Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to toast the season than with the quintessential warm-weather cocktail, the gin and tonic. This crisp and refreshing drink feels tailor-made for the long, hot days ahead, offering a lighter, brighter alternative to the heavier libations we often prefer during colder months.
The gin and tonic is a classic highball, simple yet sophisticated, and the perfect antidote to summer heat. Its invigorating blend of botanical gin, effervescent tonic water, and a hint of citrus makes it a timeless favorite for sunny afternoons and balmy evenings.
The impact of this drink is so profound that I vividly remember the very first time I tried one. It wasn’t just a drink—it was an experience, the kind that stays with you, forever linked to that moment when summer felt endless and perfectly chilled.
History of the Gin & Tonic
The story of gin traces its roots back to ancient times during the Middle Ages, when it was first conceived as an herbal medicine. Over centuries, it evolved from a medicinal remedy into the beloved spirit we know today.
Gin’s iconic connection to the gin and tonic is credited to the British East India Company’s army. Stationed in India, where malaria was rampant, soldiers relied on quinine—a known remedy—to combat the disease. However, quinine’s intense bitterness made it difficult to consume. To make it more palatable, they combined it with gin, sugar, and lime juice. This clever blend not only masked the bitterness but also sparked a chemical reaction that softened the quinine’s harsh flavor.
The result? A practical preventative measure transformed into an unexpectedly delightful cocktail. And so, the fight against malaria gave the world the gin and tonic—a cure that was as enjoyable as it was effective.
Today’s Challenge
Today’s tonic doesn’t need a medicinal dose of quinine and is also pre-sweetened. Gins provide endless flavor variations and the number is growing thanks to the explosion of craft distilleries. Go ahead. Establish the noble goal to try them all, but let’s pause now. It’s hot and I’m thirsty. Print
Gin and Tonic
The Official Memorial Day Highball!
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 2–1/2 ounces gin
- 4–5 oz tonic water
- Lime wedge
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Fill a highball or double rocks glass with cubed ice
- Pour over the gin, then top off with the tonic water
- Squeeze the lime wedge juice into the drink
- Garnish with the sprig of rosemary
- Jiggle, but do not stir. Allow the drink to mix organically as you sip
- Repeat. Don’t drive.
Remember…
Raise a glass to the fallen on Memorial Day because they are the reason you stand.