Some time around now - today, according to the mother, though I don't know where she got her info from - we can celebrate the 150th anniversary of the G&T.
The gin and tonic was invented (by the British army) in the hot climes of India, when foul-tasting quinine-laden tonic water was still the best way to ward off malaria.
I think it says a lot about the Victorians that, faced with unpalatable medication, their solution was to mix it with gin.
The gin and tonic was invented (by the British army) in the hot climes of India, when foul-tasting quinine-laden tonic water was still the best way to ward off malaria.
I think it says a lot about the Victorians that, faced with unpalatable medication, their solution was to mix it with gin.
no subject
Date: 2008-11-11 06:13 pm (UTC)Probably only like a poor quality sweetened version of the dutch stuff.
The main style, Old Tom, was juniper heavy and very poor quality. It was made from corn in a pot still (coffey still not being invented until 1826). Hayman's still make a version of Old Tom.
The first unsweetened gin styles started to appear in the early 19th century, after production had been brought under control.