It’s medicinal gin

The hosts of Sips, Suds & Smokes dive deep into the art of the gin and tonic, revealing that the best combinations aren't always the most expensive — sometimes, it's the humble Gordon's with Schweppes and a lemon wedge that wins. Mike, the show’s lead host, argues that the real magic lies in balancing flavor, texture, and ritual, not just ingredients. He shares a personal ritual of testing gins neat, with water, in a G&T, and then in cocktails — a method honed over 5,000 gin and tonics. The episode exposes a surprising truth: premium tonics like Fever Tree or Q aren’t always better than budget staples, and the choice of citrus can make or break a drink. Moss reveals that even the black light test for quinine fluorescence — a fun science experiment — shows that some high-end tonics have less quinine than cheaper ones. The episode’s standout moment? A four-star rating for Plymouth Navy with Whole Foods 365 tonic and a lemon twist, a combo that’s both bold and balanced, proving that sometimes, the most satisfying sip comes from a simple, thoughtful twist. The conversation becomes a masterclass in sensory appreciation, where aroma, texture, and even the size of the bottle matter. Michael shares how he uses citrus not just for taste but for scent — a technique he’s refined over years of cocktail writing.