The chosen date goes back to 1811, when a German jeweler, named Johann Jacob Schweppe, devised a system with which he introduced carbon dioxide bubbles into bottled water. As time went by, to commemorate the creation of the company, it was decided that October 19 would be declared the International Gin Tonic Day.
The drink, as it is known today, was born some time later, legend has it that at the hands of a british army general, who began adding gin to tonic water to celebrate victories against troops in India. In Argentina, mainly in the post-pandemic, there is a strong increase in this drink that is gaining popularity thanks to the creation of several brands such as that of the brothers Bruno and Franco Moretti.
From the days when it was consumed in English bars, gin and tonic has evolved into a major resurgence in the last 10 years. Today, it is not only one of the most popular drinks in any British bar, but anywhere in the world. That’s why the gin category continues to grow, driven primarily by consumer demand for vibrant new flavor options.
Martin Mondragoncoach Diageo Bar Academy in Argentina, noted: “The history of this cocktail dates back to colonial times, mainly in India and other tropical areas with English colonies, where the presence of malaria required the ability to combat the disease on the part of British soldiers and citizens. The most popular antidote was quinine powder with a taste so bitter that it was mixed with water and sugar to transform it into something remotely drinkable, resulting in what is known as Indian Tonic Watera name that can still be seen on some tonic cans today.”
But the mixture was still not enough to alleviate the bitterness of the quinine and it was the English soldiers who, “playing at being bartenders”, mixed the tonic with alcohol to improve its flavor and form a perfect marriage like gin & tonic. Beyond the debate over its creation, the drink was excellently received by many bars and consumers around the world. For Martin Mondragón, the reason is because “being one of the first cocktails in history, it undoubtedly has advantages over the others. This drink does not lose its validity, since it is visual, aromatic, tasty and refreshing. It also helps that it is easy to prepare and you don’t need to be an expert bartender to prepare a gin & tonic.”
Within the history of the cocktail, one of the most recognized variants finds its origins in the French heritage and trips to Paris of Charles Tanqueray during the 1840s. The founder of the iconic gin brand created a recipe that balances the complexity of the botanicals of traditional Tanqueray London Dry Gin with the fruity and sweet aroma of French berries and notes of vanilla.
In our lands, the brothers of the Moretti Distillery They discovered gin many years later, but as pioneers of the draft gin and tonic. “When we developed it in 2018, there were no previous experiences in the world. We even performed searches in several languages and discovered with excitement that no one had done it before. Let’s say that mixing gin with tonic is not surprising in itself, but it is standardizing the process in a way of producing and marketing on a large scale, with a gin and tonic that meets everything it should have, with the right proportions and ideal carbonation, without risk of failure,” he explained. Franco Moretti.
In Mendoza, two distilleries were awarded internationally for their premium gin: Tapaus House received Double Gold and 100 points in the contest Vinus 2023 for his Gin Terrier Old Tomwhile Hilbing Franke Distillery won the Double Gold medal for his Hilbing London Dry Gin in the San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2023.
Two years ago, the Cuyo distillery Tapaus House, belonging to Millan Familypresented to the market its Gin Terrier Old Tom. In 2021, barely launched, the gin was recognized as the best exponent of Argentina in the World Gin Awards 2021 and received its first Gold Medal. Obtained from the distillation of an alcoholic maceration of juniper berries, lemon peels, allspice, cardamom and lavenderGin Terrier Old Tom It has hibiscus flower, pink pepper, allspice and star anise in its structure.
On the other hand, the recipe for Hilbing London Dry Gin It is inspired by the flavors and aromas of the classic British London Dry style, but following a production method and uses of local raw materials that give it character and freshness. Its ingredients include hand-picked juniper from Patagonia, toasted coriander from the humid pampas and fresh citrus peels from northeastern Argentina, which thanks to its subtropical climate are harvested at their optimal ripeness, all of them. They are combined with pure, crystalline melt water from the Andes Mountains.
Finally, Heraclitus, the Argentine gin created by the master distillery Julian Vareajoins the celebrations of International Gin Tonic Day this October 19th. The brand presents four innovative Gin Tonic proposals, developed by Lucas Daglio, brand ambassador, to enjoy this classic cocktail with a special twist. They can also be enjoyed in Trane Bar, located at Charlone 100 in the mythical neighborhood of Chacarita.
HERACLITO LONDON DRY & tonic / mint and lemon
A classic Gin Tonic, with a cutting gin composed of 13 botanicals, presenting a firm output of juniper and coriander that combines perfectly with its citrus notes, the perfect serve to celebrate this day.
HERACLITO & MACEDONIO & tonic / grapefruit
This gin and tonic stands out for its reddish tone, given by the red flowers. In the mouth, juniper and citrus stand out.
HERACLITO BLEND OF TECHNIQUES & tonic / orange and rosemary
This version offers a simplicity and originality that is unique in the market. It comes in a muted pink color and has a very floral and citrus nose that immediately captivates. Velvety with a very fresh output generated by its citrus structure. It is a unique proposal of its kind, since the Blend of Techniques combines similar parts of a distilled gin, in the best style of the classic London Dry: and another part of a Compound gin, an alternative category of gin in which it is flavored with juniper. following maceration processes.
HERACLITO 40 BOTANICALS & tonic / thyme and lemon
A proposal that stands out for its botanicals, this gin is made from a formula that fuses 40 herbs and is presented as a 100% aromatic option where ginger, coriander and cumin stand out.
by RN
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