We are convinced that at some point, in one way or another, you may have come across the idea that a good Gin Tonic is loaded with medicinal properties . Well, you are right!
Do we know where all this medicinal power comes from? Is it from the Gin or the Tonic? The answer is in both.
As we have discussed in previous posts, gin was created in Holland in 1550 by Sylvius de la Boe, whose aim was to create a remedy to help cleanse toxins from the blood, eliminate gallstones, cure kidney disorders and prevent gout attacks. The solution was found in juniper berries , which, thanks to their potassium content, achieved these effects.
But at that time, gin was still missing its rich tonic . This bitter concoction has its roots in 1783, when Jacob Schweppe, a German jeweler and resident of Geneva, discovered a method to create bottled carbonated water , which later gave way to fruit sodas. But it was not until 1870 , as a result of the great growth in the production of medicinal syrups, that it was decided to introduce quinine into carbonated orange soda to create the first tonic water.
This quinine would be responsible for providing the characteristic bitterness of tonic waters, as well as providing its digestive properties . It was a compound already known to Native Americans, with energetic, antipyretic, antimalarial and analgesic properties, used then in the treatment of malaria.
However, today the quinine content in tonic waters is insignificant from a medical point of view, being maintained solely for its flavour.
When did the paths of both medicines cross? Well, it was not until the 19th century , in the midst of the imperialist era, that both drinks were brought together for the first time , for which there are two versions on the subject.
- On the one hand, it is said that to celebrate the victories of the British troops in India , a high-ranking British officer decided to combine gin with tonic, thus creating an alcoholic cocktail.
- On the other hand, there is another version, which says that the British gave quinine to their soldiers to cure malaria , but its taste was so bitter that its ingestion was very unpleasant. For this reason, the British began to mix tonic with gin so that the soldiers could consume quinine more pleasantly .
Whatever the case, the drink was so successful that it became known in England and ended up spreading throughout the globe, making this medicinal remedy one of the most refreshing drinks in fashion today.
So now you know Bunkers, the next time you enjoy a Bunker & Tonic in company, don't hesitate to share this curiosity, which we hope has interested you!