Gin and tonic is a traditional drink served with ice, gin, tonic water and spices that flavor the drink. Spices have the important function of reducing the bitter, but indispensable, taste of quinine, an ingredient in carbonated soda that provides antipyretic, analgesic and antimalarial properties. In short, it is the herbs that provide that distinctive personality between one type of Gintonic and another.

Here we tell you the best spices to use in a Gin and Tonic drink.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a well-known spice in the Gintonic drink, as it enhances its aroma. In many cases the gin used is flavored with cinnamon, however, another way to flavor with cinnamon is to use cinnamon sticks once the drink is served. Cinnamon has the property of improving people's mood, reducing fatigue and helping digestion. So Gin and Tonic flavored with cinnamon has a fairly important relaxing effect.

Peppercorns

Pepper is a species that adds a spicy touch to the drink. Among its main benefits is its antioxidant capacity thanks to the contribution of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Additionally, like the rest of the spices normally used in Gin and Tonic, it improves digestion.

Nutmeg is one of the ancient spices that, together with pepper and cloves, have played an important role in the gastronomy of humanity. The aroma and flavor it provides is more with citrus nuances, achieving a special aroma when combined with cinnamon and cloves.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the most classic botanicals in gin from Australia, India and Jamaica. In addition to its digestive properties, it is recognized as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and stimulant. Its flavor combines the freshness of mint with the spiciness, so its quantity should always be prudent to avoid bitter flavors in the drink and achieve the perfect balance.

Star anise

The contribution of anise aroma is already characteristic in many gin-based cocktails. Its star shape even adds style to the drink, being used as a spice with a dual purpose, flavoring and decorative. Among its most important properties is the strengthening of the immune system and the toning of the skin.

Nail

The traditional cloves or cloves are used to provide a bittersweet and spicy touch to the drink, so their use should never be abused because it turns the Gin and Tonic into an aggressively flavored drink. If you choose to place the clove directly into the drink prepared in a glass, it is not advisable to exceed a maceration of two grains of this spice.

Finally, it is important to take into account that the addition of lemon juice is a typical characteristic in many countries that present Gintonic, however, lemon is a fruit that reacts with the carbon dioxide of the tonic, reducing the characteristic bubbly strength. of this drink. So the recommendation is to only use its skin to decorate.

Spices provide characteristic personalities to Gintonic drinks, choosing one or the other depends on your taste and flavor preferences.