Buzz
The gin & tonic is a drink of refined simplicity, but since the mixer makes up most of the beverage, the choice of tonic is essential. Fortunately, there are a variety of excellent quinine-infused options available—including syrups! It’s all about knowing what to look for.
Renowned G&T expert and cocktail writer Camper English is no stranger to the drink and has valuable advice for choosing a tonic water that truly complements your gin.
You can find helpful clues on the bottle itself
Start by examining the bottle itself, including both the ingredients and the packaging. "A lot of tonic water’s quality comes down to the level of carbonation and the type of sweetener used," he said. "Carbonation lasts longer in glass bottles, so skip the cheap two-liter plastic ones and choose glass. Some brands even come in champagne-sized bottles, which are perfect for sharing." Regarding sweeteners, English recommends looking for tonics sweetened with alternatives to high fructose corn syrup, such as cane sugar or agave syrup. For those who prefer vodka tonics, floral options like elderflower tonic are a great choice.
Avoid the lighter versions
Tonic water strikes a delicate balance between bitterness and sweetness, but that sweetness shouldn’t taste fake. "To counteract the bitterness of quinine, tonic water contains a decent amount of sweetener, which could be overpowering if you’re sensitive to sugar—especially if you’re having multiple drinks," explained English. "Instead of opting for diet versions with odd-tasting sweeteners, try mixing your tonic with half or a quarter of plain carbonated water. It’s also a more affordable option, as quality tonic water isn’t cheap." When it comes to brands, English recommends "East Imperial, Fever Tree, Q Tonic, and Thomas Henry, but availability can vary depending on where you are."
Be cautious with syrups
Tonic syrups, which let you create your own mix by adding soda, are trending, but there are a few things to consider when using them. "Tonic syrups are often made with crushed cinchona bark instead of pure quinine, so they tend to have an earthy, bark-like flavor and are usually brown rather than clear. Also, since you’re mixing syrup with carbonated water (and likely gin), the carbonation level of your drink will be lower. You might need to give your SodaStream an extra pump or use something like Topo Chico [known for its high carbonation] to boost the fizz."
If you enjoy making things from scratch, be aware that crafting your own tonic could be risky if you’re not cautious. "When experimenting with tonic syrup recipes from the internet, it’s crucial to filter out as much of the bark solids as possible," warns English. "Overconsumption of cinchona alkaloids can lead to cinchonism (the most recognizable symptom being tinnitus), especially if you're repeatedly testing different recipes. Additionally, quinidine, another alkaloid in cinchona bark, may cause complications in people with certain heart conditions even in small amounts. (You can learn more about quinine and tonic safety—and other potentially harmful ingredients—at English’s CocktailSafe.org.) In fact, this is one scenario where store-bought tonic is perfectly fine. "Commercial tonic is regulated for cinchona alkaloid levels, but homemade versions can easily exceed safe limits," explains English. So, shop wisely, stay informed, and perhaps leave the tonic-making to the experts."
