When the summer heat hits the city, we all crave a drink that not only cools us down but also awakens our senses. There is one cocktail that has hit this mark perfectly for centuries, yet has experienced a true global renaissance in recent years: the gin and tonic.
But what is the secret of this seemingly simple yet infinitely complex combination? And how did Neverland on Dohány Street become one of the most important pioneers of the domestic gin culture? Let’s explore this liquid history!
From Medicine to Cult Refreshment: The Exciting History of the Gin and Tonic
Although we look at it today as a symbol of sophisticated evening relaxation, the gin and tonic wasn’t originally born in the cosy dimness of bars, but on battlefields and in pharmacies. If we examine the two ingredients separately, we can see two completely different yet fascinating journeys.
The history of gin goes back to genever, the juniper-based spirits of the Low Countries, which British soldiers encountered in the 17th century (hence the phrase “Dutch courage”). Upon arriving in England, the drink enjoyed a massive rise, transformed, and the juniper-dominated, drier style – the London Dry style we still love today – became an integral part of English culture. Gin is essentially a neutral agricultural spirit flavoured with various herbs and botanicals. Today, the selection is mind-blowing: alongside the classic juniper-forward profile, there are more floral, citrusy, and even explicitly spicy, earthy varieties of gin, each bringing a distinct character to cocktails.
Tonic, on the other hand, is a child of the tropics. Quinine, extracted from the bark of the South American cinchona tree, was used to prevent and treat malaria. Since quinine on its own was unbearably bitter, officers of the British colonial army in India began mixing it with water, sugar, lime – and, of course, the gin brought from home – to make it more palatable. With this, one of the world’s most brilliant pairings was born.
Did you know? Bitter drinks are proven to be far more refreshing in the summer heat than overly sweet cocktails. The bitter taste stimulates the taste buds and salivation, creating an instant thirst-quenching sensation without weighing down your stomach. That’s why an ice-cold gin and tonic feels uniquely satisfying even on the hottest days of August.
When the Wave Reached Hungary – Pioneers in the Heart of Downtown
Although the premium gin and tonic craze was already raging in Western Europe in the early 2010s, this wave only truly swept into Hungary a bit later, in the late 2010s. Until then, the domestic crowd was mostly familiar with the version left over from the disco era, consisting of commercial gin and overly sweet tonic from plastic bottles. But then came the shift: consumers began to focus on quality, premium ingredients, and unique flavouring.
Neverland played an absolute pioneering role in this domestic gin revolution. When they opened their doors on Dohány Street, they didn’t just create an entertainment centre with a unique atmosphere featuring escape rooms and a premium bar; they also made it their mission to spread high-quality drinking culture. The Neverland team was among the first to recognise that a gin and tonic is not a boring, two-ingredient drink, but an endlessly creative playground that deserves dedicated attention and expertise.
The Art of Simplicity: How the Perfect Pairing is Born at Neverland
Behind Neverland’s bar counter, the concept has been continuously refined over the years. Previously, they boasted an even more monumental gin and tonic selection than today, featuring spirits from almost every corner of the globe. Today, however, in the spirit of simplicity and uncompromising quality, they have streamlined this selection into a perfected, 10-item list.
Yet, these 10 superb gin and tonic combinations do not simply mean ten different gins in a glass. At Neverland, serious planning and flavour-harmony research lie behind every single item:
The Tonic is a personality too: At Neverland, tonic is not just a mandatory accompaniment. For every single gin, they select a premium tonic specifically tailored to match it – whether it’s a classic Indian, a lighter Mediterranean, or a spicier version.
The Garnish as a functional ingredient: The spices, fruits, and herbs (the garnishes) added to the glass are far from just visual elements. They aren’t there just to look good on Instagram (though they are excellent for that too), but because their essential oils and flavourings highlight or counterbalance the gin’s specific botanical notes. The right garnish can open up completely new dimensions in your glass.
Three Must-Try Items from Neverland’s Top 10 List
Rather than just talking about mysterious theories, let’s take a closer look at three iconic combinations from Neverland’s current menu that perfectly demonstrate this concept!
1. The Commanding Classic: PM Churchill
This drink is a true nod to history and elegance, named after the legendary British statesman who was well-known for his great appreciation of quality spirits. The foundation of this combination is the premium Tanqueray No. 10, famous for the fresh, whole citrus fruits (grapefruit, orange, lime) and chamomile used during its distillation. At Neverland, they build this G&T so that the accompanying Mediterranean tonic and carefully selected garnishes amplify this regal, crisp, and citrusy character. It’s the ideal choice for those looking for robust, assertive, yet exceptionally elegant flavours.
2. Summer in a Bottle: Little Siesta
If there is a drink dreamed up specifically for sipping on lazy, hot summer afternoons while lounging on a terrace, it’s the Little Siesta. The soul of this blend is Malfy Rosa, a premium Italian gin whose character is defined by juicy Sicilian pink grapefruit and rhubarb. It is refreshing, fruity, and absolutely addictive in the warm weather.
3. Guilt-Free: Not So Guilty
Neverland also thinks of those who avoid alcohol for one reason or another – whether they are driving, waking up early the next day, or simply looking for clean flavours without compromise. The combination running under the name Not So Guilty is based on Nordés 0.0%, a brilliant non-alcoholic spirit that faithfully preserves the complex, spicy, and floral aroma profile of premium gins. Grapes and mint are added to the glass – which might look like mere decorations at first glance – complementing it to provide a full cocktail experience in terms of flavour, ensuring no one will miss the alcohol percentages.
Find Your Own Favourite!
The world of the gin and tonic beautifully demonstrates how a former medicine can become one of modern gastronomy’s most versatile and popular drinks. Neverland clearly leaves nothing to chance with this experience: streamlining their previously massive selection and fine-tuning their top 10 list ensures that whichever version a guest chooses, they receive a precisely measured yet soulfully crafted composition in their glass.
Whether it’s Churchill-style elegance, an Italian-style siesta, or a non-alcoholic indulgence, everyone can find their perfect summer refreshment on Dohány Street: you can secure your spot using this link!
