There is nothing quite like a perfect G&T. Gin and tonics bring to mind memories of summer days on the beach or on the lawn and there is nothing quite like the crisp, refreshing drink that has been a staple for decades. This British classic has been reinvented by bartenders all over the world, but one rendition that we are loving right now is the Gin Fig & Tonic by Loïc Sciampagna.
History of the G&T
Gin was actually invented in Amsterdam in the 17th century because at that time people believed that botanicals like juniper and star anise had medicinal properties. Gin was discovered by the British during the Thirty Years’ War as the Dutch armies all had rations of gin with them on the battlefield. And before they knew it, gin was quite popular in England. If we fast forward to the 1800s when the British Empire takers governance of India, the British expats created their own home remedies to ward off malaria using an extract from the cinchona bark dissolved in water, with a little added sugar to sweeten it and it was only a matter of time before they added their favorite spirit to the concoction!
A New Twist on an Old British Classic
Known as @cocktailsguy on Instagram, Loïc shares his amazing recipes with his audience through some picture-perfect visuals that will defiantly inspire you to try his creations at home. And during the dead of winter, what is more fun than mixing up a zesty little cocktail in the comfort of your own kitchen?
Our favorite gin to have on hand is of course Highclere Castle Gin. We were so lucky to attend the brand’s launch event at Highclere Castle in the English countryside back in 2019 and have been huge fans of the brand ever since. The gin is made with botanicals right from the castle grounds, and in fact the oats have even fed the Queen’s horses! There is a reason Highclere Castle Gin keeps racking up the accolades, this gin is so well balanced and perfect for cocktails, you won’t need anything else on your bar cart once you give this brand a try.
Recipe:
- Half of a dried fig
- 1/2 Part Simple Syrup
- 1 Part Highclere Castle Gin
- 1/4 Part Lemon Juice
- Orange Blossom Tonic Water
- Muddle a fig in your shaker with some sugar syrup to create a kind of puree.
- Add a healthy measure of your favorite gin (Highclere Castle of course).
- Add a small part of lemon juice.
- Fill shaker with ice and give a good shake (around 10-15 seconds).
- Pour into your glass and top with orange blossom tonic.
See more of my favorite Highclere Castle Gin cocktails on their Instagram page or on their website!