Sodas are storming right now, but the first artisan tonic water was actually created in 1783, by a trendsetting craftsman in Switzerland.

Jacob Schweppe was an entrepreneur and inventor who was the first to discover how to produce drinks with bubbles in them, pioneering sodas. The first-ever Schweppes sodas were such a big deal they were exhibited at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, and granted a Royal Warrant by the Queen – it doesn’t get more artisan than that. Pictured below: Jacob Schweppe, left; the original Schweppes ‘skittle’ soda bottle

Still made with quinine from natural sources, today Schweppes Indian Tonic Water remains the classic partner to the perfect gin, providing a crisp, bitter balance and the ultimate afternoon or pre-dinner refreshment.
 

Classic Schweppes G&T

Enjoy the original tonic water in the ultimate gin and tonic. Serves 1

• 30ml Larios 12 Gin
• 330ml bottle Schweppes Indian Tonic Water
• citrus peel, to garnish
• ice

Add the Larios 12 Gin to a tall ice-filled glass and top with the bottle of Schweppes Indian Tonic Water. Twist your slices of citrus peel to release the oils and drop into the glass. Find a warm shady spot to while away the afternoon, preferably with a few roaming peacocks.