The key to the perfect G&T

As the evenings open into the warmth and sunshine of spring, a refreshing gin and tonic has never been more appealing. Here Tony Conigliaro, legendary London bartender and drinks expert at Schweppes, explains how to make the perfect G&T to toast warmer days and later sunsets.

At any hour in the UK’s capital cities, you can find somewhere to get a cracking gin and tonic – and, as the seasons change and al fresco drinking becomes the order of the day, our beloved combination of tonic and tipple becomes nearly impossible to resist. 

But, according to Tony Conigliaro, who has spent years studying the science of flavour and the senses at his research lab, The Drinks Factory, we have one man to thank for our favourite mixed drink: Jacob Schweppe. 

“The humble gin and tonic will always be considered a quintessential British favourite,” says Tony, who masterminded London’s award-winning Bar Termini. “Schweppes has a lot to do with that. Jacob Schweppe understood the importance of carbonation and dedicated his life to mastering the secret of perfect effervescence, introducing bottled tonic water to the British public more than 234 years ago. The Schweppes name is synonymous with a G&T for me, and many Brits, for this reason.” 

But why is effervescence the key to the perfect G&T? Tony explains: “When you’re drinking the perfect gin and tonic, you should feel a lightness coming from the carbonation, which also carries the flavour and aroma through the bubbles.

That’s what sets Schweppes apart: the quality and size of the bubbles ensure that it’s the perfect engine to carry the taste, flavour and aroma of the spirit it is mixed with, right up until the end of the drink.” 

Effervescence is key to Schweppes, which is why the launch of their premium 1783 tonic range is also a return to the original skittle bottle shape. Developed by Jacob Schweppe himself, the shape is perfectly engineered to create optimum effervescence. 

In fact, the line of Schweppes 1783 tonics in your April Gin of the Month box celebrate the brilliance of Jacob Schweppe in other ways, too.

This newly launched premium was inspired by Jacob Schweppe’s curiosity and quest for perfection, and crafted by modern mixologists to give adventurous drink lovers more premium flavour options than ever before, all with that quintessential Schweppes sparkle. 

As Tony says, “This new line provides great versatility – Schweppes spent months working with expert mixologists to create a great range of mixers which combine aroma, effervescence and balance to ensure that every flavour pairs perfectly with premium spirits.” 

The new range has a whopping six flavours total. The Light Tonic Water in your April Gin of the Month box is low in natural sugar and full of sparkling charm and character, while your Cucumber Tonic Water offers a quintessential slice of thirst-quenching perfection. Salty Lemon Tonic Water, on the other hand, is a bold blend that pairs as well with premium gin as it does with other spirits, like tequila. 

Also keep an eye out for three more fabulous flavours: perfectly bitter Crisp Tonic, Golden Ginger Ale with the perfect level of kick and Floral Tonic Water, with its enchanting bouquet of vanilla and sandalwood. Tony says, “With 1783, it’s easy to mix up your usual gin and tonic, or be more adventurous in exploring your own palate.”

With two gorgeous gins and three perfectly blended flavours of Schweppes 1783 tonic in your April Gin of the Month box, you’ve got everything you need to pass a delightful spring evening in search of your personal perfect serve.