National Gin and Tonic Day – Yes, there is such a thing!
Certain things in life seem to pair perfectly together – peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, tacos and Tuesday, and of course, one of the world’s most iconic cocktails – the gin and tonic. National Gin and Tonic Day is celebrated each year on April 9th, when gin and tonic lovers raise their glasses and pay homage to this classic drink.
Going back to the early 19th century it was discovered that when quinine, a medicine used to prevent British soldiers stationed in India from contracting malaria, was added to a mixture of water, sugar, and lime mixed with regular gin turned into an excellent tasting and medically beneficial beverage. In subsequent years, tonic water was refined by adding much lower amounts of quinine, making it sweeter and removing its bitterness. Soon, the drink gained admiration throughout Great Britain, with Winston Churchill once saying, “Gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire.” With that level of praise, it wasn’t long before the gin & tonic found its way to the United States and most countries worldwide.
While the gin and tonic has had its ups and downs throughout the years, modern mixologists have recently embraced the cocktail using more than just the traditional two ingredients. Today, you’ll find an array of flavored tonics infused with citrus, aromatics, herbs, and spices. Mixologists are adding muddled herbs and fruits to the drink, making it even more refreshing. But there’s little doubt this humble two-ingredient drink has come a long way from its military and medicinal early days.
Equally fascinating is the history behind National Gin and Tonic Day. It is said to be founded in honor of Mary Edith Keyburn, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 95. At the time of her death, she was sipping a gin and tonic from a teacup smuggled into her hospital room surrounded by her family. Soon after her death, a group of family and friends started a Facebook page dedicated to Mary Edith and her beloved gin and tonic. The page went viral and quickly spread from the East Coast of the United States to gain first national and later international attention. In addition to National Gin and Tonic Day, there is now an International Gin and Tonic Day celebrated on October 19th, the day of Mary Edith’s passing.
For those looking for an early spring getaway, and an outstanding gin and tonic, Fairmont Mayakoba has you covered. Whatever you wish for, it will surely be found at one of Fairmont Mayakoba’s bars. From specially crafted cocktails served by a virtuoso mixologist to enjoying a refreshing tropical beverage while basking in the bright Mexican sun, you’ll never be far from one of our 3 bars. Choose from the comfortable beach and pool bars by day to stylish indoor and outdoor venues under the stars. The bars at Fairmont are designed for relaxing moments or good conversations while sipping your favorite beverage and nibbling on tasty bar snacks.
For more information and to book your Fairmont Mayakoba getaway, visit www.fairmont.com/mayakoba
