Schweppes Tonic Water Recipe

Make/Assemble Tonic Water

1. 1

   If using purchased tonic concentrate

   Chill the carbonated water thoroughly. In a clean pitcher, combine 180 ml purchased tonic concentrate with 30 ml simple syrup and 10 ml citric acid solution or fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Add 200 ml chilled carbonated water first to test dilution, taste and adjust — add more carbonated water up to 1 L total to achieve your preferred bitterness and sweetness balance. Finish with a small dash (about 1 tsp) of gentian tincture or a few drops Angostura to add depth. Keep chilled and serve over ice.

2. 2

   If using homemade quinine syrup (concentrate)

   If you have made or are using homemade quinine syrup, measure 180 ml of that syrup into a pitcher. Add 30 ml simple syrup and 10 ml citric acid solution (or lemon juice) and stir. Add 200 ml cold-filtered water and taste. Top up with chilled carbonated water to reach 1 L total, stirring gently to integrate without flattening the carbonation. Adjust sweetness/acidity with small additions of simple syrup or lemon juice as desired. Add about 1 tsp bittering agent (gentian or Angostura).

3. 3

   Zest aroma: Lightly bruise the lemon and lime peels by rolling them between your palms and briefly rub them along the rim of the pitcher or glass to release essential oils. Drop the peels into the pitcher for a faint citrus aroma (about 2 tbs each). Let sit for 5–10 minutes for aroma transfer, then remove if you prefer a clearer tonic.

4. 4

   Chill and carbonate preservation: Keep the assembled tonic in the refrigerator and consume within 3–4 days. If you want maximum fizz, mix concentrate and still water ahead of time but add chilled carbonated water just before serving (1:4 concentrate:carbonated water by volume typically).

5. 5

   Serve: Fill a highball or large wine glass with ice (to taste), pour 100–150 ml tonic over ice per drink (or top a 50–60 ml spirit with tonic), garnish with a lime wheel and rosemary sprig if desired. Stir gently once and serve immediately.