There will always be gin-fans who just can’t get along with the bitter notes of quinine-rich tonic water or the sometimes uncomfortably sour palate of poorly-made soda water. Luckily, those gins fans need to worry no more.
The London Essence Co., who are masters of their craft, have developed some gin-credible soda waters and more than a few amazing tonic waters that are expertly balanced and perfect for anyone to enjoy with gin - a couple of which Craft Gin Club members can find in their April 2021 Gin of the Month box.
Here is everything you need to know about these utterly gorgeous mixers and some fabulous serves for you to try at home.
What’s the difference between soda water and tonic water?
Tonic water was originally created as a way to consume quinine, which was extracted from the bark of the Cinchona Tree for its ability to protect you against malaria - it was literally a ‘tonic’ for malaria, the addition of gin helped the harsh, bitter medicine go down.
Many of today’s tonic waters are still made with quinine but the drink is far more refined, with a nuanced balance of quinine with a range of other flavours. Finding the perfect balance of quinine and citrus notes, London Essence’s Original Indian Tonic Water is one of our favourites - give it a go in our April 2021 Perfect G&T.
Soda water, on the other hand, is simply carbonated water. As carbon dioxide dissolves in the water it creates a small amount of harmless carbonic acid. It is that acid that gives the water its unique sourness, which can be delightfully subtle and enriching when the mixer is well crafted like London Essence’s Soda Water. It can be used as a great alternative to tonic water.
London Essence’s Soda Water is carbon-filtered three times to make sure it’s mouthwateringly smooth with a consistent profile that perfectly compliments your favourite gins. They even have a whole range of flavours like Rhubarb & Cardamom, Elderberry & Hibiscus and White Peach & Jasmine.
Try the classic Soda Water and their White Peach & Jasmine Crafted Soda in these two gin-credible cocktail recipes.
Raspberry & Gin Mojito
One of the best uses for soda water has to be the Mojito cocktail, it really helps the flavours of the other ingredients shine through as nothing else can. A cocktail traditionally made with rum, our fabulous recipe is made with gin, the juniper of which works so well with the fresh mint, lime and juicy berries.
Ingredients
50ml gin
1/2 tsp of golden sugar
The London Essence Co. Soda Water, to top
3 raspberries (with extras to garnish)
1 lime slice (with extra to garnish)
1 sprig of mint (with extra to garnish)
Method
Muddle the gin, sugar, berries, lime wedge and mint sprig in the bottom of your glass then fill the glass with ice. Top up with soda water and give a little stir, then garnish and enjoy.
White Peach & Jasmine Gin Bellini
This modern take on the Bellini from The London Essence Co. swaps peach juice, which is traditionally used for Bellini cocktails with their White Peach & Jasmine Crafted Soda. The result is a much lighter, more fragrant cocktail that’s brimming with ripe peach flavours and floral jasmine tones. With our addition of gin and a suggestion of pink sparkling wine as an alternative to Prosseco and rosemary and peach as alternatives to lemon peel, this really is one stunning tipple. Luckily, both versions of the recipe are incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
50ml gin
100ml The London Essence Co. White Peach & Jasmine Crafted Soda
Prosseco or pink sparkling wine, to top
Rosemary sprig and a slice of peach, to garnish
Add the gin and soda water to a coupe or flute glass and then top with the sparkling wine.
What makes The London Essence Co.’s mixers so special?
The London Essence Company’s journey to becoming a pioneering tonic and soda maker started on the banks of the River Thames, back in 1896. There, the company began experimenting with distilling fresh ingredients such as fruits, herbs and spices to create crafted essences for different high-end industries. Today, the cutting-edge approach to flavour pairing and creation they apply to their tonics and mixers is what truly sets them apart.
Among the first clients that The London Essence Co. worked with back in the 1800s were the city’s perfume houses.
“We used our pioneering distillation process, combined with the intricate art of layering flavours, to create delicate essences with depth and fragrance for the finest perfume houses in London. It’s a part of our heritage that really inspires us today. We also took inspiration from vintage Art Deco perfume bottles when designing our bottles, which is why they look as beautiful as the tonics taste.”
The exquisite bottles are just one of the ways the perfume industry influenced this brand’s approach to mixer making. And it turns out there are a lot of similarities when it comes to making perfumes and distillates.
“Distillates and perfumes share the same technique of distillation to extract flavours from ingredients. They both involve the beautiful craft of layering the flavours in the liquid. Achieving the perfect balance in a perfume or in a mixer elevates the experience to a luxurious level, which makes it all the more memorable and enjoyable.”
And it’s this nod to their unique history – and heritage – as a brand that continues to inform the flavours of The London Essence Co.’s mixers today.
In fact, The London Essence Co. are proud owners of a database directory created by the company more than 100 years ago, filled with all manner of essences and oils, which they use to inform their creative decisions today. This process ensures the mixers and ingredients are sustainably sourced before being created into skillfully layered distillates (essences).
The result? The creation of flavoured tonics, sodas and gingers that are naturally low in sugar, which we know you’re going to love getting to know.
On top of honouring the heritage of the brand, The London Essence Company are also embracing more modern methods when it comes to making their mixers and pushing boundaries in the process.
“We honour our heritage but combine this with modern techniques that have proven to be game-changers in the world of mixers. We use a minimal amount of natural sugar to flavour our products, and ours are the only mixers in the world with distilled essences running through the liquid. This has broken many sugar content barriers, and in turn, creates the most luxurious and innovative experience on the palate. We are always finding new ways to elevate experiences, and to stay fresh and current within the drinks world – so watch this space!”
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