Gin and tonic served over ice in a tall glass with citrus, styled for National Gin and Tonic Day

Toast to Tradition: The origin of National Gin and Tonic Day

Expertise

As the days get brighter, it’s the perfect time to revisit a timeless classic — the gin and tonic. This April 9th, we celebrate National Gin and Tonic Day not just with a cocktail, but with culture, history, and real craftsmanship. The Old G is here to pour into all of it — literally.

The Real Deal Behind National Gin and Tonic Day

Every year on April 9th, gin lovers around the world raise a glass to one of the most iconic drinks ever poured: the gin and tonic. While the exact origin of this “holiday” is unclear, the purpose is crystal clear — it’s a day to toast tradition, simplicity, and the drink that balances botanical depth with effervescent charm.

Whether you're a lifelong G&T fan or just discovering gin for the first time, National Gin and Tonic Day is a moment to celebrate. And at The Old G, we’re celebrating with purpose and premium flavor.

The Backstory: How Gin and Tonic Became a Thing

The gin and tonic has roots in 19th-century colonial India. British officers stationed abroad were using quinine — extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree — to treat and prevent malaria. Quinine is famously bitter, so to make it more palatable, they added water, lime, sugar... and gin.

That mix evolved into what we now call the gin and tonic. Once born out of necessity, today it’s celebrated for its balance, flavor, and versatility — a perfect blend of history and refreshment.

Celebrating Both Tradition and Innovation

National Gin and Tonic Day is about more than a recipe. It’s a reminder that classic cocktails evolve with the culture. Whether you like your gin and tonic bold and botanical or clean and citrusy, there’s room to explore.

From premium London Dry gins to herb-forward craft varieties, and from old-school tonics to modern zero-sugar sodas, the combinations are endless. This day is about experimenting, sharing, and celebrating the cocktail that never goes out of style.

How The Old G Keeps It Real

At The Old G, we believe gin should be as real as the people who drink it. Our Black-owned London Dry Gin is distilled nine times, made with organic botanicals, and oxygen-infused for a smooth finish that never bites.

No added sugar. No fluff. Just clean, layered flavor built to mix or sip. Whether you take your G&T with lime, cucumber, or just a few rocks, The Old G brings balance, authenticity, and craft to every pour.

How to Celebrate National Gin and Tonic Day (The Right Way)

Here’s how we do it:

  • Grab a bottle of The Old G
  • Pair it with a high-quality tonic (classic, dry, or botanical)
  • Add a garnish that fits your vibe — lime wedge, rosemary sprig, cucumber slice
  • Serve it chilled in a highball glass over clear ice
  • Toast to the culture, not just the cocktail

Better yet? Bring your people together. G&T is a crowd-pleaser that deserves good company.

Conclusion: It’s More Than a Drink. It’s a Moment.

National Gin and Tonic Day is about more than just mixing a drink. It’s about honoring a classic, refreshing tradition while redefining it for a new generation.

Whether you're pouring it for nostalgia or for the vibes, make it meaningful. With The Old G, you're not just drinking gin — you’re sipping history, community, and craft. Cheers to keeping it real on April 9th and every day after.

Black and white image of The Old G gin pouring from a botte into a clear glass against a dark background. The water flow is steady, creating small ripples in the glass.
Buy The Old G

The Old G Gin is unlike any other. It’s smooth, with no burn, no bite, and none of the bitterness that defines traditional gin. Its bold flavor profile stands out, whether sipped neat or mixed into a cocktail.