Tonic water

Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink with sugar and quinine, which provides the bitter taste. The quinine content is limited by law to a maximum. The flavour is usually rounded off by citrus and herbal aromas.

As a soft drink, tonic water tastes bitter-sweet and tingly. It is best known as a mixer in long drinks, but is also drunk neat. There are varieties with less sugar, more natural flavours or particularly pronounced bitterness. The label must carry a note about quinine, as sensitive people may react to it. Related is bitter lemon, made with lemon extract and quinine.