The Queen of England and the Gin and Tonic – A Royal Connection
For centuries, the British monarchy has played an influential role in shaping the country’s drinking culture. While wine, champagne, and whisky have long been associated with royal banquets and state occasions, one drink has a uniquely personal connection to the late Queen Elizabeth II: the gin and tonic.
Known for her discipline and dedication, Queen Elizabeth II was also famous for her modest but consistent enjoyment of certain spirits — with the gin & tonic often at the center of her daily routine. This connection has not only highlighted the drink’s enduring popularity but has also woven it into Britain’s cultural identity.
A Royal Taste for Simplicity
Unlike many royals who embraced elaborate cocktails or rare wines, Queen Elizabeth II was known for her preference for simple, classic drinks. The gin and tonic, crisp and refreshing, matched her personality: understated, elegant, and distinctly British.
According to her former staff and biographers, the Queen often enjoyed a pre-lunch gin & tonic, carefully measured and garnished, as part of her daily ritual. It was not consumed in excess but as a ceremonial pause in a busy schedule.
The Royal Household and Gin
The British Royal Family has long had ties to gin, both as consumers and as patrons of distilleries. In fact, Buckingham Palace itself has produced its own gin, made with botanicals sourced from the palace gardens.
-
Buckingham Palace Gin: Released in 2020, crafted with 12 botanicals including lemon verbena, hawthorn berries, and mulberry leaves from the royal estate. It quickly sold out, showing the public’s fascination with both the monarchy and gin.
-
Royal Warrant Holders: Several gin brands have historically held royal warrants, supplying spirits to the household — a mark of both tradition and prestige.
The Queen’s Preferred Gin & Tonic Style
Accounts from royal staff suggest that the Queen preferred her gin & tonic prepared with precision:
-
The Gin: A dry London gin, often from Gordon’s or a similar trusted brand.
-
The Tonic: Schweppes Indian Tonic Water — crisp and reliable.
-
The Garnish: A simple slice of lemon, squeezed lightly to release its oils.
-
The Glass: Traditionally served in a crystal tumbler or highball glass, with plenty of ice.
The proportions were reportedly modest, around one part gin to two parts tonic, keeping the drink light and refreshing.
Gin and the British Monarchy’s Image
The Queen’s quiet fondness for gin & tonic resonated with the public. Unlike champagne-filled royal celebrations or opulent state banquets, her choice reflected:
-
Approachability: Gin and tonic is a drink enjoyed by millions across Britain, symbolizing a common thread between monarchy and citizenry.
-
Tradition: Gin has deep roots in British culture, from the colonial period to modern craft revival.
-
Discipline: The Queen was known for moderation — enjoying her drink as part of a balanced daily rhythm, never indulgently.
This simple cocktail, linked to her daily life, became an emblem of how the Queen embodied both royalty and relatability.
The Global Impact
The revelation of the Queen’s fondness for gin & tonic gave the cocktail an extra boost in international popularity. In the last two decades, as gin culture exploded worldwide, references to the Queen’s daily G&T were often used by bartenders, journalists, and brands to highlight the drink’s heritage.
Tourists visiting the UK frequently seek out the “royal” style gin & tonic — London Dry gin, Schweppes tonic, lemon wedge — as a way of drinking like the Queen.
Gin, Heritage, and Legacy
When Buckingham Palace launched its gin in 2020, it was not only a commercial success but also a reflection of the monarchy’s role in sustaining Britain’s heritage. The gin’s use of palace botanicals symbolized the Queen’s deep connection to tradition, nature, and understated luxury.
Even after her passing in 2022, the association between Queen Elizabeth II and the gin & tonic remains strong, immortalizing the drink as part of her personal legacy.
Conclusion
The story of the Queen of England and gin & tonic is not one of indulgence, but of ritual, tradition, and identity. It reflects how a simple cocktail became intertwined with a monarch who ruled for over 70 years, embodying continuity, discipline, and quiet elegance.
For gin enthusiasts, raising a glass of gin & tonic in the Queen’s preferred style — London Dry Gin, Schweppes tonic, a slice of lemon, and plenty of ice — is more than just enjoying a drink. It is a toast to the enduring bond between Britain’s monarchy, its cultural heritage, and one of the world’s most beloved cocktails.
