In search of the perfect gin and tonic

Have you ever found yourself in a pub or bar feeling a little disappointed with your drink? A spirit with a mixer that’s a bit flat? Not enough ice? Could have done with a squeeze of lemon or a wedge of lime? How about a drink that is served a glass that you’re not sure is right? Or how about the opposite – when you get served a drink which has been mixed, fixed, shaken or stirred exactly as you like – even if you didn’t know you’d like it that way when you ordered it? have you ever been blown away by the sharp taste of lime that’s been rubbed on the rim of your glass? or ridiculously enjoyed a drink served in a frozen glass?

Well, as far as spirits and mixers go, the great Gin and Tonic is a firm favourite with all three Vyas sisters - and with many of our friends too. Its fresh, refreshing, light, specific tasting and very yummy. By the power of twitter (and as a result of numerous late night conversations down the pub over the years) we finally got round to holding a G&T club a few weeks ago – with our esteemed friends and co conspirators (and hosts for the night) @headbones and @DeepaUnadkat - also @Stef_W and the non gin fan @anish_rana were in attendance. We’ll be taking it in turns to host, as we continue on our quest to find the perfick G&T, but here is a quick rundown of what we tasted and tested at our first club night:

Gins:	Tonics:	We also had a choice of:
Tanqueray Martin Millers Bombay Saphire, Gordons Greenalls	Fevertree - diet Fevertree – regular Fentimans Waitrose own Tesco’s own with a hint of lime	Lime Ice Ice with grated lime zest frozen in it Stemless martini glass Lowball glass

Winner:

To tell you the truth (and unsurprisingly) there wasn’t a clear cut winner – although we all agreed that Martin Millers (has anyone heard of it?!) was a surprisingly good gin, with a fresh yet smooth cool taste – almost cucumber like. I think my second favourite was tanqueray. Fentimens tonic was the most exciting (cos of the packaging) and fever tree tasted crisp.

We need to draw lots on whether me or @roopavyas host the next one…watch this space for results. (photo credit - squaremeal.com)