Celebrating International Gin & Tonic Day

International Gin & Tonic Day is recognised on 19 Oct., a celebration of one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. What began in 2010 as a family's tribute to their grandmother, according to The Gin Guide, has since grown into a worldwide celebration.

So, we wanted to know – what goes into making the perfect gin and tonic?

There’s an art to crafting the perfect gin and tonic, and it starts with the basics: a high-quality gin and premium tonic.

Experts agree that a strong gin (40% ABV or higher) is essential. With so many gins available today, choosing a variety that suits your taste is part of the fun.

Paul Slijper, owner of Union Grill & Bar, recommends using a large, round goblet-style glass, which allows the drink’s aromas to shine. The glass should be well-chilled to keep the drink cold and refreshing.

Ice is another key element – large blocks or flavoured ice balls melt slowly, preserving the balance between gin and tonic.

“At Union, we take this a step further by offering gin and tonic tea cocktails with Earl Grey-infused ice cubes, bringing an added layer of complexity,” Slijper said. 

The tonic is just as important as the gin. A premium tonic like Fever Tree, preferably chilled before serving, enhances the drink’s overall quality. With a wide range of flavoured tonics on the market, you can experiment to find a pairing that highlights your chosen gin’s botanicals. For added flair, you can customise your drink with fresh garnishes like rosemary, juniper berries or thyme, or even add a smokey twist by burning the herbs slightly before adding them. Don’t forget the citrus! A generous wedge of lemon or lime, squeezed into the glass before dropping it in, elevates the drink’s brightness and zing.

Union offers more than 30 gins from around the world and a selection of signature creations.

“Our sommelier is on hand to recommend food pairings, such as seafood, like smoked salmon or oysters, which align beautifully with gin’s citrus and juniper notes. Gin also pairs well with cheese, especially when served with fruits, nuts and spiced dishes like Indian curries," Slijper said.

For those really looking for a hands-on experience, Union offers weekly Cocktail Masterclasses where guests can shake up four classic cocktails in a fun, interactive session. Union provides all the tools and ingredients, and you get to drink what you've made along the way. The two-hour session is limited to 16 participants and is perfect for birthdays, parties, bachelor/ette parties, corporate team-building and employee reward programmes.  Masterclasses can be booked from 1-3 p.m. or 3-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  

This article was originally published in the September/October 2024 print edition of Camana Bay Times.