HATERS OF THE Christmas tree drink, look away now – gin and tonic is going nowhere. Gin sales were up 44% in Ireland in 2017, with similar figures expected for this year.

Gone are the days when Cork Dry Gin – or Tesco Value – would suffice. No no, only the fancy stuff will suffice now. (Same goes for tonic – it’s elderflower or nothin’, darling!)

Recently, a variation of this tipple of choice has made their way to the mainstream, making every millennial’s day (and Insta feed).

I am, of course, talking about pink gin.

What’s the difference? The pink stuff usually has a range of botanicals used to produce the gin, such as rose petals, pomegranate or fruit flavourings. Yum.

But this is the issue some people have – “why mess with a good thing?” “Why not just stick a drop of dye in it?” “It’s sweet enough as it is when you add tonic!”

And to that I say – enough.

Pink gin is glorious for several reasons. First off, it’s easy to identify among a plethora of drinks at a bar or on a table – no fear of picking up your pal’s vodka and white by mistake anymore. You can spot that dentist’s rinse-looking drink anywhere.

SECOND OF ALL, let’s just admit that gin and tonic is a bit ‘notions’ anyway, what with the goblets and the bits of fruit chucked in. Why do you bother ordering it if it’s not for the aesthetic? (It’s certainly not for the hangover anyway). Think about how good that dusty pink glassful is going to look with the colour scheme you’ve got going on. Go hard or go home.

And finally, it’s delish, ok? Look me in the eye and try to justify people drinking Aperol Spritzes while turning up their noses at this rosey wonder beverage?

Pass the Gordon’s, please.

*Drink responsibly, obviously.

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