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What is tonic water? Here are the top drinks with tonic water and what to know about this popular cocktail mixer.
It’s bubbly, it’s lightly sweet, and it’s the perfect mixer for cocktails and mocktails alike: tonic water! This carbonated beverage has been mixed into drinks for centuries, like the Gin and Tonic that dates from the 1850’s. It’s more than soda water, and it has an intriguing ingredient that adds nuance to the flavor. Here’s what to know about this bubbly cocktail mixer, and the best drinks with tonic water to try!
What is tonic water?
Tonic water is a carbonated water that also contains quinine and is lightly sweetened. Its flavor is bubbly, bitter, sweet and sour, making it an excellent mixer for drinks. Quinine was historically prescribed as a medicine to fight malaria, and mixing it with carbonated water and sugar helped to mask its bitter flavor. Tonic water was born! It first sold commercially in 1858.
Today, the level of quinine is much lower than historical tonic water, and is safe to consume. Classic cocktails use the stuff not only to dilute the liquor with bubbles, but to add a distinct nuance in flavor. The invention of the Gin and Tonic coincided with the availability of tonic water in the 1850’s.
Tonic water ingredients
What are the ingredients in tonic water? This beverage is a mixture of:
- Carbonated water
- Sugar (or high fructose corn syrup, in some major brands)
- Quinine
What’s the best brand? These days there are a lot of options. Our favorite brand is Q Tonic: it has great flavor and is sold in small cans, just enough for a few drinks. Even better, the only ingredients are quinine and agave. (We also like the Q brand for ginger beer and ginger ale.)
Quinine levels: is it safe?
Is the level of quinine in tonic water safe? Yes. Quinine is a compound that comes from the bark of a tree called the cinchona tree, which is native to South America. It was originally invented as a medicine for malaria, but there are some side effects to using it (like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and more serious side effects).
But don’t worry: the level of quinine in today’s tonic water is perfectly safe to drink! The US FDA regulates the level of quinine: it can contain no more than 83 parts per million. So don’t worry: your G&T is safe to drink.
Club soda vs tonic water: the differences!
How is it different from club soda? What about other waters, like sparkling or seltzer? Here are the main differences:
- Tonic water is carbonated water with added quinine and sugar
- Club soda is carbonated water infused with added minerals, which give it a salty flavor
- Sparkling water / seltzer / soda water is carbonated water with no additives (opt for plain, since sometimes flavors or sugars can be added)
Read more at Club Soda vs Seltzer.
Drinks with tonic water
What types of drinks use this carbonated beverage? Since it’s been around since the 1850’s, it’s been a cocktail mixer of choice for centuries. But the popular Gin and Tonic is just the beginning. There are lots of liquors to mix up with this carbonated beverage, including mocktails. Here are the top drinks with tonic water to try!
The most classic drink with tonic water? A gin and tonic! Its crisp, botanical flavor is straightforward but at the same time intriguing: a feat using only 2 ingredients! It’s no wonder that this is one of the world’s popular cocktails. We’ve researched to gather a few tips about making the perfect gin and tonic.
Ingredients: Gin, tonic water
Another classic drink with tonic water is the the vodka tonic! Vodka melds right into the tonic water, making for a zingy, easy to drink cocktail (so beware). While it’s simple, there are a few tips on making the very best vodka tonic. Here’s how to make this two-ingredient cocktail!
Ingredients: Vodka, tonic water, lemon wedge, lime wedge
Want a light, bubbly cocktail starring whiskey or bourbon? Mix it with tonic water for a Whiskey Tonic! You might first think of a Gin and Tonic or Vodka Tonic when it comes to tonic water. But the sweet, bubbly carbonation pairs perfectly with oaky, spicy whiskey. In fact, we love toning down whiskey this way, especially in the summer.
Ingredients: Whiskey, tonic water, lemon
Love tequila and a good G&T? Then here’s your new favorite drink: the Tequila and Tonic! Swap out the gin for tequila, and you’ve got a whole new drink. It’s tart and bubbly, with just the right bite from the tequila. It’s a cousin to Ranch Water and Tequila Soda, but using tonic water instead: which gives it an intriguing sweetness and light bitter note on the finish.
Ingredients: Tequila, tonic water, limes
This rum spin on the classic G&T is bubbly and refreshing, with a hint of fruity rum on the finish. It’s almost like a subtle version of the Dark and Stormy, less spicy sweetness and more intriguing nuance. While we prefer a G&T or Vodka Tonic flavor-wise, a rum and tonic drink is absolutely worth a try!
Here’s a drink you won’t be able to stop sipping. Try St Germain and Tonic! The flavor here is so refreshing, so perfectly balanced, that it’s almost impossible not to take another sip. The secret? St Germain, of course. This elderflower liqueur is majorly popular because of its irresistible sweet floral flavor. Combine it with vodka, lemon and tonic water, and it’s a beautiful blend of sweet tart, bright and bubbly.
Ingredients: St Germain, vodka, tonic water, lemon
Here’s a beautifully bright drink with tonic water: the Blood Orange Gin and Tonic! There’s nothing better than a cocktail you can mix up right in the glass, right? Much as we love a good blood orange margarita or blood orange martini…this one’s even easier to make. Here the botanicals from the gin mesh perfectly with the bright citrus of the blood orange.
Ingredients: Blood orange juice, gin, tonic water
Here’s a memorable cocktail that’s botanical and bubbly: the Lillet G&T! This Lillet cocktail features the popular fortified wine dressed up as a Gin and Tonic. The flavor is perfectly crisp, with floral and herbal notes from Lillet Blanc and the gin. It makes a refreshing cocktail that works not only for summer afternoons but evening happy hour in any season.
Ingredients: Lillet Blanc, gin, tonic water
Here’s a unique drink we think should start trending: the White Port and Tonic! Aka Porto Tónico, this Portuguese spin on the classic G&T might be even better than the original. White port is a style of fortified wine made in Portugal, sweet and light with notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and orange peel. Add to that bubbly tonic water and it’s intensely refreshing, with aromas that linger after each sip.
Ingredients: White port, tonic water, orange slice
Last but not least: a list of drinks with tonic water is not complete without a mocktail! This virgin margarita is tangy and refreshing, punctuated by that classic salt rim. Even better, it’s got a surprise that brings a bit of “funk” to the flavor that’s reminiscent of tequila. It’s truly the non alcoholic mocktail spin on our Classic Margarita.
Also try: Virgin Mojito Mocktail
Ingredients: Lime juice, lemon juice, pickle juice (optional), simple syrup, tonic water
Top 10 Drinks with Tonic Water!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Here are the keys to the very best drinks with tonic water! Make it with gin, vodka, or whiskey for a different drink every time. (Pictured: See Strawberry Gin & Tonic.)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin, vodka or whiskey
- 4 ounces tonic water
- Garnishes: lemon or lime wedges
Instructions
- Add lots of ice to a large cocktail or wine glass and stir to chill the glass.
- Pour in the gin, vodka or whiskey. Squeeze in lemon or lime. Pour the tonic water onto a bar spoon into the glass (to increase the bubbles). Stir once and serve.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: Tonic water, drinks with tonic water, quinine in tonic water, club soda vs tonic water, tonic water ingredients
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q tonic water is the best. i grab a 4 pack after every workout. there is not a better thirst quencher. pop open the can, pour it over ice, and let the muscles soothe away. i must drink 10 of those cans per week.