Here at Distillery Nearby, we love any and all reason to drink and celebrate local spirits, so National Gin and Tonic Day is right up our alley! In this post, we’re going to talk about some of the history of this popular beverage, the history of the holiday itself, and a tasty recipe (or several!) for you to mix up and enjoy. Let’s jump right in.

What Is Gin and Tonic?

The gin and tonic is a highball cocktail made with the spirit gin. Gin is a delicious, juniper berry and botanicals-infused, clear alcoholic spirit that tends to polarize drinkers. People who try gin will either love it or despise it! Like other cocktails, there are many different variations on the gin and tonic that you can try, too. So, if you don’t like a classic G&T, don’t stop there!

What is Quinine, and Why Is It in My Tonic Water?

Quinine is a bitter, white crystalline alkaloid extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree. Quinine is also found in tonic water, which is why the tonic water used for gin and tonic has a bitter taste!

The cinchona tree is native to the Andes Mountains of South America. The bark of the cinchona tree was first used to treat malaria by the indigenous people of the Andes. In the 1600s, Jesuit missionaries brought the bark back to Europe, where it was used to treat malaria. Quinine was first isolated from the bark of the cinchona tree in 1820.

Quinine is safe, however, it is important to talk to your doctor before consuming large amounts, as it can cause side effects and interact with other medications. It would take many gin and tonics to cause issues – there’s only about 20 mg in each 8-oz serving. Prescription drug quantities range from 200-600 mg per day. 

To air on the side of caution, don’t overdo it if you’re taking any medications that react with quinine.

Fun Fact: Quinine is also found in grapefruit, which might explain why some people think tonic water tastes like grapefruit!

What Is the History of Gin & Tonic?

“The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire.” – Winston Churchill

The gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. The drink is believed to have originated in India in the 18th century, when British soldiers were stationed there. The soldiers were given quinine to drink as a way to prevent and resolve malaria, but the bitter taste of the quinine alone was not enjoyable. 

In order to make the drink more palatable, the soldiers began adding gin, sugar, and lime juice. It quickly became a popular drink among the soldiers, and it soon spread to other parts of the world.

Today, the gin and tonic is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is perfect for any occasion. The gin and tonic is also a relatively low-calorie drink, making it a good choice for those who are watching their weight.

Fun Fact: Quinine does, in fact, kill Plasmodium falciparum, one parasite that causes malaria. It does not, however, prevent malaria.

The History of National Gin and Tonic Day

National Gin and Tonic Day was started by the family and friends of Mary Edith Keyburn. On October 19th, 2010, when she passed away, she was holding a glass of her favorite drink that had been smuggled into the hospital: a gin and tonic. She was 95, and probably one of the most amazing people in the world – we can tell.

When Is National Gin and Tonic Day?

National Gin and Tonic day is April 9th, every year. This holiday is fixed and doesn’t move around like other holidays. In 2023, National Gin and Tonic Day is on a Sunday, and in 2024, it will fall on a Tuesday. 2025 we’ll celebrate on a Wednesday, and in 2026 it will be on a Thursday. In 2027, National Gin and Tonic Day will fall on a Friday – the perfect day!

Fun Fact: In 2023, Easter falls on National Gin and Tonic Day!

Easy to make:

Calories in a single gin and tonic: 150-200 calories

Keep in mind that several factors will impact your final calorie count per drink. You can choose diet tonic water to reduce the calorie intake per drink by about 30-50 calories, but the calorie count in gin is about the same, no matter what gin you use. 2 oz of gin has about 150 calories. Let’s take a look at how to make one of these delicious drinks.

Fun Fact: The Gin and Tonic ratio is 1:2, respectively, so making up a pitcher for game night is quite easy!

Gin and Tonic Ingredients

For a classic gin and tonic, you’ll need – you guessed it – gin and tonic water. You’ll also need ice and whatever garnish you like. Most people like lime or mint in their favorite G&T. Our recipe will include these things, but you can always omit them if you buy an expensive gin and want to let it shine.

Basic Recipe

Into a highball glass filled with ice, pour 2 oz of your favorite (local) gin and 4 oz of plain tonic water. Stir gently with a bar spoon, then garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. That’s it! This drink is super easy to make and is especially refreshing during hot summer days.

What Is the Best Gin for Gin and Tonic?

In our opinion, local gin is best for a gin and tonic that you’re going to add lots of flavor to. Lime is a big go-to, and lime will easily overpower the gentle botanicals that you find in gin. If you want to have a unique experience where you can taste the differences in your gin selection, we recommend that you use original tonic and don’t add anything to the drink.

Generally speaking, any locally crafted spis going to taste great in a gin and tonic. However, the best gin for gin and tonic for you will depend on what kind of flavors you like! For example, if you know you don’t like lavender, don’t pick up a lavender gin. 

There are so many different kinds for you to try, just don’t forget to try local ones, too! You can find a local distillery near you that distills gin by checking out your state’s page on our website.

Recipe variations for You to Try

There are so many ways to “zhuzh up” your traditional gin and tonic cocktail. Here are a few ideas to help you brainstorm and find your new favorite way to drink this classic beverage:

• The “Gin Sonic” uses half tonic water and half soda water. Picking a high-quality gin for this variation is paramount, as the flavor of the gin will come through more strongly.
• Make it pink! There are pink gins with more floral flavoring that can be a fun swap in your traditional gin and tonic.
• Add fresh herbs and fruits. By adding your own, fresh botanicals, you can really boost the flavor – of cheap gins, especially.
• Add real juniper berries. This is another way to really boost the flavor of your gin and tonic.
• Try different fruity combos. Combinations like fresh peach and rosemary, cranberry and thyme, lemon and basil, blackberry and mint, and blood orange and mint are all great options.

Distillery Nearby: Your One-Stop Site for Finding New, Local Gins

Here at Distillery Nearby, our goal is to make finding new spirits easier and more fun! This is why we filter all of America’s craft distilleries by state for you on our “All Locations” list view. Here, you can find your state and browse local distilleries that you can support. 

From all of us here at Distillery Nearby,

Happy National Gin and Tonic Day!