We have talked about the importance of tonic water in a good Gin and Tonic before. But did you know that you can also use tonic water in other drinks? And while we’re talking about mixers, do you know what a soda water is, or the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?
Well, here are three things you should know about cocktail mixers And after you’re done, maybe check out our online store, where you can get some great East Imperial mixers for your home bar!
Tonic waters can be used for more than just Gin and Tonics.
Tonic Water isn’t just for gin
While tonic water is most commonly used in gin and tonics, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it for other drinks. The bitter quinine flavour gives tonic water a very distinct flavour, which can be used to complement and even enhance other spirits.
The most common spirit-for-spirit drink you can make is of course, the vodka and tonic, which basically swaps out gin for vodka. Although most vodkas have a very neutral taste profile, a really good one, like Tried And True or Haku Vodka can really make a difference to the drink. For an even more unique vodka and tonic, try it with St George Spirits’ Green Chile Vodka, which will give you a unique spicy note as well!
Another product that also contains quinine is the fortified wine called Lillet, which is also known as a ‘tonic wine’. Naturally, you can mix Lillet with tonic water to make a pretty refreshing wine-y tall drink. Use Lillet Blanc for a more classic drink, or Lillet Rose for a more floral tipple.
Other uses of tonic water include mixing with other spirits like rum (the sweetness of the rum contrasts nicely with tonic bitterness), the Porto Tonico (white port wine and tonic), and more.
You can also use East Imperial‘s flavoured tonic waters to make your own twists of other popular drinks, for instance, the Grapefruit Tonic can be used in place of Grapefruit Soda for your favourite Paloma.
What is Soda Water?
Flavoured soda like the East Imperial Grapefruit Soda is used for drinks like the Paloma.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes soda water as “a beverage consisting of water highly charged with carbon dioxide”. Simply put, it’s fizzy water!
There are a couple types of soda waters out there, though the ones most commonly used for cocktails are seltzers (water that is carbonated artificially) and club sodas (same as seltzers, but with some added minerals).
Soda water is commonly used in many cocktails because it is generally neutral tasting, and adds a refreshing fizz to tall drinks such as the Whisky Highball, Mojito, Gin Fizz and Rickey. Flavoured soda like the East Imperial Grapefruit Soda is also used in drinks like the Paloma.
Ginger Ale vs Ginger Beer mixers
What’s the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale? Well, the simple answer is this – Ginger Beer is brewed and fermented from ginger, while ginger ale is basically carbonated water with added ginger flavour. The main difference between the two in terms of taste is that Ginger Beer tends to be heavier on the ginger flavours, and also less carbonated.
While many cocktails do specify using either Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale, the truth is you can usually use them interchangeably in drinks such as the Moscow Mule or Dark And Stormy.
East Imperial Ginger Beer makes for a great Dark And Stormy.
But not all ginger beers and ales are made the same though. East Imperial, for instance, make their Ginger Beer using the finest gingers from East Africa and East Asia, producing a naturally brewed ginger beer.that has less sugar compared to other ginger beers and and long lasting ginger spice.
Their Thai Ginger Ale, however, is slightly more floral in nature, and goes really well in a Buck-style drink.
Now that you know these useful facts about cocktail mixers, do head over to our Online Store and check out the East Imperial mixers we have in stock right now!