Did you know that in the 1850s, British soldiers stationed in India used tonic water to repel mosquitos and protect against malaria? Or that the addition of lime in a typical gin and tonic was the response to a Royal Navy requirement that their drinks contain citrus to ward off scurvy—a measure that would lead to them being referred to as “limeys” by American sailors?

The Tipsy Librarian herself Maranda Howell is ready to jump into the history behind the ingredients of popular alcoholic beverages from around the world. At classes in her new Towne Center location, she teaches attendees tricks of the mixology trade, presenting recipes of her own invention that are made to transport participants to a different time and place. Pictured here is Howell’s Baton Rouge Gin & Tonic, which mixes Licor 43 with Empress 1908 indigo gin to give it a unique purple and gold twist. See the full recipe below.