History of Gin and Tonic with Hendrick’s

I believe I make the best Gin and Tonic with Hendrick’s. My friends and family members I make it for will concur. I hear from people all of the time that they don’t like gin because it tastes too piney. I quickly invite them over to try my recipe. Of course, they love it and explain how they had no clue gin could taste like this. Before I give you my recipe, let me give you a brief (it’s not really that brief) history of gin.

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In the beginning

Gin originated from the inventor Franciscus Sylvius de la Boe for medicinal purposes in the 16th century. This was in the Netherlands and it was called Genever (which means Juniper Berry in Dutch). 

Once the 17th century came along, what is now gin became a spirit for social drinking. Because they had no rules on distilling it, everyone who could do it did! It didn’t taste well at the beginning because they would distill it with things like Sulfuric Acid and Turpentine Oil. Then they used sugar and rose water to hide such an undesirable taste. 

Popularity Grows

In the early 1700’s Gin’s popularity had grown that by the 1730s England had consumed an average of 47 million liters in one year. Because of that they directly correlated the excess drinking of gin to the rise in crimes, higher death rates, increased prostitution, and even a decline in childbirth. 

The government took action and passed multiple Gin Bills to help regulate gin dependence. Once these took effect the price of gin rose and the quality of gin started to improve. 

What about Tonic

The story goes that the invention of tonic came as a need to prevent Malaria when Britain took over India in the 19th century. It was said that the soldiers would ingest quinine daily to prevent the disease. 

They soon realized they needed to improve the taste. They sampled it with sugar, water, and even lime. Then to help things out more they added gin. 

Later, in the mid 1800s actual tonic water was created and the rest is Gin and Tonic’s delicious history.

My Gin and Tonic with Hendrick’s Recipe

I have tried many brands of Gin but my favorite by far is Hendrick’s Gin. I also use Canada Dry Tonic Water. My special ingredient is called Jack Rudy Classic Tonic Syrup. 

Here is how I make it. 

First, fill a Highball glass with ice. 

Then pour 1 ½ shots of Hendrick’s Gin over the ice. 

Next, fill the glass with Tonic water ¾ to the top. 

Last,  add 1 shot of Jack Rudy Classic Tonic Syrup to the top. 

I don’t stir it (Some do, but I don’t).

Challenge

I know every drink isn’t for every person. But I do challenge you to try my Gin and Tonic with Hendrick’s recipe. I am sure many of you will agree that it is delicious. Some of you (like me) will begin buying Jack Rudy Classic tonic by the case and sharing it with your friends so they can enjoy the delicious taste in their own homes. Let me know how it goes.