Still one of the biggest barriers to people’s enjoyment of gin is it’s closest friend, tonic.
Mention the mixer and immediate thoughts are of a little yellow glass bottle, and it’s associated gin. Bitter, sweet, with that kick of juniper that’s almost medicinal. It’s strong deeply bitter, perfume flavour has lost gin many a friend and lover. Super tasters especially, and those new to alcohol are sensitive to bitter notes, and especially when younger drinkers are learning, this can be a permanent lesson.
Once tried, the G&T is dismissed as a whole.
Thankfully that trend has changed massively. Now the rules brought in during the 1960s that meant that the brewery chose the soft drinks and mixers as well as the beer are all but gone, pubs and bars have a range to choose from again, from Fentimans to Fever Tree, 1724 to Franklin & Sons, and of course, those usual suspects. The biggest selection I’ve seen in a shop so far was over 70, so given the number in development from big brands, add in supermarket own, those coming in on an artisan/craft level, and those from abroad, I’d reckon we’re looking at around 100-150 ish available.
That’s a lot of tonic.
It also means that’s a lot to choose from. So if you ‘don’t like tonic’ chances are, as with anything else, you’ve just not found the one that suits you. I’ve reviewed a few on here, and I’ve some more to play with in my fridge at home, but those that have me most excited at the moment are the smaller brands coming out – those made (like many smaller gins are) on a kitchen table somewhere. Taking the idea of tonic, revisiting old recipes, or simply turning the idea on its head.
One of those smaller brands is Mersey Tonic. Using the tonic syrup method adopted by Rudy’s, BTW and others, they’ve created three syrups with different flavour profiles. The idea being that these are diluted to taste with soda water – 25ml syrup to 200ml soda in the case of Mersey. I was lucky enough to get three to sample – though there are more (and more in development I’ve no doubt).
Using a cold infusion method, botanicals are brought together into a syrup, each is a little different, though the base flavour is very similar, meaning that there should be a flavour profile that everyone will like. And, though the recommended dilution is given, you can of course adjust it to taste, meaning that if your gin is lighter, add less syrup. It’s the ultimate way to tailor your G&T.
Into the tasting then:
No 1 is the Original. There’s the almost standard R White’s Lemonade note that denotes natural chinchona. Then a sharp citrus, but no bitterness. The flavour and strength can easily cope with stronger more juniper heavy gins (I used Tanqueray on all as a base), but lighter may be lost a little, and it would be worth playing with level of soda water for something more gentle.
Next was N0 8 Vitality. As a big fan of ginger and spice, I loved this one. There’s a good kick of ginger, but it’s not fiery. Again there’s a stronger acidity than with some tonics, but the ginger, cardamom and cola all come out to play. Though this was OK with Tanqueray (gin and ginger are a well known pairing), I reached for a favourite with ginger, Windspiel, which proved a good option. I’d also be tempted to play with Opihr, Bobby’s Gin and possibly Darnley’s View Spiced too. But there’s plenty of time for experimentation.
Last, but not least I have No.15 Coffee. Given the excitement over cold brew coffee in your G&T (just a splash, and it works), there’s no surprise really that coffee is making it’s way into tonics directly. In fact it’s where the gents behind Mersey Tonic started – the idea of a cold brew coffee liqueur using different origin coffees. As with cold brew in your G&T your first hit relates to depth. You get the rich background coffee immediately, but as with a cold brew, it’s still light on flavour. Think of it like adding parmesan to your pasta. You don’t necessarily get cheesiness in flavour, what you get is a depth of umami that makes it just that little bit better. The R White’s lemonade note is still there, as is the acidity but there’s this background of something deeper and heavier. For me, put it in your G&T, add a wheel of orange and sip.
At the moment, Mersey Tonic is primarily available at local markets, and if you drop them a line via Facebook or Twitter and ask them nicely.
Don’t like tonic?
I sincerely beg to differ.
