The Art of Choosing the Right Tonic

The Art of Choosing the Right Tonic

In the world of premium gin, nothing shapes the final flavour more than the tonic you pair with it. While botanicals, distillation methods, and garnishes all matter, the tonic is often the biggest, boldest, and most influential element in your glass. At the Mekong Gin Society, we treat tonic selection with the same seriousness as the gin itself — because the wrong mixer can drown the spirit, while the right one elevates it into something unforgettable.

Why Tonic Matters More Than You Think

Tonic makes up three-quarters of a classic G&T, yet many drinkers overlook it entirely. A great tonic respects gin’s structure: it should enhance juniper, brighten citrus, soften spice, and never dominate. A weak tonic tastes flat. An overly sweet one masks the gin. And a cheap, mass-market version can collapse the carefully balanced botanicals of even the most exclusive bottles.

This is exactly why our tasting events always begin with tonic comparisons — a simple shift in mixer can reveal completely different personalities in the same gin.

Easy-to-Find Tonics That Deliver Exceptional Results

For drinkers across Phnom Penh and Cambodia, sourcing tonic can be challenging, so we focus on mixers that are genuinely accessible:

• Fever-Tree – Light, precise carbonation and clean quinine. Excellent with London Dry and citrus-led gins.

• Schweppes Premium – Widely available, reliable, and balanced. Ideal for floral or softer Southeast Asian gins.

• East Imperial – A standout for those who love bold, dry tonics. Excellent with high-juniper or wood-matured gins.

• Gold Crown / Cambodian Tonics – Surprisingly good with local-style gins; crisp, neutral, and budget-friendly.

These options allow any home enthusiast to build a dependable tonic selection without hunting through specialty shops.

For Hard-to-Find Tonics — We’ll Try to Get Them for You

Some gins deserve something rare. If a particular tonic isn’t available in Cambodia — such as Fentimans, Double Dutch, or Artisan — the Mekong Gin Society will attempt to acquire it for our members. Whether you're hosting a private tasting at home, preparing a corporate event, or exploring pairings for a launch party, we will help you source the perfect mixer to match your chosen gin.

The Unsung Hero: Ice That Makes Your Tonic Shine

Ice isn’t just a finishing touch — it’s a crucial ingredient. A proper G&T needs large, clean, slow-melting cubes that keep your drink crisp without watering it down. In Phnom Penh’s heat, weak ice ruins good gin fast, which is why we encourage members to use premium blocks or crystal-clear cubes. Better ice keeps your tonic lively, your botanicals sharper, and your entire drink tasting exactly as it should: bright, cold and beautifully balanced.