Ep 2: The Surprising and Sometimes Violent History of the Gin and Tonic

Gin may have started life as a medicine for heartburn, but it became so popular, it turned into an instrument of mayhem and murder.

Hosts Lulie Halstead and Felicity Carter delve into the fascinating world of gin to explore the question of how this one drink shaped history —and what has driven the contemporary gin craze. The discussion then explores the role of tonic water and its connection to the expansion of the British Empire.

And then the question comes round to the current boom in non-alcoholic versions. Can they last? And why did gin never take off in the US market, despite its popularity elsewhere? Like no other, gin illustrates how history and culture shape our drinks choices.

This episode includes:

(00:08:28) The role of the botanicals and where they come from.

(00:21:00) How the 18-th century gin craze led to murder and governmental crackdowns.

(00:27:00) How two entrepreneurs changed the law and kickstarted the modern gin boom.

(00:24:52) The role of tonic water in the colonial expansion of the British Empire.

Meet Your Hosts:

Lulie Halstead founded and led international consumer research and strategy consultancy Wine Intelligence, and led it to a successful PE exit. Today she is a renowned global beverage alcohol and wine sector specialist, focused on consumer behaviour, strategy, retail and hospitality. An accomplished keynote speaker, she has spoken at more than 70 international events over the past 20 years.

Felicity Carter is an award-winning wine and drinks journalist, editor and content strategist. She led Meininger’s Wine Business International to become the world’s most must-read wine trade magazine, and was founding Executive Editor of The Drop/Pix, which the Wall Street Journal named one of the most trusted sources of wine information. A regular keynote speaker, she was named a 2024 Industry Leader by WineBusiness Monthly.