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.

ADVERTISEMENTAD

AD

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

httpswww.saveur.comsitessaveur.comfilesimport2014feature_tonic_chincona_500x500.jpg

ADVERTISEMENTAD

AD

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.

ADVERTISEMENTAD

AD

Want more SAVEUR?

Get our favorite recipes, stories, and more delivered to your inbox.