| − | It is alleged that the origin of gin and tonic is from the British Army in colonial [[India]]. It had been discovered that [[quinine]] had anti-malarial properties and it was prescribed to the soldiers. However, the taste was very bitter and the British [[Tommie]]s found that it was much more palatable when mixed with gin. Having built up a popular following for the [[cocktail]], quinine water was later commercialised as effervescent Indian [[Tonic Water]]. It should be noted that the present levels of quinine in tonic water are low and it requires the consumption of copious amounts to have any [[prophylactic]] effect. | + | It is alleged that the origin of gin and tonic is from the [[British Army]] in colonial [[India]]. It had been discovered that [[quinine]] had anti-malarial properties and it was prescribed to the soldiers. However, the taste was very bitter and the British [[soldier]]s found that it was much more palatable when mixed with gin. Having built up a popular following for the [[cocktail]], quinine water was later commercialised as effervescent Indian [[Tonic Water]]. It should be noted that the present levels of quinine in tonic water are low and it requires the consumption of copious amounts to have any [[prophylactic]] effect. |