I also assumed it was one of those "acquired taste" things - like as a teenager I really couldn't stand the taste of beer but I drank it because all my peers did. Now I love the stuff.

Unfortunately the same can't be said for G&T, much as I want to like it.

As someone who loves bitter and sour flavors (I enjoy raw onion, garlic, lime/lemon, horseradish, and yes: straight gin) a G&T was a delight from the very first sip I ever had. Not comparing it to those examples, but I love the bitter flavors of it.

If you do actually want to like it, be sure that you have tried a place that offers Fever Tree tonic and Hendrick's gin and ask for them by name. Do not simply ask for a generic "gin and tonic" made with their cheapest gin and tonic syrup mixed up in their soda dispenser — either of which are quite liable to render the concoction entirely undrinkable.

A good gin and tonic also includes a lime wedge. Even a little of this in the drink makes a big difference.

(Yes, there are definitely other gins that would work, and indeed, other tonics — but these are the more popular big names which you will have more luck finding at bars.)

The best gin and tonic recipe is again Indian flavors .

Mango slices and pepper . They have a certain chemical that binds with the stuff inside gin and makes it better.

Given the proliferation of different flavored gins[1] I think it's possible no one actually likes the taste of gin. There are hundreds of flavors on Amazon.co.uk[2].

[1] https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=gin&rh=n%3A340834031%2Cn%3A3598...

[2] Amazon.com doesn't sell beer or spirits. Weird.

>Amazon.com doesn't sell beer or spirits. Weird.

It isn't weird if you know how strange the alcohol laws can be across North America, including Canada. Shipping alcohol from one state (or province, in my case) to another isn't always possible.

Some classic Beefeater is great. I like gin quite a bit, perhaps more than rum

I promise I actually like the taste of gin.

You might notice how much corn syrup/sugar is now added to store-bought tonic water. I have no doubt (but no proof) that this has increased over time. So that could be why you find them more palatable now.

Went the other way, for me. I used to love tonic water, neat, but it's gotten to be so sweet that it's unenjoyable.

> Mind you for some reason my recollection of how I acquired a near-constant craving for G&T is somewhat blurry.

I believe this is a strong indication that you were doing it right. ;o)

For years I almost exclusively drank Sapphire and tonic.