While there are hundreds of gin cocktails that you could choose from to celebrate World Gin Day, there is a fair chance that most of us will indulge in at least one G&T at some point today.
Simple, clean, refreshing … the G&T is celebrated worldwide for its sparkling effervescence and ease of construction but with such a straightforward drink, the way you make it and the garnishes you use can make all the difference.
So what makes the best G&T? Well, we went right to the source and asked six global gin brands for their take on how to formulate the best G&T for their gins.
So grab a glass, plenty of ice, the best Tonic you can find and your favour gin from the producers below and celebrate World Gin Day as intended with a G&T in hand.
Warner’s G&T (UK)
Tom Warner, co-founder of Warner’s Distillery, kicks off with a farm-grown G&T using Warner’s Rhubarb Gin, from deep in the Great British countryside, saying “Every bottle is one-third real rhubarb juice, so it’s naturally pink. It tastes like rhubarb and looks like rhubarb because that’s what it ruddy well is. Cracking with Mediterranean Tonic (also absolute dynamite with Ginger Ale if you’re not a tonic fan). Add a slice of orange if you’ve got one going spare.”
For more information on Warner’s Gin, go to warnersdistillery.com
Strange Nature Gin G&T (NZ)
New Zealand’s Strange Nature Gin bears all the quintessential flavours of its unique origins from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Aromatic and fruity. Enjoy sweet notes and savoury hits in every sip. Grown in New Zealand’s famous winemaking regions, every aspect of this lovingly crafted gin is traceable. Mix Strange Nature Gin with premium tonic and a slice of lime.
For more information on Strange Nature Gin, go to strangenaturegin.com
Hernö G&T (Sweden)
Hernö Gin, distilled in the small village of Dala just outside Härnösand on the High Coast of Sweden, was honoured as the World’s Best Gin & Tonic in 2016 at IWSC, the foremost global spirits competition in alcoholic beverages. Founder Jon Hillgren simply pours Hernö Gin with a good tonic and lemon zest.
For more information on Hernö Gin, go to hernogin.com
Hayman’s G&T (UK)
Hayman’s of London, family gin distillers since 1863, tend to agree, mixing Hayman’s London Dry Gin with premium tonic and garnishing with a twist of lemon peel to enhance those refreshing zesty flavours. “Crisp, complex and very refreshing, Hayman’s London Dry & Tonic is a timeless classic which still has the power to surprise”, says Miranda Hayman.
For more information on Hayman’s Gin, go to haymansgin.com
Glendalough Gin G&T (Ireland)
Ireland’s Glendalough Gin head distiller Rowdy Rooney says, “My favourite G&T is a wild one! I pour 60ml of Glendalough Wild Botanical gin over a full glass of ice, then top it with a premium, non-flavoured tonic water. I like to add a wedge of pink grapefruit and some freshly picked and slapped basil. The grapefruit amplifies the citrus notes from the pine shoots we pick. The slapping of the basil releases its flavour which compliments the more herbaceous notes of fresh, wild Wicklow mountain botanicals.”
For more information on Glendalough Gin, go to glendaloughdistillery.com
Four Pillars G&T
Four Pillars, from Healesville just outside Melbourne, 2019 and 2020 IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year, believes the simplicity of a gin and tonic lets the gin shine. “For me, there is nothing better than our signature Rare Dry Gin mixed in a G&T with good quality tonic water, plenty of ice, and a slice of orange,” says Four Pillars co-founder & distiller, Cam Mackenzie. “We use whole fresh oranges in each distillation so using an orange wedge as a garnish really complements the unique citrus notes in the gin.”
For more information on Four Pillars Gin, go to fourpillarsgin.com
