There are some things that simply taste of Christmas. Turkey, sprouts, mince pies, brandy butter; even if we were to eat those things in the height of summer, some of us would start mindlessly whistling carols or feel a slight chill in the air in doing so. The same goes for what we drink – just think of that old relative who only touches sherry on Christmas Day, or how the family will get in a bottle of Irish cream liqueur for when guests arrive.
With the UK now playing host to hundreds of different gin distilleries, all offering their own take on the classic spirit, we now treat the tipple with the respect it deserves. The vast majority of us mix gin with tonic water, and we’ve now realised that there are huge differences in quality and flavour from bottle to bottle. There’s nothing more disappointing than shelling out for a top-end gin to see it topped up with an artificially flavoured mixer. That’s why brands such as Fever-Tree have become the connoisseur’s tonic of choice, using real quinine and other flavourings sourced from all over the world to create stunning mixers for gin.
While we might see gin and tonic as a drink for the summertime, it’s becoming just as popular in the colder months too. Sloe gin has always been a seasonal treat (especially when made at home) but now there’s a tonic full of festive cheer to go with it – Fever-Tree’s Limited Edition Refreshingly Light Clementine Tonic Water with Cinnamon.