Tonic water is usually used for cocktail recipes. It can also be a refreshing beverage that you can enjoy alone. This article explains more about this drink and how it brings life to a party. Read on.
What exactly is tonic water?
It is a carbonated drink that consists of a compound called quinine which causes it to have a bitter taste. According to MasterClass, manufacturers usually add sugar to it to balance the bitterness, resulting in a bittersweet taste. The article also said that in the early nineteenth century, tonic water was known to be a medicinal beverage that medical practitioners gave soldiers to heal their malaria.
Nowadays, tonic water is famous for being a palate refresher. It’s an extensive ingredient for various alcoholic drinks such as gin and tonic, vodka, and tequila.
Where is tonic water made from?
Tonic is a medicinal item taken to provide a feeling of vigor. Meanwhile, tonic water is a carbonated drink that consists of water, quinine, and carbon dioxide.
Quinine is a natural alkaloid removed from the bark of the cinchona tree. It is usually found in South America. The cinchona tree is also known as the fever tree.
Producers of tonic water add sugar or agave to balance the bitter flavor caused by quinine.
On the other hand, some manufacturers create a tonic syrup with botanical flavoring agents such as lemongrass, juniper, ginger, lavender, or elderflower.
How does tonic water taste?
Tonic water has a remarkable semi-bitter taste. The carbonated water’s bubbliness usually alleviates it, and most tonics commonly contain herbal, spice notes, and citrus.
It is substantially drier than sodas such as ginger ale, and it’s hard to find a tonic that tastes syrupy.
Ways to Drink Tonic Water
StrangeLove is known for its varieties of tonic water Australia. They offer Tonic no. 8 (Indian Tonic Water), Dirty Tonic Water, Light Tonic Water, Distiller’s Tonic, and StrangeLove Tonic Mixed Pack.
Meanwhile, tonic water is commonly used to mix with alcoholic drinks, but you can also drink it on its own in a glass full of ice.
This beverage is also perfect for non-alcoholic drinkers by simply splashing lime juice, also called lime and tonic, over it.
Additionally, tonic water’s dry character makes it a perfect drink for delicious dinner meals.
It is a beverage that is known to be usually mixed with gin. However, tonic water can also blend with other liquors, such as vodka and Irish whiskey. Sometimes, it is mixed with fortified wines.
Tonic water is also used in some coffee shops. A base of tonic water over ice wherein chilled espresso is added, also called espresso and tonic, is perfect. Some prefer it on their cold brew coffee.
Conclusion
Aside from the interesting history of how tonic water is made, remember that it is not meant for alcoholic beverages alone. As aforementioned, this beverage blends well with coffee and juices. There are plenty of ways to enjoy or drink it on its own since tonic water gives life to a party.