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.
Lime
The peel of gin and tonic’s traditional garnish lends bright notes to tonic infusions.
Lemon
Tonics flavored with lemon juice and peel can balance sweeter gins and added liqueurs.
Grapefruit
With its bright, floral, and bitter notes, the peel adds complexity to tonic.
Kaffir Lime
The leaves of this Southeast Asian plant provide a strong flowery citrus bouquet.
Allspice
Historically added to tonics for its digestive benefits, the warm, sweet spice balances bitterness.
Star Anise
This fragrant Chinese spice suffuses a tonic with a liquorice-like scent.
Citric Acid
Sold as a powder, this fruit-based acid boosts tonic’s tang and acts as a preservative.
Orris Root
The dried root of a type of iris, this powder smells of violets with a taste akin to raspberries.
Grains of Paradise
A spice used in Bombay Sapphire gin, this can add floral pepperiness to tonic.
