Most G&Ts are roughly comprised of one part gin, two parts tonic. This means most of each mouthful is your mixer, underscoring the importance of always having a quality drop on hand. There’s been an increased level of interest in the craft mixer trend, with many enterprising outfits putting almost as much emphasis on the creation of the mixer as a distiller would creating an excellent bottle of spirit. Shivam Reddy, head of Brisbane-born boutique tonic and soda brand Long Rays, is one such individual looking to push mixers beyond its largely unheralded support role into the spotlight. After launching the brand last year, Shivam and his team have spent some time drawing up plans for Long Rays’ next ingenious move – a bespoke tonic and soda water fountain that looks to revolutionise the drinking experience for all.

The sleek dual-nozzle apparatus was unveiled this week at West End’s Covent Garden Gin Bar & Restaurant, its rose-gold design inspired by the copper stills used by gin distillers all over the globe. In addition to ensuring top-notch artisanal mixers are close at hand (no more fiddling with unwieldy bottles), the Long Rays fountain is also better for the environment, helping remove glass, cardboard cartons, labels and bottle caps from landfill while also reducing refrigeration requirements and their associated costs. The fountain holds 13 cases of tonic and soda water, which will go a long way to helping remove seven million glass bottles for circulation. Shivam and co. are eager to install more fountains at bars around the country, further building upon the current mixer wave.

Keen to see the fountain in action? Head to Covent Garden and pair a great local gin with an equally great mixer. You can also score Long Rays tonic and soda at select bottle shops and venues around Brisbane.