Picking Just the Right Bottle for Gin & Tonics, The Delicious Summertime Classic – Dave’s Wine Cellar

London dry gins 

“I’ve drunk more Tanqueray than I’d like to share with the world,” Wabeck said when asked about gin and tonics. “Tanqueray is still my go-to choice.”

Tanqueray London Dry Gin ($31.99; PLCB No. 4304) is a classic London dry gin, a style that dates from the early 18th century with the invention of the Coffey still. This new tool enabled distillers to produce the pure, clear liquid that we associate with gin. The distilled result was sold without sweetening, hence the designation “dry.”

Juniper, whose aromatic berries were originally considered a medicine, is the essential ingredient in London dry gin. Other botanicals and fruits include citrus peels, angelica root, orris root and coriander seeds. When infused during the distillation process, these botanicals naturally give each gin its trademark aromas and flavors.

Whichever gin you select, Wabeck recommends matching the tonic with the gin. The ever-popular Schweppes Tonic Water is, according to Wabeck, a classic European-style Indian tonic. Its ample sweetness balances the quinine and creates a rounder taste.

Schweppes makes a terrific gin and tonic with one my personal favorites, Boodles British Gin, London Dry ($29.99 for 1 liter at Potomac Wine & Spirits). Boodles relies heavily on juniper berries but does not contain any citrus. It also includes nutmeg, sage and rosemary for subtle accents.