Tonic water, a carbonated beverage typically used as a mixer for cocktails, is spelled /ˈtɒnɪk ˈwɔːtər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɒ/ as in "lot" and the second syllable has the long vowel sound /ɔː/ as in "law." The "n" and "i" in "tonic" are pronounced separately with a short "i" sound /ɪ/. The spelling "water" uses the letter "a" as in "father," pronounced /ɔː/, and ends with the sound of the letter "r."
Tonic water, also known as Indian tonic water, is a carbonated soft drink that is characterized by its distinctive bitter taste. It is typically clear and colorless, similar in appearance to regular soda water, but with a unique flavor profile.
The main ingredient in tonic water is quinine, a chemical compound derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. Originally used for its medicinal properties to treat malaria, quinine gives tonic water its characteristic bitter taste. In current times, the quinine content in tonic water is significantly lower, as it serves primarily for flavor.
Traditionally, tonic water was mixed with gin to create the popular cocktail known as the gin and tonic. The strong, bitter taste of the tonic water was often balanced by the flavors present in the gin, resulting in a refreshing and well-rounded beverage.
Tonic water has enjoyed lasting popularity due to its unique taste and its use as a mixer in various cocktails. It is frequently used as an ingredient in classic cocktails like the vodka tonic, rum and tonic, and tequila tonic.
In recent years, many variations and flavors of tonic water have emerged, with different producers adding additional ingredients like botanicals, botanical extracts, and sweeteners to enhance the taste. However, the bitter taste and the inclusion of quinine remain the defining characteristics of tonic water.
The word "tonic" originates from the Greek word "tonikos", which means "of or for stretching". In the 17th century, "tonic" was used to describe a medicinal substance intended to invigorate or restore health. The term "tonic water" came into use in the 19th century to refer to a carbonated beverage containing quinine, a bitter compound extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree. Quinine was employed as a treatment for malaria, and tonic water was often consumed as a preventive measure against the disease. Thus, the word "tonic" in "tonic water" embodies the original sense of being a healthful, restorative substance.