic London dry gin, a style that dates from the early 18th century with the invention of the Coffey still. This new tool enabled distillers to produce the pure, clear liquid that we associate with gin. The distilled result was sold without sweetening, hence the designation “dry.”
Juniper, whose aromatic berries were originally considered a medicine, is the essential ingredient in London dry gin. Other botanicals and fruits include citrus peels, angelica root, orris root and coriander seeds. When infused during the distillation process, these botanicals naturally give each gin its trademark aromas and flavors.
Whichever gin you select, Wabeck recommends matching the tonic with the gin. The ever-popular Schweppes Tonic Water is, according to Wabeck, a classic European-style Indian tonic. Its ample sweetness balances the quinine and creates a rounder taste.
Schweppes makes a terrific gin and tonic with one my personal favorites, Boodles British Gin, London Dry ($29.99 for 1 liter at Potomac Wine & Spirits). Boodles relies heavily on juniper berries but does not contain any citrus. It also includes nutmeg, sage and rosemary for subtle accents.
A big part of the fun with Boodles is its forward piney and flora aromas. On the palate, the gin’s dryness and bitterness come through, adding to the refreshment.
In addition to Tanqueray, Wabeck is an enthusiastic fan of The Botanist, Islay Dry Gin, “Distiller’s Strength” ($44.99; PLCB No. 38424). This gin comes from Islay in Scotland’s Hebrides Islands, a place more famous for producing peaty single malt Scotch whiskies.
The Botanist Gin features heady aromas of juniper berries and citrus. A touch of earthiness peeks through along with 50% alcohol by volume. On the palate, this gin delivers lots of freshness and a smooth texture. Wabeck recommends mixing The Botanist gin with Fever-Tree Premium Tonic Water, a crisp and lighter style tonic that is available at Market District and Whole Foods stores.
Wabeck also enjoys a London dry gin from much closer to home — West Deer. Lucky Sign Spirits London Dry Gin ($34.99; PLCB No. 97872) follows the same style of a juniper-forward, unsweetened gin, with 11 botanicals for further aromatic attractions. Lucky Sign Spirts London Dry Gin is delicious in a gin and tonic with Fever-Tree Premium Tonic Water.
Another outstanding choice is No. 3 London Dry Gin ($47 at Wine-Searcher.com). This gin comes from Berry Bros. & Rudd, a venerable old wine merchant in London.
“They’ve made a very good dry gin,” Wabeck opines.
Indeed it is delicious—fresh, yet soft and pure as a diamond. BBR No. 3 London Dry Gin deftly balances juniper, citrus and spice while making a perfect selection for a delicious, full-bodied gin and tonic.
Flavored gins
Turning to flavored gins, Wabeck has several favorites. One is Tanqueray Rangpur Lime Distilled Gin ($31.99; PLCB No. 97349), which as the name suggests, is heavily focused on citrus. Wabeck especially appreciates that the gin’s aromas come from only naturally infused botanicals and not artificial additives.
Tanqueray’s Rangpur Lime Distilled Gin is a fine choice for a gin and tonic garnished with a lime slice.
At first, I was skeptical of flavored gin. But, after tasting Tanqueray’s Rangpur Lime Distilled Gin in a gin and tonic, I have a to acknowledge that it was my favorite.
Finally, the always popular Bombay Sapphire distillers enter the flavored gin sweepstakes with the delicious Bombay Sapphire “Premier Cru” Murcian Lemon London Dry Gin ($34.99; PLCB No. 96598). In addition to the standard juniper berries, this gin is infused with Spanish lemons, Mandarin oranges and sweet oranges.
It is very forward aromatically, and it delivers a kick on the palate, too. This gin is beautifully paired with Schweppes Tonic Water and plenty of ice and a lemon slice.
Cheers!