Tonic Water Cocktail
A Tonic Water Cocktail is a refreshing mixed drink that pairs the bitter-sweet effervescence of tonic water with a chosen spirit, most classically gin, though vodka, rum, or whiskey are also popular. Its core ingredients are the spirit, tonic water, and a citrus garnish like lime or lemon. This style of drink has its roots in British colonial India, where gin was added to medicinal tonic water to make it more palatable.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This cocktail is typically high in carbohydrates, almost entirely from the sugar in the tonic water, with negligible fat or protein. A standard serving can range from 150 to 250 calories, depending on the spirit and the amount of tonic used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Quinine | trace |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.1 mg |
| Magnesium | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 5 mg |
| Zinc | 0.1 mg |
Per 1 cocktail (approx. 240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The drink's origin is a fascinating example of how a medicinal product (quinine tonic) evolved into a social beverage. Its signature bitter note from quinine makes it a unique palate cleanser that pairs exceptionally well with the botanicals in gin.
