Just the tonic: Franklin & Sons' taste of history

Alongside as the delicious, exclusive craft gin we send our members in their Gin of the Month boxes, we also send a range of surprise goodies to help complement the gin. In March, we included some lovely Franklin & Sons tonic to mix with their Shortcross Wild Clover Gin.

The Franklin & Sons brand has been creating premium soft drinks since 1886, when the first products were sold from a small family confectioners shop at 171 High Street, Rickmansworth, London.

Back then, the Franklin brothers embarked on a mission to introduce Victorian Britain to new taste experiences using the finest natural ingredients from around the world.

Today, over 100 years later, the current range builds on their efforts, combining unique ingredients to create delicately flavoured mixers that never overpower the spirits they are designed to complement – essential for the delicious craft gins we share with you each month!

The Craft Gin Club team were lucky enough to attend the launch of Franklin & Sons new range at the City of London Distillery back in December, and we can vouch for how well these superior mixers complement gin (we selflessly tested a few on your behalf, dear Gin Clubbers!).

All of Franklin & Sons’ drinks are made with the best all-natural ingredients, sourced from small speciality suppliers, along with spring water sourced from Staffordshire. As you’ll notice, the drinks also come packaged in some gorgeous vintage glassware, inspired by the brand’s history.

The soft drinks range includes five delicious flavours - Sicilian Lemonade & English Elderflower with crushed juniper, Wild Strawberry & Scottish Raspberry with cracked black pepper, British Dandelion & Burdock with star anise, Cloudy Apple & Yorkshire Rhubarb with cinnamon, and Ginger Beer & Malted Barley with a squeeze of lemon.

The premium mixers on offer are Natural Indian Tonic Water, Original Ginger Ale, a Sicilian Lemon Tonic and a Natural Light Tonic Water.

The Natural Indian Tonic Water in your box this month combines that sparkling Staffordshire water with natural Cinchona bark extract from Ecuador. The result is a light fizz and refreshing wash of crisp, clear tonic that is subtly bitter and carries the taste of gin in balance across the palate.

We’re sure you’ll agree as you sip a perfect Shortcross Gin serve that this delicious tonic more than does it justice! Cheers!