The IT Girl of the Cocktail Menu

The IT girl of the cocktail menu

Ever heard people speak of the magical healing powers of a nice yummy cocktail? Well, as far the iconic Gn’T is concerned, that’s exactly what you get, literally and figuratively, or at least for the former that was the case back in the 1700’s. As it turns out, its rise to fame was founded on the belief that quinine (the key ingredient in tonic) could heal malaria. Legend has it that soldiers in those days would treat malaria with quinine and to make the bitter compound more palatable, they would mix it with sugar and water, creating what we know today as tonic water. These unknowing taste makers would mix the supposed medicine with their daily ration of gin. It is unclear as to why they did this, but it probably had something to do with gin making everything better (this is tried and tested).

Whatever the case may be, through time this legendary concoction has found its way onto cocktail menus the world over and continues to dominate centuries on. The writing is on the wall – in big block letters, it reads ‘SCANDALOUSLY DELICIOUS’ and together with the world’s most awarded gin – Beefeater, we’ve got you covered with tips on how to get the most out of your gin, for the best Gn’T or should we say Bn’T, you know – Beefeater and tonic?

Break SOME of the rules

The classic Gn’T has evolved over the years, for better! So many variations currently exist that don’t fit the traditional ‘double shot gin and just pour in the tonic water’ mold, no sir! Mixologists are experimenting with the blue print and one way they’ve taken it up a notch is by serving it frozen! We’ve already established that the classic taste ticks all the boxes, but changing its texture could result in a more nuanced drinking experience. Freezing your gin makes it thicker and more viscous, and as the gin begins to warm up it opens up the flavour profile. So beyond having a literally frozen ice gin and tonic cocktail, keeping your Beefeater gin in the freezer also goes a long way.

Details matter

The curve of the glass, which at the top does curve back in, helps trap the aromas of the gin within the glass, yet still allows it to breath. This helps open up the flavors of the gin. Allowing the gin to breathe is important, especially if you’re using a distinctly floral and nose heavy gin.
Additionally, the bowl shape of the glass does allow for additional ice, plus your hand is not warming the liquid but instead is holding the stem, so the ice doesn’t melt as quickly.

The best way to enjoy Beefeater Gin would be in a classic Bn’T serve

Oscar Bhengu

Brand Ambassador Gin Squad at Pernod Ricard

Do This

For the London dry, the serve would be 50ml Beefeater London dry topped with Indian tonic, garnished with an orange slice and a lemon slice. Keep the garnish nice and simple because the garnishes are there to bring out more of the flavours in the gin.

They complement all 9 botanicals that are used to make every drop of Beefeater. Our London dry is a traditional dry gin with its unique process of steeping our botanicals for 24 hours, to give it a perfect full body and long finish ensuring that the gin is the star of the show with every sip.

The Beefeater Pink Strawberry is a delicious, easy to drink and fun looking strawberry gin made in London and based on the classic award-winning Beefeater Dry recipe. The soft fruit flavours of strawberry tune perfectly with classic notes of juniper and citrus to produce a finely balanced contemporary gin. It’s the real, young and urban pink Gin for the new generation of Gin drinkers, who drink with their eyes. The Beefeater Pink should be enjoyed in a Gin and tonic with the following ratios: 50ml Beefeater Pink, Ice, Indian tonic and garnished with sliced strawberry with the additional option of adding a lemon slice to bring out citrus flavours whilst still complimenting the natural strawberry flavoring.