When it comes to finding the best tonic water for gunpowder gin, it's important to consider the flavor profile of the gin itself and how it will complement the botanicals used in the gin. In the case of gunpowder gin, which features slowly dried Gunpowder tea, lime, lemon, and grapefruit, a Mediterranean tonic water is an excellent choice.
Mediterranean tonic waters are typically made with high-quality natural ingredients and have a more subtle sweetness compared to other tonic waters. This allows the flavors of the gin to shine through without overpowering them. The botanicals in the gunpowder gin, such as the tea, lime, lemon, and grapefruit, will be enhanced by the Mediterranean tonic water's delicate and refreshing qualities.
One particular brand of Mediterranean tonic water that I highly recommend is Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water. I have personally tried this tonic water with various gins, including gunpowder gin, and it always delivers a fantastic drinking experience. The combination of the gunpowder gin's unique botanicals with the subtle flavors of the Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water creates a harmonious and refreshing drink.
In terms of serving, I suggest using a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Pour a measure of gunpowder gin over the ice, and then add the Mediterranean tonic water. Gently stir the drink to combine the flavors, and garnish with a slice of lime or grapefruit to enhance the citrus notes in the gin.
Another option to consider is crafting your own homemade tonic water. This allows you to have full control over the flavors and tailor it specifically to complement the gunpowder gin. There are numerous recipes available online that use ingredients like cinchona bark, which provides the characteristic bitterness of tonic water, as well as other botanicals to add complexity and depth to the homemade tonic.
If you choose to go the homemade route, I encourage you to experiment with different ingredients and ratios to find the perfect balance of flavors for your gunpowder gin. This can be a fun and rewarding process, as you get to customize your tonic water to your personal taste preferences.
The best tonic water for gunpowder gin would be a Mediterranean tonic water, such as Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water. Its subtle sweetness and high-quality ingredients will complement the unique botanicals in the gin, resulting in a refreshing and well-balanced drink. Alternatively, you can explore the option of making your own homemade tonic water to further customize the flavors to your liking. Cheers to enjoying a delightful gunpowder gin and tonic!