squaremeal.co.uk � 103
BARS + DRINK
THE T
When you're looking at such a diverse
array of gins, it would be foolish to
take a one-size-fits-all approach to the
tonic. Fever-Tree founder Tim Warrillow
says, "If three quarters of your gin and
tonic is the tonic, make sure you use the
best." �is isn't just a clever tag line; it
makes sense,
especially when
you're using a
premium gin.
Cinchona bark,
aka quinine, is
responsible for
tonic's signature
bitterness. In
suitable quantities it also makes you
immune to malaria, which was the reason
the G&T rose to prominence in colonial
India. Some new tonics alter this flavour
profile, such as Fever-Tree's super-fresh
Elderflower Tonic, or its Mediterranean
Tonic, which actually does away with
quinine entirely. You could also opt to
boost the drink's citrus component with
a lemon tonic such as Franklin & Sons
Sicilian Lemon Tonic.
Bespoke tonics are also starting to crop
up, such as delicate Spanish bottling 1724,
originally created for pairing with Gin
Mare. Meanwhile, the Travelling Gin Co
has created its own tonic, in association
with Denmark's Ebeltoft Farm Brewery,
using unprocessed cinchona, which gives
the drink a distinctive amber hue.
Oxo Tower's assistant bar manager
Sophie Bratt is convinced the G&T's
increase in popularity is largely down
to it being viewed as a healthier option.
But when high-end brands are using
"If three quarters of your gin
and tonic is the tonic, make sure
you use the best" Tim Warrillow
Available from: 31dover.com, Amathus, Amazon, The Champagne Co, Drink Finder, Drinkmonger, EH Booths, Fenwicks, Gerrys, The Gin Box, Harvey Nichols, Master of Malt,
Royal Mile Whiskies, thedrinkshop.com, The Vine King, Vintage House, Whisky Exchange, Whitmore & White, Wine Rack. More information available at www.10degreesc.com
copperhead hp.indd 1 5/17/2016 10:55:08 AM