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