What’s the Best Mixer for a Gin and Tonic?
Ah, gin and tonic. The go-to drink for many of us when we’re looking for something refreshing and simple. But the key to a great gin and tonic is not just the gin itself, but also the mixer you choose. In this post, we’re going to explore some of the best mixers for a gin and tonic and why they work so well.
1. Tonic Water
Let’s start with the obvious choice – tonic water. It’s the classic mixer for a reason – its slightly bitter taste works perfectly with the juniper in gin. The quinine in the tonic water also has a slight bitterness to it, which helps to balance out the sweetness in the gin. Plus, tonic water is carbonated, which adds a bit of fizz to your drink.
But all tonic waters are not created equal – some are sweeter than others, and some have a more pronounced quinine flavor. If you’re looking for a classic taste, go for something like Schweppes or Canada Dry. If you want a more artisanal option, look for tonics like Fever-Tree or Q Tonic, which use high-quality ingredients and have a more nuanced flavor profile.
2. Soda Water
If you’re not a fan of tonic water, you might want to try soda water instead. It doesn’t have the bitter flavor that tonic water does, but it still adds some fizz to your drink. Plus, it won’t overpower the gin itself, so you’ll still be able to taste those botanicals.
Soda water is also a good choice if you prefer a sweeter gin – it won’t add any additional sweetness to your drink. It’s also a good option if you’re looking to reduce your calorie intake – soda water has zero calories, while tonic water can have up to 130 calories per serving.
3. Bitters
Bitters are a less common mixer for a gin and tonic, but they can add a really interesting flavor to your drink. There are many different types of bitters out there, so you’ll have to do some experimenting to find the ones you like best.
Some popular options include Angostura bitters, which have a spicy, slightly bitter flavor, and orange bitters, which have a citrusy, floral taste. You only need a few drops of bitters to make a difference in your drink, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
4. Fruit Juices
Fruit juices can be a fun way to mix up your gin and tonic and add some extra flavor. Just be careful not to use too much – you want the taste of the gin to come through, not be drowned out by fruit juice.
Some good options include grapefruit juice, which has a tart, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with gin, and orange juice, which adds a sweet citrus taste. You could also try adding a splash of pomegranate juice for a fruity, slightly tangy flavor.
5. Ginger Beer
If you like a bit of spice in your drinks, consider using ginger beer as your mixer. It has a sharp, ginger flavor that can complement the botanicals in gin really well. Plus, it’s non-alcoholic, so it won’t add any extra alcohol to your drink.
One caveat – be careful not to use too much ginger beer, as it can be quite sweet. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, try making your own ginger beer – it’s not as hard as you might think!
6. Vermouth
While vermouth is typically used as an ingredient in martinis, it can also work well as a mixer for a gin and tonic. Vermouth is a fortified wine that has a complex, herbal flavor profile that can complement the botanicals in gin.
When using vermouth as a mixer, you only need a small amount – start with a splash and adjust to taste. And be sure to keep your vermouth refrigerated – it can spoil quickly if left out at room temperature.
Conclusion
There are many different mixers you can use for a gin and tonic, and the one you choose will largely depend on your personal taste. The classic choice is tonic water, but don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new. Soda water is a good option if you’re watching your calories, bitters can add an interesting twist to your drink, and fruit juices and ginger beer can add some extra flavor. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, give vermouth a try. The key to a great gin and tonic is experimenting until you find the perfect combination of gin and mixer that works for you.
Image Credit: Pexels