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  #1 (permalink)   Report Post  
Ronnie Rao
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

Guys:

I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

Ronnie
  #2 (permalink)   Report Post  
Bob (this one)
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

Ronnie Rao wrote:

> Guys:
>
> I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?


There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking medicine
palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.

Pastorio

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Wayne
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

"Bob (this one)" > wrote in news:109qvujscqtqi75
@corp.supernews.com:

> Ronnie Rao wrote:
>
>> Guys:
>>
>> I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
>> that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

>
> There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
> water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking medicine
> palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.
>
> Pastorio
>
>


While you're absolutely right, Bob, I find that tasting quinine water alone
has a very slight underlying sweetness beneath the bitterness. I suppose
it differs amongst tasters.

Wayne
  #4 (permalink)   Report Post  
sf
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

On Sun, 09 May 2004 01:35:23 GMT, Wayne >
wrote:

> "Bob (this one)" > wrote in news:109qvujscqtqi75
> @corp.supernews.com:
>
> > Ronnie Rao wrote:
> >
> >> Guys:
> >>
> >> I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> >> that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

> >
> > There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
> > water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking medicine
> > palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.
> >
> > Pastorio
> >
> >

>
> While you're absolutely right, Bob, I find that tasting quinine water alone
> has a very slight underlying sweetness beneath the bitterness. I suppose
> it differs amongst tasters.
>
> Wayne


Is that a bad thing? Doesn't everyone put lemon in it?
I like that sweet/sour taste!


Practice safe eating - always use condiments
  #5 (permalink)   Report Post  
Wayne
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

sf > wrote in
:

> On Sun, 09 May 2004 01:35:23 GMT, Wayne >
> wrote:
>
>> "Bob (this one)" > wrote in news:109qvujscqtqi75
>> @corp.supernews.com:
>>
>> > Ronnie Rao wrote:
>> >
>> >> Guys:
>> >>
>> >> I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic
>> >> gives that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?
>> >
>> > There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
>> > water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking
>> > medicine palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.
>> >
>> > Pastorio
>> >
>> >

>>
>> While you're absolutely right, Bob, I find that tasting quinine
>> water alone has a very slight underlying sweetness beneath the
>> bitterness. I suppose it differs amongst tasters.
>>
>> Wayne

>
> Is that a bad thing? Doesn't everyone put lemon in it?
> I like that sweet/sour taste!


Not at all a bad thing. I like tonic water plain, with bitters, or with
gin, and usually add a wedge of lime. I've never seen tonic water that
didn't have some sweetness, either from natural or artificial sweetners.

--
Wayne

Big on natural foods?? 82.38% of people die of "natural" causes.


  #6 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dave Smith
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

"Bob (this one)" wrote:

>
> > I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> > that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

>
> There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
> water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking medicine
> palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.
>


It may not be particularly sweet, but there is sugar in it to counteract
the bitterness of the quinine. Tonic water has about the same amount of
sugar in it as ginger ale.


  #7 (permalink)   Report Post  
PENMART01
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

>Dave Smith
>
>It may not be particularly sweet, but there is sugar in it to counteract
>the bitterness of the quinine. Tonic water has about the same amount of
>sugar in it as ginger ale.


Tonic/quinine water ("mixer") does indeed contain sugar (except for those made
with sugar substitutes).

http://www.coca-cola.co.uk/nutrition/smixers.asp


---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````
  #8 (permalink)   Report Post  
blake murphy
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

On Sat, 08 May 2004 21:19:46 -0400, Dave Smith
> wrote:

>"Bob (this one)" wrote:
>
>>
>> > I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
>> > that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

>>
>> There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
>> water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking medicine
>> palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.
>>

>
>It may not be particularly sweet, but there is sugar in it to counteract
>the bitterness of the quinine. Tonic water has about the same amount of
>sugar in it as ginger ale.
>

i knew two dieting people who drank vodka and club soda. it didn't
taste very good, but i suppose it had more bounce to the ounce.

your pal,
blake
  #9 (permalink)   Report Post  
Gabby
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?


"Bob (this one)" > wrote in message
...
> Ronnie Rao wrote:
>
> > Guys:
> >
> > I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> > that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

>
> There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
> water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking medicine
> palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.


The day I found out that tonic tastes the same whether there's gin in it or
not (and btw, my gin of choice was Gordon's) was the day I stopped buying
gin and started drinking my tonic straight. Saved myself both money and
embarrassment.

Gabby


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Edwin Pawlowski
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?


"Gabby" > wrote in message

> The day I found out that tonic tastes the same whether there's gin in it

or
> not (and btw, my gin of choice was Gordon's) was the day I stopped buying
> gin and started drinking my tonic straight. Saved myself both money and
> embarrassment.
>
> Gabby


If you can't tell a good gin (Gordon's is not) in the tonic, it is best to
save your money. Or you did not put enough in to make a difference. Try
Hendricks, or Malacca, or similar and you have a real treat. Be sure to put
in enough also. .
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome





  #11 (permalink)   Report Post  
Peter Aitken
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

"Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Gabby" > wrote in message
>
> > The day I found out that tonic tastes the same whether there's gin in it

> or
> > not (and btw, my gin of choice was Gordon's) was the day I stopped

buying
> > gin and started drinking my tonic straight. Saved myself both money and
> > embarrassment.
> >
> > Gabby

>
> If you can't tell a good gin (Gordon's is not) in the tonic, it is best to
> save your money. Or you did not put enough in to make a difference. Try
> Hendricks, or Malacca, or similar and you have a real treat. Be sure to

put
> in enough also. .
> Ed


Gordon's is actually a very good gin. It is gin as gin is supposed to be -
not super-refined and with a touch of roughness to it. I refuse to buy into
these "sissy" overpriced gins like Tanqueray and Bombay whose ads should
really say "gin for people who don't like gin."


--
Peter Aitken

Remove the crap from my email address before using.


  #12 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dave Smith
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

Peter Aitken wrote:

>
>
> Gordon's is actually a very good gin. It is gin as gin is supposed to be -
> not super-refined and with a touch of roughness to it. I refuse to buy into
> these "sissy" overpriced gins like Tanqueray and Bombay whose ads should
> really say "gin for people who don't like gin."


Sissy gin? I don't think so. Bombay is my favourite gin and Tangery is a close
second. Both are much better than Gordons.

  #13 (permalink)   Report Post  
sf
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

On Sun, 09 May 2004 15:51:18 GMT, "Peter Aitken"
> wrote:
>
> Gordon's is actually a very good gin. It is gin as gin is supposed to be -
> not super-refined and with a touch of roughness to it. I refuse to buy into
> these "sissy" overpriced gins like Tanqueray and Bombay whose ads should
> really say "gin for people who don't like gin."


What do you think of Beefeaters?
It was the first gin/tonic I ever had and I still like it.


Practice safe eating - always use condiments
  #14 (permalink)   Report Post  
Louis Cohen
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

Tonic water and lime is delicious.

--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Louis Cohen
Living la vida loca at N37° 43' 7.9" W122° 8' 42.8"


"Gabby" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Bob (this one)" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Ronnie Rao wrote:
> >
> > > Guys:
> > >
> > > I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> > > that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

> >
> > There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
> > water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking medicine
> > palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.

>
> The day I found out that tonic tastes the same whether there's gin in it

or
> not (and btw, my gin of choice was Gordon's) was the day I stopped buying
> gin and started drinking my tonic straight. Saved myself both money and
> embarrassment.
>
> Gabby
>
>



  #15 (permalink)   Report Post  
 
Posts: n/a
Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?


Hot summer day.....
Shady back porch.

Tall glass of lemonade, mixed with a half-ounce of gin.

Perfect !
<rj>


  #16 (permalink)   Report Post  
Peter Aitken
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

"<RJ>" > wrote in message
...
>
> Hot summer day.....
> Shady back porch.
>
> Tall glass of lemonade, mixed with a half-ounce of gin.
>
> Perfect !
> <rj>


Or - tall glass of gin, mixed with a half-ounce of lemonade.


--
Peter Aitken

Remove the crap from my email address before using.


  #17 (permalink)   Report Post  
Peter Aitken
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

"Bob (this one)" > wrote in message
...
> Ronnie Rao wrote:
>
> > Guys:
> >
> > I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> > that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

>
> There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
> water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking medicine
> palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.
>
> Pastorio
>


Not correct - tonic water contains quite a bit of sugar. Since quinine is
bitter the sugar was added to make the anti-malaria medicine palatable. Then
some unsung genius thought to add gin and the rest is history. FYI rum and
tonic makes a nice drink too.


--
Peter Aitken

Remove the crap from my email address before using.


  #18 (permalink)   Report Post  
notbob
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

On 2004-05-09, Peter Aitken > wrote:

> some unsung genius thought to add gin and the rest is history. FYI rum and
> tonic makes a nice drink too.


The first time I had a gin & tonic, I immediately pictured some British
officer in kahki shorts kicking back at the officer's club at some
godforsaken outpost in the torpics, taking his daily dose of quinine to
stave off malaria. A g&t just has the tropical aroma/flavor about it.
I found out later, that's pretty much how the g&t evolved.

nb
  #19 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dan Abel
 
Posts: n/a
Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

In article >, "Bob (this one)"
> wrote:

> Ronnie Rao wrote:
>
> > Guys:
> >
> > I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> > that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

>
> There's no sweetness in tonic that I've ever noticed. It's quinine
> water, which is very bitter. The gin was added to make taking medicine
> palatable. Quinine is a specific for malaria.



The bitterness masks the sweetness. The cheapo tonic I buy has the same
amount of sugar as any other soda.

--
Dan Abel
Sonoma State University
AIS

  #20 (permalink)   Report Post  
PENMART01
 
Posts: n/a
Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

>The bitterness masks the sweetness. The cheapo tonic I buy has the same
>amount of sugar as any other soda.
>
>Dan Abel


That's pretty much the case, is why tonic is sold right along with the other
carbonated soft drinks... only Schweppes has a lower sugar content, but not
much lower... I like Schweppes Bitter Lemon with gin too.


---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````


  #22 (permalink)   Report Post  
PENMART01
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

>(Ronnie Rao) writes:
>
>I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
>that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?


The flavor of tonic is derived primarily from quinine, the sweetness is from
sugar (I believe some use non caloric sugar substitute).

tonic water [TAHN-ik]
Also called quinine water, tonic is water charged with carbon dioxide and
flavored with fruit extracts, sugar and usually a tiny amount of quinine (a
bitter alkaloid). It's especially popular as a mixer, such as with gin to
create the gin and tonic cocktail.

© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995
based on THE FOOD LOVER'S COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.


---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````
  #23 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dave Smith
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

PENMART01 wrote:

>
>
> The flavor of tonic is derived primarily from quinine, the sweetness is from
> sugar (I believe some use non caloric sugar substitute).


My wife buys sugar free tonic water. Personally, I think it is disgusting. I
much prefer a good quality sugar sweetened tonic water with my gin.

  #30 (permalink)   Report Post  
notbob
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

On 2004-05-10, sf > wrote:

> This is my burning question... why does carbonated water
> taste salty?


In fact, almost all bottled water, carbonated or not, contains salt. There
are a few exceptions, but most state laws allow the addition of small
amounts of both salt and chlorine. Alhambra water, for one, contains
neither. Also, some Canadian glacier water brands are salt free.

nb


  #31 (permalink)   Report Post  
Jonski
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

On Mon, 10 May 2004 04:24:51 GMT, sf > wrote:

>This is my burning question... why does carbonated water
>taste salty?


It's my understanding that when the CO2 dissolves, it forms carbonic
acid. Acids taste salty (as well as sour). Alkalis taste bitter, and
tend to have a soapy feel to them.

I'm running from memory here, my chem text book is in storage,
gathering dust.

HTH
Jon
  #32 (permalink)   Report Post  
Arri London
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?



Jonski wrote:
>
> On Mon, 10 May 2004 04:24:51 GMT, sf > wrote:
>
> >This is my burning question... why does carbonated water
> >taste salty?

>
> It's my understanding that when the CO2 dissolves, it forms carbonic
> acid. Acids taste salty (as well as sour). Alkalis taste bitter, and
> tend to have a soapy feel to them.
>
> I'm running from memory here, my chem text book is in storage,
> gathering dust.
>
> HTH
> Jon


Many carbonated waters contain added sodium. Not quite certain why.
  #33 (permalink)   Report Post  
PENMART01
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

>Arri London writes:
>
>Many carbonated waters contain added sodium. Not quite certain why.


Same reason foods are salted, flavor enhancer. Carbonated soft drinks are
artifically colored as well, also to enhance the flavor experience.
Foreinstance, the red color of cherry soda prepares the brain to expect the
cherry flavor. The color of all foods is important to the flavor experience,
which is why so many prepared foods contain added coloring, and if not most
foods would be exactly the same color as when they're excreted; henna, sienna,
umber, and deeply vibrant taupe!

Ahahahahahahahahaha. . . .



---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````
  #34 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dunter Powries
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

Jonski > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 10 May 2004 04:24:51 GMT, sf > wrote:
>
> >This is my burning question... why does carbonated water
> >taste salty?

>
> It's my understanding that when the CO2 dissolves, it forms carbonic
> acid. Acids taste salty (as well as sour). Alkalis taste bitter, and
> tend to have a soapy feel to them.
>
> I'm running from memory here, my chem text book is in storage,
> gathering dust.


The chemical reaction which occurs when the carbon dioxide bubbles out of
the tonic water results in the precipitation of calcium carbonate, a salt.
Or something like that.

Dunty Porteous

--
"It tastes like burning..... waaaaa!!!!"
-Ralph Wiggum


  #35 (permalink)   Report Post  
sf
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

On Tue, 11 May 2004 11:20:43 +1200, Jonski
> wrote:

> On Mon, 10 May 2004 04:24:51 GMT, sf > wrote:
>
> >This is my burning question... why does carbonated water
> >taste salty?

>
> It's my understanding that when the CO2 dissolves, it forms carbonic
> acid. Acids taste salty (as well as sour). Alkalis taste bitter, and
> tend to have a soapy feel to them.


That makes sense.

Thanks
>
> I'm running from memory here, my chem text book is in storage,
> gathering dust.
>

If you dig up a book that says otherwise, please post back!


Practice safe eating - always use condiments


  #36 (permalink)   Report Post  
John Gaughan
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

Ronnie Rao wrote:
> I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?


Tonic water has sugar added, but you can buy whatever kind you want. I
find that mixing sugar with alcohol gives me problems (waking up with my
heart beating a million miles per hour) so I try to go with low sugar
mixed drinks (i.e. diet coke, aspartame may be toxic but not as bad as
fructose syrup).

--
John Gaughan
http://www.johngaughan.net/

  #37 (permalink)   Report Post  
Edwin Pawlowski
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?


"John Gaughan" > wrote in message
> Tonic water has sugar added, but you can buy whatever kind you want. I
> find that mixing sugar with alcohol gives me problems (waking up with my
> heart beating a million miles per hour) so I try to go with low sugar
> mixed drinks



Sugar helps to give you a stronger hangover also. Better to drink good
whiskey with water.
Ed


  #38 (permalink)   Report Post  
Dave Smith
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

John Gaughan wrote:

> > I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> > that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

>
> Tonic water has sugar added, but you can buy whatever kind you want. I
> find that mixing sugar with alcohol gives me problems (waking up with my
> heart beating a million miles per hour) so I try to go with low sugar
> mixed drinks (i.e. diet coke, aspartame may be toxic but not as bad as
> fructose syrup).


I never did enjoy mixed drinks, except for gin and tonic. Rather than buy
mix, I spend the money on better quality liquors and drink them straight.
Gin is good with a little bit of ice and a twist of lemon.



  #39 (permalink)   Report Post  
PENMART01
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?

>Dave Smith writes:
>
>I never did enjoy mixed drinks, except for gin and tonic. Rather than buy
>mix, I spend the money on better quality liquors and drink them straight.
>Gin is good with a little bit of ice and a twist of lemon.


It's silly, and wasteful, to use good gin to mix with tonic. And anyone who
knows anything about good gin knows it's served with a whiff of dry vermouth.


---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````
  #40 (permalink)   Report Post  
Orion
 
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Default What is Tonic in Gin n Tonic?


"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...
> John Gaughan wrote:
>
> > > I might sound a little dumb here, but I was wondering if tonic gives
> > > that sweetness to Gin and Tonic?

> >
> > Tonic water has sugar added, but you can buy whatever kind you want. I
> > find that mixing sugar with alcohol gives me problems (waking up with my
> > heart beating a million miles per hour) so I try to go with low sugar
> > mixed drinks (i.e. diet coke, aspartame may be toxic but not as bad as
> > fructose syrup).

>
> I never did enjoy mixed drinks, except for gin and tonic. Rather than buy
> mix, I spend the money on better quality liquors and drink them straight.
> Gin is good with a little bit of ice and a twist of lemon.



I never cared for Gin (or so I thought) until a friend brought over a bottle
of Kensington Gin. I asked what we should mix it with and he let me know
rather pointedly, that it should be served over ice w/lime. It was so good.
Have you heard of this Gin? If so, what do you think of it?

Suzan




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