Tonic water, or Indian tonic water as it's also known, is a classic addition to many mixed drinks. But did you know that the carbonated soft drink was originally invented as a palatable way to give quinine to British soldiers stationed in India, in order to fight malaria?
These days, tonic water is enjoyed more for its distinctly bitter flavour and its ability to complement a gin-inspired drink like Lyre's spirits, such as Dry London. It's become so much more than just a mixer; it's a fascinating non-alcoholic drink with a rich history that spans continents, medical breakthroughs, and cocktail culture. Whether you're sipping it straight over ice on a hot summer day or mixing up your favourite G&T, there's plenty to discover about this bubbly, bitter wonder.
So grab a glass (with or without the gin), and let's dive into five surprising facts about tonic water that'll make you appreciate every fizzy sip just a little bit more.
Five Things You Need to Know About Tonic Water
Australia loves having tonic water, and it is one of the most popular mixers that creates unique and delicious mocktails. If you have been sipping on tonic water for a long time and don’t know these interesting facts, here are five you should definitely know to elevate your drinking and mixing experience to the next level.
1. Tonic Water is Made from Quinine
Quinine, a substance taken from the bark of the South American cinchona tree, gives tonic water its very own bitter flavour. Native Americans in Peru, who utilized the bark for medicinal purposes, taught Spanish colonists about quinine. Approximately 83 parts per million of quinine are present in modern tonic water, just enough to give it that unique, bitter, sharp edge. It's interesting to note that quinine is fluorescent, so when exposed to UV light, your gin and tonic will truly glow blue! Different brands create specific flavour profiles by using different amounts of quinine. Each brand's tonic is easily identifiable because premium craft tonics frequently alter quinine levels to pair perfectly with different spirits.
2. Tonic Water was Made in India
Tonic water as we know it was created in India during British colonial rule, although quinine originated in South America. India became a malaria hotspot due to its tropical climate, which required the immediate delivery of palatable quinine. To make their daily antimalarial dose easier to tolerate, British administrators and soldiers stationed there experimented with different combinations. Throughout the 1800s, quinine, sugar, and carbonated water were standardized in Indian stations. These days, labels frequently refer to it as "Indian tonic water" for this reason. The name honours the subcontinent's demand for innovation as well as its colonial roots. India's contribution to the history of tonic water turned a bitter medication into a delightful drink that would eventually take over cocktail bars across the globe.
3. Tonic Water Originated as a Medicine
Tonic water was a serious medication before it became a bar staple. In tropical areas, malaria killed thousands of European colonists. Although quinine was extremely bitter and unpleasant to eat, it was effective against the disease. Early in the nineteenth century, British colonists and soldiers in India had trouble taking their daily prescription drugs. In order to make something palatable, creative minds combined quinine powder with sugar, water, and carbonation. This wasn't just for comfort; it was also about survival and making sure people took their medication. Schweppes introduced their version in 1870, marking the start of commercial production in the mid-1800s. Quinine derivatives are still used, despite the fact that modern medicine provides more effective antimalarial treatments. Tonic water is a tasty reminder of medical developments.
4. Tonic Water is Drunk with Gin
Though it began as an urgent need rather than a pleasure, the gin and tonic pairing is one of the most famous drink combinations in the world. In order to prevent malaria, British officers in 19th-century India had to take quinine, but the taste was intolerable. Gin was added to make the drink tasty and help cover up the bitterness. Gin's botanical components, like juniper, coriander, citrus peels, and herbs, create lovely interactions with quinine in addition to masking flavours. Gin's aromatic qualities are enhanced by the bitterness of the tonic, and delicate botanical notes are lifted by carbonation. Fresh herbs, odd garnishes, and handcrafted tonics that go well with everything from traditional London Dry to modern floral gins have all been inspired by today's gin and tonic trend.
5. You Can Make Non-Alcoholic "Espresso and Tonic."
Coffee is the new tonic partner, so move over, gin! A cool, non-alcoholic beverage that has become popular in unique coffee shops is espresso and tonic. To create captivating layers, simply pour a shot or two of espresso over ice-filled tonic water and observe how the coffee flows through the bubbles. The tonic's quinine bite is complemented by the bitter espresso, and the coffee's aromatics are enhanced by the carbonation's effervescence. The outcome is ideal for hot afternoons, surprisingly refreshing, and lighter than iced coffee. For added complexity, some baristas use flavoured syrups or citrus peels. This popular combo shows how tonic water's flexibility goes well beyond alcoholic drinks, providing sophisticated flavour for people looking for alternatives to traditional mixed drinks.
Best Tonic Water in Australia
When it comes to finding the perfect tonic water in Australia, you're spoiled for choice. The craft tonic movement has exploded Down Under, with local and international brands offering everything from classic bittersweet profiles to innovative botanical blends. Whether you're mixing the perfect G&T, creating an espresso tonic, or simply enjoying tonic on its own, the right bottle can transform your drinking experience. From premium small-batch tonics made with native Australian ingredients to trusted international brands, some of our favourites are:
Brunswick Aces Spades Sapiir & Tonic RTDs
The blurb: This zero-alc tonic brings Spades Sapiir’s bold botanicals together with crisp tonic water for a refreshingly grown-up G&T vibe. Think warm green cardamom, zesty lemon myrtle, and a hint of Tasmanian pepperberry spice. Clean, sophisticated, and perfect for mindful drinkers who want that classic G&T experience minus the alcohol.
Brunswick Aces Diamonds Sapiir & Tonic RTDs
The blurb: A ready-to-drink, alcohol-free take on a classic G&T, built on signature Diamonds Sapiir, this sparkling blend layers bright botanicals over a crisp tonic for a refreshingly refined finish. Perfect for sunny afternoons or social catch-ups, it’s a sophisticated alternative when you want flavour and finesse without the alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Tonic Water Alcoholic or Not?
No, tonic water is not alcoholic. It's a carbonated soft drink containing water, sugar, quinine, and sometimes citrus flavours. Tonic water contains zero alcohol content and can be enjoyed on its own or as a mixer with alcoholic spirits.
2. What is Indian Tonic Water?
Indian tonic water is just another term for ordinary tonic water, referring to its history in colonial India, where it was created as a tasty method of giving quinine to British soldiers battling malaria. Rather than signifying a particular version, the "Indian" label is an honour to history.
3. What Does Tonic Water Taste Like?
Tonic water has a distinctly bitter, slightly medicinal taste from quinine, balanced with sweetness and citrus notes. It's crisp and refreshing with carbonation adding a pleasant fizz. The bitterness is the defining characteristic, making it quite different from other soft drinks like lemonade or soda water.
4. What is Sugar Free Tonic Water?
Sugar-free tonic water uses artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, or stevia instead of sugar. It maintains the bitter quinine taste and carbonation while containing zero or minimal calories, making it ideal for low-carb diets or those watching sugar intake.
5. What is Low Sugar Tonic Water?
Low sugar tonic water contains 30-50% less sugar than regular tonic, but isn't completely sugar-free. It offers a middle ground, often using a combination of natural sugar and alternative sweeteners for a balanced taste. Explore our range and buy tonic water online to get the maximum flavours and none of the guilt.
6. How much sugar does tonic water have?
Sugar in tonic water is approximately 7-9 grams of sugar per 100ml, if talking about a regular one. A standard 200ml serve has around 14-18 grams of sugar, similar to many soft drinks and about half the sugar in cola. At Sans Drinks, we use the Australian Food Standards guidelines when displaying our products as sugar-free or low in sugar. This means that all of our low-sugar tonics contain less than 2.5g of sugar per 100g. Likewise, our low-calorie tonic waters are now more than 19 calories per 100g.
7. Is Tonic Water a Mixer?
Yes, tonic water is one of the most popular drink mixers. While famously paired with gin, it also mixes well with vodka, rum, and even non-alcoholic drinks like espresso. Its bitter quinine flavour and carbonation complement spirits beautifully.
If you’re a fan of tonic as a mixer or on its own, it’s worth trying Sans Drinks’ curated selection of soda and tonic water online to see what flavours you enjoy, and what goes well with your drink of choice. You’re sure to find a winner in this range.
