Her Majesty The Queen of England, Elizabeth II and I have something in common? Really? YES! We both love Gin. It’s our favourite drink of choice. Come on, let me tell you something…

Gin & Tonic is commonly known as the “ladies drink” and quite frankly no ones complaining. We ladies love it! And so do the gents out there. Did you know that Gin and Tonic as a drink had its inception in India! It was originally produced as London Dry Gin from juniper berries in the U.K and contained minimum of 40% ABV (alcohol content). Gin history dates back to as early as the 1700’s.

Gin is distilled and redistilled with botanical herbs and spices which give it that distinct flavour and clear consistency. Therefore you’ll come across many types of gin with diverse flavours and origins peculiar to their region. It is nothing like Vodka. It is in fact one of the most palatable, odourless (no alcoholic breath) and stain proof drinks out there. Hence, the popularity amongst women for being a “classy” drink. Shhh! Don’t tell anyone! 

I discovered and fell in love with G&T’s during my 4 amazing years in London. It is one of the most popular alcohols in the U.K because of its incredible flavours and even more incredible cocktails. Gin on the other hand is unfortunately not the most preferred choice of liquor in India as it ranks 5th after whiskey, beer etc. Like an aftermath – which is not fair I feel.

Hence, I want to introduce you’ll to some amazing Gin which you’ve got to try –

Sipsmith London Dry Gin

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Bloom London Gin

Bombay Sapphire gin

Hendrick’s Gin

INDIE GIN BRANDS like,

Savoy Club

Blue Lagoon Orange

Greater Than

These are the my faviourate gins so far and they are easily available at any liquor shop in India. Perfect for any party or just a quite drink for yourself.

Also, how can I talk about gin and not tonic? So here are my top picks –

Fever-Tree Naturally Light Tonic Water

Fentiman’s Light Tonic Water

Franklin and Sons Ltd. Sicilian Lemon Tonic

Schweppes Tonic Water

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Svami Tonic Water

There you have it – the amazing mix of G&Ts you will ever have. A typical 210ml serving of gin & tonic can contain about 170 calories as per independent.co.uk, which is much better than any cocktail from the bar. You can reduce the calorie content by using slim tonic/on-the-rocks as you may prefer. But all in all, you can definitely have a fantastic time!

P.S. Don’t forget to enjoy the classic Gin & Tonic in a goblet like this,

CHEERS!