"Tonic water started life as a malaria treatment in the age of the British empire, using quinine from cinchona bark to combat fevers. It was combined with water and sugar to create a drink that allowed self-medication in tropical colonies."
"By the Victorian times, tonic water had evolved into a fizzy drink often mixed with gin, becoming emblematic of the British Raj. Today, it is experiencing a resurgence, with a growing appreciation for its bitter flavor profiles."
"The Waitrose Food and Drink Report 2025/2026 heralded tonic as the new gin, noting its plethora of flavor profiles and increasing consumption on its own, without gin."
Tonic water originated as a malaria treatment using quinine from cinchona bark, combined with water and sugar to mask its bitterness. By the Victorian era, tonic water became fizzy and was often mixed with gin, symbolizing the British Raj. Recently, tonic water has gained popularity, recognized for its diverse flavor profiles and enjoyed independently. The Waitrose Food and Drink Report 2025/2026 highlights tonic as the new gin, appealing to those seeking a sophisticated alternative to traditional soft drinks.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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