For some, a humble and refreshing gin and tonic is the undisputed poster drink of summer, For others it’s stodgy and cloying.
Forget whatever it is you think you know and imbibe as the Spaniards do. Classed-up and supersized G&Ts garnished with herbs, spices and fruit are so popular in Spain that there are bars across the country dedicated solely to their service. The trend is flooding the continent and gradually leaking across the Atlantic. In our little town, Bar Centrale (1095 Yonge, 416-504-1992, terronicentrale.com), Nota Bene (180 Queen West, 416-977-6400, notabenerestaurant.com) and Peter Pan (373 Queen West, 416-792-3838, www.peterpanbistro.ca) offer Spanish-style and choose-your-own-adventure G&T’s.
With Canadian gin gaining acclaim (Dillon’s Unfiltered Gin 22 was awarded Double Gold at the 2014 San Francisco Spirits World Competition and 93 points in the Wine Enthusiast last month Quebec’s Ungava took best in show two years ago at the World Spirits Competition in Austria) and gins from around the globe steadily seeping into the Ontario market, there’s no excuse for lacklustre G&Ts. Here are some pointers for mixing delicious Spanish-style versions in your own backyard.
Cater to the gin
Don’t mask the star of the show: choose ingredients that complement or set off the base flavours. Serve Tanqueray No. Ten with garnishes that mimic its botanical components, like grapefruit and dried camomile flowers. Or try pairing the black pepper and lemongrass notes of Bombay Sapphire East with tropical fruits like mango. In a pinch, most gins play well with citrus.
Glassware
The Spanish habit of packing Burgundy wine glasses with giant gin-tonics (they drop the “and” in Spain, probably to speed up the ordering process) may seem foreign to Canadians used to squat glasses or Brits accustomed to lengthier, Collins-encased drinks. But a copa de balón (yep, that’s “balloon glass” en español) sets the aromatics free. Considering that smell accounts for roughly 80 per cent of taste, a cranium-sized cup might be worthwhile.
Ice
To keep your drink properly frosty till the last bittersweet drop, consider classing up your ice. A glass packed with solid, square cubes will keep your drink cold while minimizing dilution.
Quality tonic water
Mainstream tonic brands can be unbalanced and saccharine. A well-crafted tonic lets the gin’s complexities shine. Seek out brands like Fever Tree, Fentimans, Q Tonic and Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. tonic syrup. The extra-adventurous can try making their own tonic syrup and adding soda à la minute.
Try these easy G&T combos (just add tonic)
Beefeater 24 + grapefruit wheel + star anise
Dillon’s Unfiltered 22 + lime wheels + black peppercorns
Hendrick’s + strawberry slices + mint sprig + lemon twist
Tanqueray + orange zest + cinnamon stick + rosemary sprig
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