Consider its longevity and legacy.
The G&T is now nearly 180 years old, introduced by the British East India Company to combat malaria among troops in tropical regions, thanks to the quinine in traditional tonic water. Winston Churchill even said the Gin & Tonic “has saved more Englishmen’s lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire."
Today, we drink this highball cocktail purely for pleasure instead of medicinal purposes, with its global popularity still soaring.
In 2010, International Gin & Tonic Day was born, now celebrated on 19 October annually.
This year, it's easier than ever to enjoy an exceptional Gin & Tonic, even in the comfort of home, courtesy of The Botanist, bringing together The Botanist Gin with East Imperial Royal Botanic Tonic Water.
It doesn't get better than this for a Gin & Tonic.
The Botanist's dry gin is conceived at Bruichladdich Distillery on Scotland's Islay island, using 22 foraged botanicals, hand-picked throughout spring, summer and autumn, distilled with pure spring water.
The Royal Botanic Tonic was created in partnership with The Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. It's rich and robust with zest, refreshing the palate with elderflower and candied violets, with a tart finish of ruby red grapefruit and bitterness of sustainably sourced quinine from Javanese highlands.
The Botanist worked with David Hans of Bangsar's Three X Co, one of KL's most respected bars, to create the Royal Botanist & Tonic cocktail, a fun and easy-to-make cocktail that everyone can try at home.
Three X Co was named one of Asia's Top 50 Bars this year. "A deft hand with local ingredients, Hans has concocted a creative menu that comprises classics with an Asian twist," the prestigious award noted on its website, adding that Three X Co "will win you over with its style, great drinks and friendly service."
All you need for Hans' Royal Botanist & Tonic are these ingredients:
45ml The Botanist Gin
120ml East Imperial Royal Botanic Tonic
1 piece Grapefruit Slice
2 pieces Lime Slice
1 Rosemary
The steps couldn't be simpler:
1. In a highball glass, fill in ice cubes.
2. Pour in The Botanist Gin, followed by East Imperial Royal Botanic Tonic.
3. Give it a slight stir.
4. Garnish with fruits and herb listed above.
5. Enjoy!
To help you put your flair into this cocktail, the following e-tailers are offering special Gin & Tonic sets, comprising The Botanist Gin with two complimentary bottles of East Imperial Royal Tonic Water and a highball glass, from 16 October through 16 November. Click on the store names to order.
