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Cocktails with Tonic Water

A carbonated mixer flavoured with bitter quinine and balanced with sugar. The other half of a Gin and Tonic and a common lengthener for gin, vodka and vermouth highballs.

Type
Mixer
Strength
0% ABV
Aroma
Bitter citrus, Herbal, Floral
Taste
Bitter quinine, Sweet, Effervescent
Finish
Dry, Bitter, Clean

2 drinks with Tonic Water

History

Descends from the quinine tonics British colonists in India drank to ward off malaria. Schweppes began bottling a carbonated 'Indian Tonic Water' in 1870, and adding gin to soften the bitterness gave rise to the Gin and Tonic.

How it’s made

Quinine is dissolved with sugar or another sweetener and citrus flavourings, then mixed with carbonated water.

Bottles to try

  • Fever-Tree Indian Tonic WaterPremium

    Natural quinine and cane sugar; the modern bartender default.

  • Fentimans Tonic WaterMid-range

    Botanically brewed with a drier, more herbal profile.

  • Thomas Henry Tonic WaterMid-range

    German tonic with a crisp, pronounced bitterness.

  • Schweppes Indian TonicBudget

    The original mass-market tonic, sweeter and softer.

  • Fever-Tree Indian Tonic WaterPremium

    Natural quinine and cane sugar; the modern bartender default.

  • Q Mixers Tonic WaterMid-range

    Less sweet, cane-sugar tonic popular in craft bars.

  • Schweppes Tonic WaterBudget

    Widely available and reliably sweet.

Got Tonic Water at home?

Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.

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