Drinks

Tonic’s World of Flavor

Tonic syrups and waters are flavored by a host of aromatic ingredients.

By Betsy Andrews


Published on May 14, 2014

Tonic syrups and waters are flavored by a host of aromatic ingredients. This first appeared in our June/July 2014 issue with Camper English's story Miracle Cure.

limes, tonic, cocktails, drinks
Lime

The peel of gin and tonic’s traditional garnish lends bright notes to tonic infusions.

lemons, tonic, cocktails, drinks
Lemon

Tonics flavored with lemon juice and peel can balance sweeter gins and added liqueurs.

grapefruit, tonic, cocktails, drinks
Grapefruit

With its bright, floral, and bitter notes, the peel adds complexity to tonic.

lime, tonic, cocktails, drinks, kaffir lime
Kaffir Lime

The leaves of this Southeast Asian plant provide a strong flowery citrus bouquet.

allspice, tonic, cocktails, drinks
Allspice

Historically added to tonics for its digestive benefits, the warm, sweet spice balances bitterness.

star anise, tonic, cocktails, drinks
Star Anise

This fragrant Chinese spice suffuses a tonic with a liquorice-like scent.

citric acid, tonic, cocktails, drinks
Citric Acid

Sold as a powder, this fruit-based acid boosts tonic’s tang and acts as a preservative.

lemongrass, tonic, cocktails, drinks
Lemongrass

Lemongrass

orris root, tonic, cocktails, drinks
Orris Root

The dried root of a type of iris, this powder smells of violets with a taste akin to raspberries.

grains of paradise, tonic, cocktails, drinks
Grains of Paradise

A spice used in Bombay Sapphire gin, this can add floral pepperiness to tonic.

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