Liz, 8:30 may seem early or late depending on the benchmark used. If you are waiting for the sun to cross the yardarm you are looking forward but when you look back it has already crossed. Somewhere on earth it isn't early and it would be discrimination to deny you what would be permitted there. As for tonic my uncle , who loved his whisky, was known to say: "The only thing that should be mixed with good scotch is spit." Enjoy!
Slainte Mhor!