The best tonic waters for a babein’ G&T

Pass us the Fever Tree

best tonic water

by Louella Berryman |
Updated on

Is there anything better at the end of a long work week than an ice-cold gin and tonic?

Whether it's clutched in the hands of Normal People's Paul Mescal, or being sipped by Fleabag's hot priest, we're into it.

Now we're all gin aficionados, it's about time we invested in some seriously good-tasting tonic water for our fancy gin collection.

All tonics have the basics - carbonated water, the signature bitter taste of quinine and various sweeteners, but some are better than others.

There's a whole world of tonic out there to try, from sweet and simple elderflower to funky pomegranate and premium classics.

So go on, stock up on some of our favourites for the ultimate G&T.

Check out heat's recommendations for the best tonic waters

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Gallery

Make your best ever gin and tonic with these posh mixers

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CREDIT: Amazon

Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Cucumber Tonic Water, 8x150ml

Flavoured tonic waters are a total game-changer. We love the clean, simple taste of this cucumber-infused tonic, and it comes in these cute one-portion cans instead of plastic bottles.

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CREDIT: Amazon

Fentimans Premium Indian Tonic Water, 500 ml (Pack of 8)

You might've seen Fentiman's posh lemonade on the menu at your favourite cafe, but did they know they do tonic water too? We love the fresh kick from the lemongrass extract in Fentimans' unique blend, perfect for that zingy G&T.

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CREDIT: Amazon

Double Dutch - 500ml - 8 Bottles - Pomegranate and Basil Flavoured Tonic Water

We love a funky flavoured mixer and this Double Dutch tonic water does the job nicely. The pomegranate and basil tonic is made with 100% natural ingredients and tastes uber sophisticated.

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CREDIT: The Whiskey Exchange

London Essence Co. Tonic Water Selection

If you're constantly reaching for the slimline tonic, you'll love London Essence's tonic waters. They're low in calories and contain only natural sweetness. They also do fun flavours like grapefruit and rosemary.

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CREDIT: The Whiskey Exchange

Bermondsey Tonic Water

Now, you might be thinking, why is my tonic water yellow? This London-based tonic company uses Cinchona bark, the key ingredient that gives tonic its characteristic bitter taste, instead of artificial solvents, giving the tonic water it's unusual amber colour. If you want something top-notch and a little different, give this warm, dry tonic a try.

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CREDIT: The Whiskey Exchange

1724 Tonic Water

This super fresh tonic is made at 1724 metres above sea level (geddit), giving it a super fresh and unique flavour. It's inspired by the heights of the Andes, which is where quinine was actually discovered - who knew?

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CREDIT: Amazon

Fever-Tree Tonic Elderflower 8X150ml Can

Who doesn't love a bit of elderflower? Fever tree hits the spot again this these cans of refreshing and floral elderflower tonics.

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CREDIT: Amazon

Schweppes Indian Tonic Water Mini Cans 12 x 150ml

Ah yes, the classic Schweppes tonic water. Keep it simple with the king of tonics, always available when you need it with a classic taste. We've picked cans because they're better for the planet than nasty plastic bottles.

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What is in tonic water?

It's pretty simple, actually. It's carbonated water with quinine (the element that gives tonic water it's classic bitter taste).

Some brands add sugar for sweetness too, and if you're not a fan of bitterness you can check out some of the flavoured versions in our list.

Is tonic water good for you?

Back in ye olden days (British colonial India), the British mixed medicinal tonic water with gin to prevent them from getting malaria.

Nowadays, there's much less quinine (the ingredient said to prevent malaria infections) in our tonic water, so it doesn't have the same medicinal effects.

What are the benefits of drinking tonic water?

Overall tonic water doesn't really have any benefits, but it might be beneficial to swap out sugar drinks like lemonade for a slimline tonic if you're watching your sugar intake.

How many calories are in tonic water?

On average, your classic serving of tonic water contains 124 calories.

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