Tonic water is a crucial ingredient in classic cocktails such as Gin and Tonic. This sophisticated cocktail has been popular for over a hundred years. The two flavors have been a pair since colonial times and taste better together than apart. It’s a chemistry that has been well studied by many gentlemen.
Tonic water is considered gluten-free. The main ingredients in tonic water are carbonated water, sweetener, citric acid, natural flavors, and quinine. Most tonics are not labeled gluten-free, but this could be due to cross-contamination from other products made on their assembly lines. Other gluten-free alternatives to tonic water include Olipop Sparkling Tonic, Perrier, and Zevia Lemon Lime Twist.
Let’s chat about the origins of tonic water, the main ingredient that gives it a unique taste, several tonics on the market and the differences in their ingredients, and then some alternatives to add to your mixed beverages.
History
Before becoming a popular ingredient in mixed drinks, tonic water was recommended to British soldiers to protect them from diseases during their explorations. Medicinal quinine was mixed with soda and sugar to mask its bitter taste. Soldiers soon mixed it with their gin rations to make the quinine tolerable and the famous mixed drink was born.
These days tonic is mixed with gin or vodka and includes a squeeze of lemon or lime. Did you know that you can even buy Gin & Tonic in a can?
If you like the taste, you can drink tonic alone or mix it with fruit juice for a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage.
What is Quinine?
Quinine comes from the bark of the cinchona tree, which is found in Peru. While traditionally used to treat malaria, it can also be used to treat leg cramps. It is used in tonic water and bitter lemon drink mixers to give it a unique taste. Quinine is limited to less than 83 parts per million in beverages sold in the United States. It does have some risk in large quantities.
Tonic Water Nutritional Information
Canada Dry
A more popular brand of drink mixers, this is less natural due to the addition of high fructose corn syrup. This gives it a high carbohydrate content, which is mostly sugars. This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Benzoate
- Quinine
- Natural Flavors
Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):
- 140 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 50mg Sodium
- 36g Carbohydrates (35g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
Schweppes
The world’s first soft drink was Schweppes Tonic Water in 1783. They also have a diet flavor. This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.
Varieties:
- Regular
- Diet
Regular Tonic Water
Ingredients in Regular Tonic Water:
- Carbonated Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Benzoate
- Quinine
- Natural Flavors
Nutrition Facts (per 12 fl oz):
- 130 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 55mg Sodium
- 33g Carbohydrates (33g Sugar)
- 0g Protein
Diet Tonic Water
Ingredients in Diet Tonic Water:
- Carbonated Water
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Citrate
- Sodium Benzoate
- Sodium Saccharin
- Quinine
- Natural Flavors
Nutrition (per 12 fl oz):
- 0 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 105mg Sodium
- 0g Carbohydrates (0g Sugar)
- 0g Protein
Fever-Tree
This company takes tonic water to an art. Each is designed to mix with certain alcohols to create the perfect mixed cocktail. Ingredients are sourced from all over the world. They are not labeled gluten-free, but there are no gluten ingredients.
Varieties:
- Citrus
- Sparkling Lime & Yuzu
- Premium Indian
- Refreshingly Light Premium Indian
- Refreshingly Light Cucumber
- Elderflower
- Mediterranean
- Aromatic
- Lemon
Citrus Tonic Water
Ingredients in Citrus Tonic Water:
- Carbonated Spring Water
- Sugar
- Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavoring including Natural Quinine
- Natural Colors
- Angostura Bark Extract
- Bitter Orange and Mexican Key Lime Flavors
Nutrition Facts (per 100ml):
- 35 Calories
- 8.1g Carbohydrates
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 0g Protein
Polar Mixers
Founded in 1882, this company makes tonic water, club soda, ginger ale, and sours. This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.
Varieties:
- Regular
- Diet
- Tonic Water with Lime
- Diet Tonic Water with Lime
Tonic Water with Lime
Ingredients in Tonic Water with Lime:
- Carbonated Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Quinine
Nutrition Facts (per 12 fl oz):
- 120 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 32g Carbohydrates (31g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
- 0mg Potassium
Zevia Mixers Tonic Water
Mixers made with Stevia are zero-calorie, sugar-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and vegan.
Ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Natural Flavors
- Citric Acid
- Stevia Leaf Extract
- Quinine
Nutrition Facts (per can – 222ml):
- 0 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 0g Carbohydrates
- 0g Protein
Q Tonic
All-natural, non-GMO, and kosher with high levels of carbonation. Less sweet due to the use of real sugar as opposed to high fructose corn syrup. This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.
Varieties:
- Classic
- Light Tonic
- Elderflower Tonic
Elderflower Tonic
Ingredients in Elderflower Tonic:
- Carbonated Water
- Sugar
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavor
- Quinine
Nutrition Facts (per 7.5 fl oz can):
- 80 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 20g Carbohydrates (19g Sugar)
- 0g Protein
365 by Whole Foods Tonic Water
This is labeled organic and uses more natural ingredients. This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Invert Cane Sugar
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavor
- Quinine
Nutrition Facts (per can – 355ml):
- 160 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 40g Carbohydrates (38g Sugar)
- 0g Protein
- 0mg Sodium
Alternatives
Cushiedoos Quinine Free Tonic
Out of Scotland comes a tonic that does not use the traditional quinine. There are no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, and no “nasties” (their word – love it!). It also boasts 24% less sugar than the leading premium tonic.
Ingredients inferred from their website:
- Scottish Heather
- Scottish Silver Birch
- Yellow-flowering Gentian
- Wormwood
- British sugar beet
- Pure Scottish Water
Nutrition information is not available.
Olipop Sparkling Tonics
This company makes sparkling tonics that are a drink by themselves. They are gluten-free, low-sodium, and vegan. They do not contain quinine.
Varieties:
- Strawberry Vanilla
- Cinnamon Cola
- Ginger Lemon
Strawberry Vanilla
Ingredients in Strawberry Vanilla flavor:
- Purified Water
- Strawberry Juice Concentrate
- Olismart
- Chicory Root
- Jerusalem Artichoke
- Kudzu Root
- Cassava Fiber
- Cassava Syrup
- Marshmallow Root
- Slippery Elm Bark
- Nopal Cactus
- Calendula Flower
- Apple Juice
- Lemon Juice
- Stevia
- Pink Rock Salt
- Vanilla Bean Essence
- Strawberry Essence
Nutrition Facts (per 12 fl oz):
- 35 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 25mg Sodium
- 13g Carbohydrates (9g Fiber, 3g Sugar)
- 0g Protein
Seltzers
Seltzers are a great alternative to drink alone or add to mixed drinks. Plain seltzer water adds carbonation, while those with natural flavors add zing without adding calories. Seltzers are naturally gluten-free, and this one is labeled as such.
Polar 100% Natural Seltzer
- Original
- Lime
- Lemon
- Black Cherry
- Cranberry Lime
- Raspberry Lime
- Ruby Red Grapefruit
- Orange Vanilla
Ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Natural Flavors
Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):
- 0 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 0g Carbohydrates (0g Sugars)
- 0g Proteins
Club Soda
Another popular mixer for drinks is soda water or club soda. Soda water can be very simple or mixed with sweeter ingredients. It lacks a more bitter taste that mixes with some hard liquors.
Q Mixers Club Soda
This is very natural with few ingredients, and no artificial flavors or preservatives. It is certified non-GMO and kosher. It is also labeled gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Himalayan Sea Salt
Nutrition Facts (per 7.5 fl oz):
- 0 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 55mg Sodium
- 0g Carbohydrates
- 0g Protein
Perrier
This is often mixed in cocktails as well. It comes in original and many flavors. Original and Natural Flavors varieties are a great no-calorie option.
Varieties:
- Original
- Natural Flavors
- Pineapple
- Peach
- Watermelon
- Strawberry
- Lime
- Pink Grapefruit
- L’Orange
- Lemon
- Cucumber
- Fusions (mixed with real fruit juices)
- Pineapple & Mango
- Peach & Cherry
- Strawberry & Kiwi
- Lemon & Guava
Original and Natural Flavors
Ingredients in Original and Natural Flavors:
- Carbonated Mineral Water
- Natural Flavors
Nutrition Facts:
- 0 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 0g Carbohydrates
- 0g Protein
Lemon-Lime Sodas
For fizz, sugar, and some citrus flavor, sodas such as 7-up or Sprite are often mixed with drinks as well.
Zevia Lemon Lime Twist
This is gluten-free, kosher, low sugar, vegan, and keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavors
- Stevia Leaf Extract
Nutrition Facts (per 1 can – 355ml):
- 0 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 0g Carbohydrates
- 0g Protein
Ginger Ale
Often mixed with liquors for a delightful cocktail.
Zevia Ginger Ale
Gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Citric Acid
- Stevia Leaf Extract
- Natural Flavors
- Ginger Extract
Nutrition Facts (per 1 can – 355ml):
- 0 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 0mg Sodium
- 0g Carbohydrates
- 0g Protein
Related Questions
Is Tonic Water Vegan?
In its purest form, tonic water is just carbonated water with some flavorings. The origin of those flavorings will determine whether the tonic you choose is vegan. Some vegans object to high-fructose corn syrup found in some tonic waters due to pollution caused by corn production. This doesn’t make it non-vegan, but less ethical.
What Else Can I Mix Tonic With?
Besides Gin & Tonic, Vodka Tonics are popular. A popular Spanish drink called Light Flight mixes cold brew coffee, tonic, and fernet (a 70 proof liqueur made from roots and spices). A drink called the Witches’ Coffee House was created in a New Jersey tavern that adds scotch, coffee, and black lime syrup. If you are a quasi fan of Gin & Tonic, many variations add juices or syrups for a less harsh flavor.
Is Tonic Water Healthy?
Due to the added sugars, tonic water is not the healthiest mixer available. Diet tonic waters have artificial sweeteners which are not great either. In an occasional mixed drink, it’s ok to enjoy in moderation. There are plenty of healthier alternatives that give you the fizz and some flavor, such as seltzers, club soda, a natural lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or sparkling water.