I confess, I used to hate gin!
Honestly, I used to hate gin. There aren’t many things I hate, but gin was one of them. I thought it tasted like hairspray; the very same hair spray that I used in high school to freeze my mall bangs into place.
That’s all past tense now, though. I don’t have mall bangs or any bangs for that matter. Supposedly, bangs are making a comeback, but I am still a little skeptical. I hope mall bangs never return, but you never know. I also don’t hate gin anymore. In fact, I am slowly turning into a big fan.
I’m not sure when I started liking them, but I do remember having one of the best gin and tonics ever. It was a blazing hot summer day in South Carolina. We were visiting with my parents and I took some time to go hang out with my dear friend, Beth. Beth is my friend that makes artichoke relish every year. I talked about that heavenly relish in my last post about Cheddar Jack Crackers.
She lives on a beautiful piece of wooded property right next door to her parents. The kids were swimming in their pond and Beth and I lounged in shade. Her Dad wandered down to ask if we wanted a cocktail. Um, yes!? I remember it being so hot that I didn’t even care what kind of cocktail he would bring. I just wanted it right then.
When Beth mentioned something about Gin and Tonic, I might have been a little disappointed and worried about drinking hairspray. But, I decided to keep quiet and accept his offering. I have to say, it was nothing like the gin and tonics I had had previously. Maybe it was the heat, maybe it was his technique for making it, (which he later described in detail) I know not what made it different. It was so good. It was refreshing and tart. It was the perfect drink on that hot afternoon.
A Good Peach and Strawberry Gin and Tonic starts with GOOD gin
So, that was the end of my loathing of gin. I can’t say that I went right out, bought a bottle of gin and that Gin and Tonics became my regular drink, but it definitely opened my eyes and taste buds to the world of gin. I embrace a good gin and tonic every now and then. Especially, when it’s heavy on fruit like this Peach and Strawberry Gin and Tonic. This cocktail pairs perfectly with Cheddar Jack Crackers.
What’s the ratio of Gin to Tonic?
When I make a Gin and Tonic, I like to make it with a ratio of 2:1 tonic to gin. So, if I use 1 shot of gin, then I use 2 shots of tonic. I also like to add a bit of lime or lemon juice. This is one cocktail that is easy to riff on. Add a splash of your favorite fruit juice or even better, add fresh fruit.
Try these Peach and Strawberry Gin and Tonics today! Cheers!
Kim Daniels
Save RecipeIngredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 4 ounces tonic (I used Powell & Mahoney's Spiced Grapefuit Tonic)
- Fresh peaches, sliced
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Add a couple of slices each of the peaches and strawberries to a tall glass.
- Fill with ice.
- Add lemon juice, gin and tonic. Stir gently.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh rosemary.
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