Welcome to Drinking the World; my thoughts on fine libations, special spirits, and fabulous cocktails. My name is Jonathan M. Forester and I'm a food & beverage writer / consultant, and formerly partner in a winery and brewery in Maine. Now, my new partner and I are currently in the process of starting an artisanal, farm distillery located on 370 acres in New York State called Dutch's Spirits. We will be specializing in premium, hand-made spirits. These will include bourbon, rye, and malt whiskey, peach and apple brandy, a variety of aged rum, gin, liqueurs, and cocktail bitters.
If the post is dated prior to December 13, 2008, it was previously published at Slashfood.com / AOL.com.
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Home Made Tonic Water
By Jonathan M. Forester on Jul 30, 2009 | In Cocktail Revolution, Syrups, Bitters, Tinctures, and Infusions
For several years I have heard about making your own tonic syrup to make tonic water for an old fashioned spin on the Gin & Tonic. Years ago I was sent prototypes of Q Tonic before it came on the market, and I was the first writer in the US to be sent samples of Fever-Tree tonic and their whole line, to review. But today I finally got around to trying to make it myself for the first time. I've had all the ingredients, but just never got around to it until now.
This first batch of tonic syrup came out pretty good, but not great. It is recognizably tonic water and better than any store bought I have ever had. But I think that eventually I will come up with several different home made tonic water recipes that will be sublime. For the drink I diluted it 1 part syrup to 2 parts club soda. I shook the .75 oz syrup and 1.5 oz gin on ice and strained into an old fashioned glass, then I gently added 2 oz club soda, a few ice cubes, and stirred. I tried it with several types of gin, but liked it best made with Bols Genever.
I don't have my soda siphon up here in Maine, and will have to bring it back next week when I am in NYC. That way I can make up a quart of tonic water at a time and carbonate it.
Recipe after the jump
