In definition, tonic water a carbonated soft drink made with quinine, sugar, and water. But what makes it so special? The magic ingredient Quinine!
A bitter compound that is derived from the bark of the Cinchona Tree and has been used for centuries to treat malaria and other ailments. The use of quinine in tonic water dates back to the 19th century when British colonial officers in India mixed it with gin to make a drink that would help prevent and treat malaria.
The combination of quinine and gin became known as a gin and tonic, and it quickly became a popular drink among British colonial officers and civilians. Today, tonic water is one of the most popular mixers with gin, and is picking up momentum with other spirits, such as vodka and tequila.
Just as the gin industry has grown hugely, to match so has the market of tonic waters. More modern tonic waters also contain other ingredients such as citrus fruits, herbs, and spices. The bitterness of quinine can be balanced with the sweetness of sugar and the introduction of these other ingredients.
In recent years, tonic water has seen a huge resurgence in popularity as a mixer. As a result, many premium tonic waters have been developed and are now available in the market, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and flavour profile to perfectly match nearly any gin in the market.