The gin and tonic is a classic drink that was first created during the 19th century and has been enjoyed by people in Great Britain and all over the world ever since. This drink is good for sipping on while enjoying a sunset or when paired with several different foods, including seafood, berries, cheese, nuts, and spicy foods.

Gin and tonic has become so popular that it has even earned itself its own holiday. This day is called International Gin and Tonic Day, and it’s observed on the 19th of October every year. Sounds like a good excuse for those of legal drinking age to try out a drink that’s enjoyed just about everywhere.

The History of International Gin & Tonic Day

The drink was created when the British East India Company was involved in India. Quinine was a medicine that protected British soldiers from malaria, but it was unpalatable. To combat this problem, the soldiers began to mix the quinine/tonic mixture with sugar, lime, and gin to make it easier to drink.

The combination became popular, and soon people all over Great Britain were enjoying gin and tonics. Now, people all over the world enjoy this drink. Unfortunately, we currently don’t know who decided to honor this drink combination with its own holiday, but we’ll continue to look to see if we can find its origins.

Some Quick Facts About Gin

Since we’re talking about a holiday that celebrates gin and tonic, it’s only natural that we’re going to want to talk about some of the things that we’ve learned about gin. Below are some quick gin facts that people can tell their loved ones on International Gin & Tonic Day.

• Gin is the national spirit of England.
• Gin was based on a drink first made by the Dutch called Genever.
• During the 16th century, Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius created Genever to improve circulation. It became known as Dutch Courage.

Observing International Gin & Tonic Day

Every year, people post pictures of their favorite gin and tonic drinks on the Internet using the hashtag #InternationalGinAndTonicDay. People also go out pub crawling on this day or mix up their own special gin and tonic recipes for their friends and family members.

All we can say is that everyone participating in this holiday should be sure to drink in moderation and never drink and drive. Just give those car keys to a designated driver before beginning any holiday celebration.