The new and improved RCC has a lot to offer and is, for sure an improvement over the previous incarnation. More to see, more to do and an all-around better vibe. A collection of great eateries, a cascade of delectable drink options and stage’s and venues abound. The new RCC is a new revolution.

With so many small bars and drink options, what is best to satiate your palette. Enter the Fever Tree Gin Bar. Gin has had an explosion in popularity over the last few years. With Gin having become so trendy and the copious amount of gin bars popping up it only made sense that there would be more attention on gins favourite accompaniment, Tonic. Fever Tree has taken on the challenge and is supplying Adelaide with a wide range of tonics to complement the expansion of Australian Gin that has hit the market.

To best demonstrate this Fever Tree invited Adelaide Food Central to a Gin Masterclass. To showcase not only the fantastic gin the world can produce but to show the beautiful flavours that are brought forth when a truly loved G&T is made.

On display were six different gins, from home and abroad. 78 Degrees gin and sunset gin, Hayman‘s London Dry, Old Tom and Sloe, and a taste from our brothers in NZ with Scapegrace gin. First to the plate was 78 Degrees gin and sunset gin, Being an Adelaide Hills gin, 78 Degrees is a grape based gin, in dedication to the Adelaide wine region. All of the botanicals in 78 Degrees are individually distilled with gives 78 Degrees a soft, lingering flavour whether straight or when mixed with Fever Tree aromatic tonic. 78 Degrees Sunset has a much lighter, citrus flavour, and a touch of richness and syrup. This is combined with a Mediterranean tonic with a sprig of thyme to benefit the citrus flavour.

Amongst the three Hayman‘s gins well London Dry, Sloe, and Old Tom. Of course you have to start with the London Dry. Hayman‘s being a traditional English craft gin, it makes sense to start at the most iconic of English flavours. Our guide through this masterclass of gin and tonics introduced us to the history of gin’s beginnings as well as the impact gin is having here in Australia. With an extensive knowledge of distillery as well as cultural history he took us through the ups and downs of one of the worlds favourite drinks.

Following the London Dry was Sloe. A whole different ball game in the gin universe. Hayman‘s Sloe is first made by sitting berries in London Dry. A very unique flavour is produced. An ample, cherry and marzipan flavour comes forth with a sweetness that has next to no bite. Mixed with a Lemon tonic, this is the gin drink for those on the fence about gin. Follow that up with the eucalyptus taste of Hayman‘s Old Tom and Light tonic and you’ve got a recipe to turn a non-believer into a gin fanatic.

Finishing all of this up is the almighty power of the New Zealand Scapegrace gin. Considered a Navy strength gin which is any gin which is 57% or higher proof. Scapegrace has come to play. Yet this higher percentage is faint and well hidden. Mix that with an Elderflower tonic and you get a 57%+ that tastes next to nothing. Like a magic trick that makes you dizzy.

Fever Tree is here to stay and are all onboard with the multitude of different gins that have come into the world. So as to not leave us wanting they have created a tonic for every gin there is. I, for one, don’t expect this to be the end by any means. With the popularity of gin on the rise there is plenty of opportunity of new flavours and experiences. All the while Fever Tree is going to be right there with us making sure they have a tonic to go with our newest favourite gin.

Words and Images by Jonathon Tonkin