Just a few decades ago, gin and tonics were considered rather boring, the drink of musty golf clubs.
those days are well and truly gone due to a boom in craft gin distilling—a ‘ginaissance’, if you will! But there’s also been a new wave of experimentation with gin’s life partner, tonic water.
Local brand Alchemy & Tonic is leading this wave of new generation mixers, creating tonics, soda waters, lemonades and ginger ales so delicious they’re designed to be on their own, or take centre stage when combined with their spirit counterparts.
“Tonic accounts for most of a properly made gin and tonic,” says Alchemy & Tonic’s Kate Smith. “Contemporary drinkers are very particular about their gin or vodka, so why shouldn’t they lavish the same attention on their mixer as well?” Kate says as spirits continue to grow and diversify, so too do the mixing drinks that carry them. She adds that previously the category was dominated by English brands, but consumer buying trends show a surge in preference for New Zealand made artisanal drinks.
“There’s a host of new creative players on the market optimising uniquely New Zealand flavours that resonate with consumers here. At Alchemy & Tonic we like to experiment with the likes of Kawakawa and Hibiscus to create drinks that off er a distinct flavour profile .”
Alchemy & Tonic off cially launched in September 2020 with a distinct assortment of inspired and inventive mixers, including Hibiscus Pink Lemonade, Spiced Ginger Orange with Cassia, Indian Tonic Water with Kawakawa. Two months ago, the local company added a Blood Orange & Bitters Soda, a mixer that goes great with tequila, a spirit trending globally.
Coming soon to New World and Farro stores is their latest creation, a Rhubarb & Smashed Mandarin Tonic. Set to stand alone or lift gin to new heights, this addition has a very exciting flavour pro le that’s juicy but tart, all in the same mouthful.
Available in 250ml pastel cans and preaching premium a ffordability, a four pack of 250ml Alchemy & Tonic cans retails at just $7.99.
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Published 5 November 2021