Fungus threatens future of gin and tonics

WASHINGTON – If a few of a your favorite things are gin, tonic and ice cubes, you’d better take this news with a tall glass, sitting down.

Gin, as you may or may not know, gets its distinct flavor from junipers. But, ABC News reports the plant is now under attack.

ABC reports a fungus-like organism called phytophthora austrocedrae is infecting juniper plants throughout northern Britain and Scotland. The fungus appears to be spreading.

The good news is that gin companies don’t apparently get their junipers from the UK, but there are concerns this nasty little organism could make its way outside the country.

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