Latest news with #G&T
The Sun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I tasted high street tonic waters – I couldn't believe how swanky one supermarket brand looked & tasted for just £1.80
WHAT type of tonic do you reach for when it's time for a refreshing G&T? British brand Fever-Tree came top in a recent poll, but does it really taste any better over ice than supermarkets ' own versions? 9 Laura Stott puts them to the test. Fever-Tree Premium Tonic Water 8 x 150ml, £5.45 9 Made with premium ingredients and with a price tag to match, this has a strong note of bitterness. A luxury option which will set you back at the till but it does taste fresh and delicious. Not too sweet, very well balanced and no nasty aftertaste. Rating: 3/5 Indian Tonic Water 1L, 68p, Asda Five tips to feed your family for less and save on your supermarket shop The taste is seriously impressive even before you throw in the cheap-as-chips price. Extremely crisp, very dry and with sharp, buoyant bubbles and the perfect amount of bitterness, it was eminently gluggable. Would be lovely poured into a Pimms, too. Rating: 4/5 Tesco Finest Indian Tonic Water, 500ml, £1.80 The fancy glass bottle looks luxurious. You wouldn't know it costs less than £2! This is an aromatic sip with a nice sizzle of bubbles when you slurp. Lovely flavour, zingy, dry and delicious and it tasted great paired with vodka over ice. I'd buy this one again. Rating: 5/5 Deluxe Indian Tonic Water 8 x 150ml, £1.99, Lidl This supermarket mixer has all the look of the Fever-Tree brand. Very fizzy, so it will add plenty of sparkle to your summertime tipple. There's a slight hint of aromatics when you sniff it. A great price and I'd use it as a mixer with sweeter spirits. Rating: 3/5 Indian Tonic Water 1L, 85p, Morrisons If you prefer sweeter mixers, this will be ideal. I found it a bit lacking in flavour, and not very fizzy. It will do fine for diluting a spirit if you add ice and plenty of slices but this wouldn't be my go-to glug. Tasted more like a slightly weak lemonade and left a peculiar aftertaste. Rating: 2/5 Indian Tonic Water, £2.20, M&S / Another one in a fancy bottle, this M&S mixer costs more too. Made with natural spring water and quinine, it is in the 'Fever-Tree' style with a citrus tang. Luxury tonic taste and fresh aroma. But you can find the same flavours for less money elsewhere. Rating: 3/5 Ridge Valley Tonic Water 8 x 150ml, £1.99, Aldi These tonic waters in individual cans are a classic Aldi 'dupe' drink. While the look is almost identical to Fever-Tree, Aldi's offerings are a lot cheaper so you get more for your money. Nice flavour, with the right level of bitterness and hint of citrus. Rating: 3/5 Indian Tonic Water 1L, 95p, Co-op The taste of this was not half bad. It had a nice level of sparkle and the flavour was instantly recognisable as a proper tonic, without being too sour. More on the sharp side, so it's ideal with sweeter spirits or solo on the rocks with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
All the benefits of having a G&T over a glass of wine
If you're going to indulge in a drink or two, whether on holiday or in a pub garden, a gin and tonic could be the best option for your health. As a registered nutritionist, Sophie Trotman is bound to repeat the words that we are all so used to hearing: 'I would always recommend that you don't drink at all, or at least lower the amount that you drink,' she says. 'Wines can be quite sugary and contain a lot of sulphates,' Trotman says, which can wreak havoc on your digestive system, while beers 'are high in carbohydrates' and can cause your blood sugar to spike. The heroic G&T, meanwhile, is a drink that 'I often recommend to my clients if they don't want to cut out alcohol entirely,' says Trotman. 'The calories and sugar in a single gin with a light tonic are as low as you're going to get.' This will be welcome news to many. The majority of people in Britain now prefer to drink gin and tonic with friends rather than cups of builders' tea, according to spirit brand Bacardi's cocktail trend report, and the UK constitutes the world's biggest market for gin. So what are the benefits of swapping your regular pint or glass of wine for a G&T? The health benefits of a G&T 1. Fewer calories than beer and wine One shot of gin will provide you with around 50 calories, compared with about 130 calories in a medium glass of red or white wine or the 200-300 calories in a pint of beer. A 200ml serving of light tonic to mix your drink will come in at around 30 calories, keeping a health-conscious G&T under 100 calories to a glass. The average British man drinks 17.6 units of alcohol every week, according to NHS data, the equivalent of eight to nine pints of lager (with beer still being the drink consumed most frequently by men in the UK). Drinking the same number of single-measure G&Ts each week – though it is not recommended that any adult consumes more than 14 units of alcohol in this timeframe – would mean cutting around 900 'empty' calories from your diet and losing a stone within a year. Meanwhile, women who switch from the average nine units or four medium glasses of wine per week to single G&Ts would drink 120 fewer calories. This might not sound like much, but tweaks like this can make all the difference in limiting your party-season weight gain. At this time of year when the units we consume will likely outpace our average for the year, 'a gin and tonic is definitely a better option to manage your weight,' Trotman says. 2. Less sugar and carbs than other contenders A single shot of gin contains zero grams of sugar, as well as no carbohydrates. This is one of the reasons that gin is often the drink of those on a ketogenic diet, as it is less likely to knock your body out of its fat-burning state (though all alcohol will make it harder for your liver to process food). Aside from leading to weight gain, drinking any beverage that has a high carbohydrate content – like lager, with 10-15 grams of carbs to a pint, or cider which has as much as 40 grams a glass – can cause uncomfortable bloating and an upset stomach. A no-carb drink such as gin 'will have less of an impact on your blood sugar levels too,' Trotman says, another factor that makes it a better option for keeping your waistline static (and making sure that you've still got some energy the morning after). And while vodkas and rums typically come mixed in fizzy, sugary drinks, the sugar in a slimline tonic typically comes in at around 7.6 grams per 200ml glass, compared with the 21.2g in 200ml of full-fat Coca Cola. Light rather than diet tonic is ideal with your gin as 'diet tonic will be full of artificial sweeteners that can worsen your health in the long term,' Trotman says. 'So if you're having a few, always opt for a light version and a single shot.' 3. A boost from juniper berries and garnishes Gin is made by brewing a neutral-tasting grain with juniper berries and other botanicals such as lemon peel, coriander seeds, cardamom or thyme. Juniper berries contain flavonoids as well as large amounts of vitamin C, which can improve circulation and help ward off colds, and antioxidants which promote skin regeneration. These berries can also speed up your digestive system and soothe inflammation. While the amount of these goodies left over in a single serving of gin is likely 'negligible', Trotman says, gin can also be infused with ingredients that up its health benefits: some kinds on the market have been paired with large volumes of fruit juice for added vitamin C, while some have been specifically blended to provide micronutrients as well as collagen. Others are brewed with extra juniper berries. G&Ts are also easy to make and serve creatively. A quick health tip is just to 'eat the slice of orange that comes with your drink, because every little does help,' Trotman says, or at home 'you could mix in some cranberry juice for antioxidants or add some blueberries for helpful polyphenols'. 4. Easier to drink in moderation The versatility of a gin and tonic is a major reason why Sophie Trotman recommends it to her clients. Along with a light tonic, 'you can add a lot of ice to make it a long drink that you're able to keep sipping over a longer period,' reducing the total amount of alcohol you drink in the course of an evening. The reduced sugar and artificial sweeteners involved meanwhile will make it easier to stop at just a few, turning down the dial on your cravings and helping you to call it a night earlier. Unlike wine, the leftover bottle of which can call from the fridge on a Monday evening, a G&T takes more effort to make and so it becomes 'easier to have days off,' Trotman says. 'It's also very easy to alternate your G&Ts with glasses of water, which you'll thank yourself for the next day,' Trotman says. For those looking to cut down there are other benefits too. 'It shouldn't be a concern, but if you start on G&Ts and switch to a non-alcoholic version later in the night, there will be no label on your glass and so no peer pressure from anyone else to keep going.' 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Time Out
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Gage & Tollner
Any restaurant contending with legacy must reckon with change; how to respect the past while articulating a vision for the future. Overzealous revision can exorcise a place's spirit. Reluctance to adapt can precipitate a slump into complacency. In the case of Downtown Brooklyn's nearly 150-year-old steakhouse, Gage & Tollner, a new generation of owners–Sohui Kim, Ben Schneider, and St. John Frizell–have navigated the dilemma with finesse. That it's virtually impossible to discern which elements were added from whatever was uncovered or restored is a testament to the design's overall effectiveness. Touches recall the restaurant's Gilded Age founding, but overall, the handsome decor feels timeless. The cocktail menu is sharp as a straight razor, each of the menu's classics executed with clarity, sincerity, and precision. Beer-wise, there are some local craft brews on tap and a nice selection of bottles. The wine list is extensive, so put your would-be sommelier friend to work. The Caesar salad inaugurating our meal was, in a word, terrific. And chef Sohui Kim's most overt menu nod to her Korean identity, Clams Kimisino, was a favorite of the night: the little jewels topped with golden breadcrumbs tossed in bacon/kimchi butter. Perfectly temped to a honeysuckle pink, the NY strip was finished with an herb and garlic butter-baste whose perfume lingered between bites. Far from an afterthought, the sides—creamed spinach and butter-roasted hashbrowns—rivaled the steak for my affection. The non-chophouse fare was equally successful. A play on ratatouille elevated a beautifully seared trout's mild sweetness. And the fried chicken—a loving realization of chef Edna Lewis' recipe—achieved the all-important interplay between juicy, flavorsome meat and crunchy, seasoned crust. For dessert, pastry chef Kathryn Irizarry wows. Witnessing a crown of crisp meringue land at other tables made the baked Alaska for two impossible to resist. If you have room, try the chevre cheesecake, whose richness and subtle goat-cheese tang are cut by a bright citrus cream and lip-smacking pomegranate/hibiscus sauce. This isn't a bank-balance-nullifying meal, but with mains for one ranging from $32 to $74, the little neighborhood bistro this ain't. Luckily, the portions were generous, and a fair number of the entrees are share plates anyway. The minds and talents behind this new iteration of Gage & Tollner have not negotiated the dilemma posed by change so much as prevailed over it. Managing to both honor and redefine an institution, G&T's legacy is not only secured but reasserted, at least for the foreseeable future.
Scottish Sun
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
From Hooch to Reef, why the '90s alcopop is still all that and a bag of chips
TEEN SPIRIT From Hooch to Reef, why the '90s alcopop is still all that and a bag of chips THE '90s are back, and we are calling it - the alcopop is Never Ever going away! Some things - The Macarena, Rimmel's Heather Shimmer lippy and boob tubes, to name a few - can stay in the past, but if like me you spent your teenage years necking Hooch with your mates to a soundtrack of TLC while trying on push-up bras and contemplating your first tattoo, you'll be desperate for another swig of the good times. Luckily for us all, all the old faves are "Cleopatra Comin' Atcha", thanks to a huge '90s revival across the board - from pedal pushers to Noel and Liam - and we can't get enough. Whether it's a themed hen do, a big birthday or you're seeing some of the best bands from yesteryear on stage this summer, it could be time to swap your G&T tinnies for alcopops. 6 Will you be swapping your G&T for Hooch this summer? Credit: Supplied Hooch, Breezer, Reef and VKs ruled the roost with their sweet flavours and lurid colours, so how do they measure up today? Here's why the alcopop is still all that and a bag of chips... 6 Breezers are taking over the shelves again Credit: Supplied Breezer - BUY NOW Sporting an updated look and three new flavours - Zesty Orange, Zing Lime and Crisp Watermelon - the iconic bottle has relaunched in bars and stores this month, and it definitely Smells Like Teen Spirit. With an RRP of £2 and a 3.4%ABV, it won't break the bank, and as Claire Presland, global director of Breezer said: "Whether you're reliving nights gone by, or discovering Breezer for the first time, this summer is the perfect time to try its three new flavours and discover which one is your fruity favourite." 6 Relive your party days with a bottle of Smirnoff Ice Credit: Supplied Smirnoff Ice - BUY NOW A personal fave of mine, this lemon-lime vodka mix was always a great refresher, whether swigged straight from the bottle '90s-style or "poured into a tall glass over cubed ice and garnished with a lemon wedge", as recommended by the folks at Smirnoff. They say that "it's the ideal gift for any vodka connoisseurs" - I say it's great for UK garage connoisseurs who reckon "With a little bit of this, we can make it through the night..." 6 Now available in an eco-friendly carton, Reef is future-proofing Credit: Supplied Reef - BUY NOW Heading to a festival? The brand-new release of Reef this month comes in resealable cartons - a first in the UK alcoholic ready to drink market. Lighter than the original glass bottles and fully recyclable, it's a timely update on the drink, which returned to shelves last year in bottle form to give fans old and new a taste of that iconic orange and passion fruit. It's sure to be a hit with Gen Z, thanks to its lower ABV and light, fruity flavour, making it ideal for picnics and gatherings rather than caning it '90s-style. Place Your Hand On, Place Your Hands On... a bottle of Reef. 6 Party like its 1995 with this mega pack of alcopops Credit: Supplied VK - BUY NOW Cherry has already proven a hit in interiors and beauty for 2025, and now the OG alcopop is available in a sparkling Black Cherry flavour, too. The 3.4% vodka mix is stocked in Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Home Bargains and B&M, and even comes in a mega mixed party pack with a range of flavours, including Strawberry & Lime, Orange & Passionfruit, Apple & Mango and, of course, Blue (don't forget what that does to your teeth, people!). We are loving the slick dark cherry bottles - it's giving Wednesday Addams with a twist of B*Witched. 6 The new cherry flavour is right on trend for Hooch's 30th anniversary year Credit: Supplied Hooch - BUY NOW This summer is Hooch's 30th anniversary (yes, we feel old too!), and to celebrate there's a re-release of the 1995 can, featuring the iconic lemon design, plus a new Cherry flavour. Not only that, but in some bars and pubs across the UK, true fans of the drink can find it on draught, for the first time ever, plus in a 24-pack for £38. Hooch was, for many 40-somethings, their first brush with booze, and it's always been the brand that's stood for "unapologetic irreverence" - perfect if you're still celebrating the Oasis tour, Some Might Say...
The Irish Sun
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
From Hooch to Reef, why the '90s alcopop is still all that and a bag of chips
THE '90s are back, and we are calling it - the alcopop is Never Ever going away! Some things - The Macarena, Rimmel's Heather Shimmer lippy and boob tubes, to name a few - can stay in the past, but if like me you spent your teenage years necking Hooch with your mates to a soundtrack of TLC while trying on push-up bras and contemplating your first tattoo, you'll be desperate for another swig of the good times. Advertisement Luckily for us all, all the old faves are "Cleopatra Comin' Atcha", thanks to a huge Whether it's a themed hen do, a big birthday or you're seeing some of the best bands from yesteryear on stage this summer, it could be time to swap your G&T tinnies for alcopops. 6 Will you be swapping your G&T for Hooch this summer? Credit: Supplied Hooch, Breezer, Reef and VKs ruled the roost with their sweet flavours and lurid colours, so how do they measure up today? Here's why the alcopop is still all that and a bag of chips... Advertisement READ MORE IN FABULOUS 6 Breezers are taking over the shelves again Credit: Supplied Breezer - Sporting an updated look and three new flavours - Zesty Orange, Zing Lime and Crisp Watermelon - the iconic bottle has relaunched in bars and stores this month, and it definitely Smells Like Teen Spirit. With an RRP of £2 and a 3.4%ABV, it won't break the bank, and as Claire Presland, global director of Breezer said: "Whether you're reliving nights gone by, or discovering Breezer for the first time, this summer is the perfect time to try its three new flavours and discover which one is your fruity favourite." 6 Relive your party days with a bottle of Smirnoff Ice Credit: Supplied Advertisement Smirnoff Ice - A personal fave of mine, this lemon-lime vodka mix was always a great refresher, whether swigged straight from the bottle '90s-style or "poured into a tall glass over cubed ice and garnished with a lemon wedge", as recommended by the folks at Smirnoff. They say that "it's the ideal gift for any vodka connoisseurs" - I say it's great for UK garage connoisseurs who reckon "With a little bit of this, we can make it through the night..." Most read in Fabulous Exclusive 6 Now available in an eco-friendly carton, Reef is future-proofing Credit: Supplied Reef - Heading to a festival? The brand-new release of Reef this month comes in resealable cartons - a first in the UK alcoholic ready to drink market. Advertisement Lighter than the original glass bottles and fully recyclable, it's a timely update on the drink, which returned to shelves last year in bottle form to give fans old and new a taste of that iconic orange and passion fruit. It's sure to be a hit with Gen Z, thanks to its lower ABV and light, fruity flavour, making it ideal for picnics and gatherings rather than caning it '90s-style. Place Your Hand On, Place Your Hands On... a bottle of Reef. 6 Party like its 1995 with this mega pack of alcopops Credit: Supplied Advertisement VK - Cherry has already proven a hit in interiors and beauty for 2025, and now the OG alcopop is available in a sparkling Black Cherry flavour, too. The 3.4% vodka mix is stocked in Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Home Bargains and B&M, and even comes in a mega mixed party pack with a range of flavours, including Strawberry & Lime, Orange & Passionfruit, Apple & Mango and, of course, Blue (don't forget what that does to your teeth, people!). We are loving the slick dark cherry bottles - it's giving Wednesday Addams with a twist of B*Witched. 6 The new cherry flavour is right on trend for Hooch's 30th anniversary year Credit: Supplied Advertisement Hooch - This summer is Hooch's 30th anniversary (yes, we feel old too!), and to celebrate there's a re-release of the 1995 can, featuring the iconic lemon design, plus a new Cherry flavour. Not only that, but in some bars and pubs across the UK, true fans of the drink can find it on draught, for the first time ever, plus in a 24-pack for £38. Hooch was, for many 40-somethings, their first brush with booze, and it's always been the brand that's stood for "unapologetic irreverence" - perfect if you're still celebrating the Oasis tour, Some Might Say... All the 90s trends that are making a comeback WE might be in 2024, but fashion fans are looking to the past when it comes to new styles. So what trends from the 90s are making a comeback these days? Claw clips These hair accessories were a huge trend back in the 90s, but are now most popular among those trying out the "clean girl" aesthetic. Designers such as Prada have released their own versions, while there are thousands of colours and styles to choose from on the high street. Platform flip flops Again a popular choice among fashionistas in the 90s, these heels have made a comeback with designers such as Balenciaga trying their luck with their own styles. Cargo pants Once worn by the stars of All Saints, cargo pants became a popular trend for teens in the 90s. But they've now had a fashion overhaul, with stars such as Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber all putting their own spin on the trend. Jeans and a nice top It was the phrase that defined fashion for a decade, and now famous faces such as Sofia Richie are sporting the reinvented trend - pairing their own denims with a more sophisticated top. But are you willing to dig your jeans and nice tops out of the wardrobe for a second time?
