Tonic Water Recipe

Make infused quinine decoction

Combine 2 cups water and the cinchona bark in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (do not boil vigorously) and maintain a low simmer for 10–15 minutes to extract quinine and bitter aromatics. Monitor closely and adjust heat to avoid boiling over.

Remove from heat and add lemon, lime, and orange zests plus the citric acid and the optional bittering agent (gentian or bitter orange peel). Let the mixture steep, covered, for 30–45 minutes as it cools to room temperature to extract citrus oils without cooking them too long.

Strain the decoction through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a coffee filter) into a bowl or jar. Press gently on solids to extract liquid, then discard solids. You should have roughly 1¾–2 cups of infused liquid.

In a clean saucepan combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. This yields 1 cup simple syrup.

Once the quinine decoction has cooled, combine it with the simple syrup. Taste to evaluate sweetness and bitterness. The concentrated quinine syrup is now your tonic concentrate.

To make still tonic water (bottled): combine 1 part tonic concentrate with 2–3 parts cold filtered water, depending on desired bitterness and sweetness. Example ratio: 1 cup tonic concentrate + 2–3 cups water. Taste and adjust—add a splash of fresh lime juice (about 1 tbs) and a pinch of salt if desired to brighten flavors.

To make immediately usable sparkling tonic: mix 1 part tonic concentrate with 3 parts chilled sparkling water or club soda in a pitcher or glass and serve over ice with a lime wedge. Example single serving: 30 ml (2 tbs) tonic concentrate + 90 ml (6 tbs) chilled sparkling water.

Bottle any unused tonic concentrate in a sterilized jar, refrigerate, and use within 10–14 days. Store diluted tonic (with still water) for up to 3–4 days refrigerated. For best carbonation, prepare sparkling tonic just before serving.

Notes on safety: cinchona (quinine) can be a strong active ingredient. Use in moderation. If using pre-made cinchona extract or powdered quinine, follow supplier dosing guidelines. Avoid excessive consumption and consult medical advice if you have conditions or medications contraindicated with quinine.