Showing posts with label gin alcohol percentage. Show all posts

9/14/2025

H A Royal Taste for Simplicity

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.

Discover the latest recipes, tips, and stories on the Gin Tonic Gin blog. From classic builds to creative twists, Gin Tonic Gin explores everything about the perfect gin & tonic. For reviews, how-tos, and bar-worthy inspiration, dive into Gin Tonic Gin.

9/15/2023

H A Short History of Gin in Ecuador

The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Ecuador

Ecuador is celebrated for its coffee, cacao, and Andean spirits such as aguardiente, but in recent years it has also embraced the global gin renaissance. With its unique geography — from the Amazon rainforest to the Andean highlands and the Pacific coast — Ecuador offers distillers access to an extraordinary range of botanicals. Though the country’s gin production is still small compared to Europe or even Argentina, Ecuadorian craft gins are beginning to capture attention, reflecting the nation’s biodiversity and creative energy.

A Short History of Gin in Ecuador

Gin first reached Ecuador through European imports, particularly British brands like Beefeater, Gordon’s, and Tanqueray, which appeared in bars and hotels in Quito and Guayaquil during the 20th century. For decades, gin was overshadowed by rum, aguardiente, and beer, which dominated local drinking culture.

The shift began in the 2010s, when Ecuador’s craft distilling movement took off. Inspired by the booming cocktail scene in South America, a handful of local producers began making artisanal gins infused with regional botanicals — from Andean herbs to Amazonian fruits. Today, Ecuador may still be a small player, but its gins are highly distinctive.

Famous Ecuadorian Gin Brands

1. Pacari Andean Gin – Inspired by the Andes

Produced by artisans linked to Ecuador’s premium chocolate scene (Pacari is a world-famous organic chocolate brand), this gin reflects the biodiversity of the Andes.

Botanicals: Juniper, cacao nibs, Andean herbs, orange peel, and cinnamon.
Flavor Profile: Rich, slightly chocolaty, with citrus and herbal layers.
Reputation: A boutique gin that appeals to both locals and international visitors looking for something uniquely Ecuadorian.

2. Quito Dry Gin – The Capital’s Signature Gin

Produced in the Quito region, this gin reflects the cosmopolitan culture of Ecuador’s capital city.

Botanicals: Juniper, Andean mint (hierba buena), lemon verbena, and citrus grown in high-altitude valleys.
Style: Fresh and crisp, designed for gin & tonic serves.
Cultural Role: Popular in Quito’s growing craft cocktail scene.

3. Galápagos Gin – Island-Inspired Craft Spirit

As its name suggests, Galápagos Gin was created to highlight the archipelago’s natural treasures.

Botanicals: Tropical fruits, island herbs, and citrus combined with juniper.
Identity: Marketed as an eco-conscious spirit, reflecting Ecuador’s sustainability ethos.
Reputation: A niche but memorable gin, often purchased by tourists visiting the islands.

4. Amazonía Dry Gin – Jungle Botanicals

Craft distillers in the Amazon region of Ecuador have experimented with gins infused with rainforest plants.

Botanicals: Guayusa leaves (a caffeinated Amazonian herb), cacao husks, allspice, and citrus.
Style: Earthy, energizing, and herbal.
Reputation: A small-batch product but highly innovative, reflecting Ecuador’s Amazonian identity.

5. Imported Gin Brands in Ecuador

While Ecuador has its own growing gin scene, international brands remain dominant in bars and hotels:

Beefeater, Gordon’s, Tanqueray – Widely available, the most common choices for classic G&Ts.
Bombay Sapphire – A premium import often paired with upscale tonics in Quito and Guayaquil.

Tonic Waters in Ecuador

Ecuador doesn’t yet have a large domestic tonic industry, so most mixers are imported or produced regionally.

1. Fever-Tree (Imported)

Very popular in premium bars in Quito and Guayaquil. Mediterranean and Indian tonics are most common.

2. Britvic / Schweppes (Imported)

Affordable and widely available, making them the go-to tonics in many Ecuadorian households.

3. Local Alternatives

Some bartenders use soda water mixed with local herbs or fruit syrups to create tonic substitutes with a uniquely Ecuadorian twist.

Ecuador’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

Bar Scene: Quito and Guayaquil have emerging cocktail cultures, with gin & tonic menus becoming a feature in upscale lounges and boutique hotels.
Serving Style: Inspired by Spanish gin-tonic traditions, Ecuadorian bartenders use balloon glasses with garnishes like cacao nibs, lemongrass, or citrus slices.
Local Twist: Guayusa, cacao, and Andean herbs are often used as garnishes, creating a distinctly Ecuadorian take on the G&T.
Tourism Influence: Gin and tonic is particularly popular among tourists visiting the Galápagos and Andean resorts, where local gins are marketed as souvenirs.

Conclusion

Ecuador may not yet be a global gin powerhouse, but it has carved out a niche by highlighting its biodiversity and cultural heritage. With brands like Pacari Andean Gin, Quito Dry Gin, Galápagos Gin, and Amazonía Dry Gin, Ecuadorian producers are crafting spirits that tell a story of mountains, jungles, and islands.

Paired with imported tonics like Fever-Tree or Schweppes, Ecuadorian gin & tonics offer a unique fusion of classic European tradition and Andean-Amazonian flavors. For gin enthusiasts, sipping an Ecuadorian G&T is a chance to taste both innovation and the richness of Ecuador’s landscapes in a single glass.

12/21/2019

gin alcohol percentage

Gin alcohol percentages (typical by market)

ABV varies by country and even retailer. Use this as a quick guide and always check the label on your bottle.

Brand & expression	EU/UK (typical ABV)	US (typical ABV)	Notes for cocktails
Tanqueray London Dry	43.1%	47.3%	Higher ABV = crisper, more aromatic G&Ts and martinis.
Tanqueray No. Ten	47.3%	47.3%	Built for martinis; the strength carries citrus aromatics.
Beefeater London Dry	40%	44%–47% (varies)	Balanced; higher-ABV bottlings hold up better in tall G&Ts.
Beefeater 24	45%	45%	Tea/citrus nuance; great in martinis and G&Ts.
Bombay Sapphire	40%	47% (some markets 43%)	Lighter body at 40%; US bottlings can feel punchier.
Gordon’s London Dry	37.5%	40%	Classic, but lower ABV in EU reads softer in long drinks.
Plymouth Gin	41.2%	41.2%	Silky, rounded style; easy G&T.
Plymouth Navy Strength	57%	57%	Big flavor; pairs with firm-bitter tonics.
Hendrick’s	41.4%	41.4%	Floral/cucumber accent; gentle profile.
Monkey 47	47%	47%	Intensely aromatic; use clean tonic.
Gin Mare	42.7%	42.7%	Herbal/Med style; great with Mediterranean tonics.
Sipsmith London Dry	41.6%	41.6%	Bright juniper; versatile.
Broker’s London Dry	40%	47% (Premium)	Classic profile; choose higher ABV for extra cut.

How ABV affects your G&T

40% and below: softer texture; can feel muted with very bitter/strong tonics.
41–44%: nice balance for most tonics; good aroma carry.
45%+ (incl. 47%/Navy): bolder flavor, firmer texture, stays vivid in tall, fizzy serves.

Quick tip: If your tonic is sweet/soft, a higher-ABV gin keeps the drink crisp. If your tonic is quite bitter, a lower-ABV or rounder gin can balance it out.