Buy Tonic Online at Barrel & Batch

Tonic water is more than just a mixer—it’s a key ingredient in crafting balanced cocktails. With its bitter quinine taste, combined with light sweetness, tonic water is essential for drinks like the Gin & Tonic or creative modern cocktails. At Barrel & Batch, we offer a carefully curated selection of premium tonic waters to suit your favourite spirits.

How Tonic Water Is Made

Tonic water’s unique flavour comes from its combination of quinine, water, sugar, and carbonation. Originally used as a remedy for malaria, quinine is extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree. Today, quinine is added in much smaller doses to give tonic water its characteristic bitter flavour. The production process involves dissolving quinine in water, adding sugar to balance the bitterness, and then carbonating the mixture to create the fizzy tonic we know today.

Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with many tonic water producers now offering natural sweeteners and botanical extracts to enhance the taste. Premium brands like Fevertree and StrangeLove have perfected this balance, ensuring their tonic waters complement a range of spirits while maintaining a clean, crisp taste.

Explore Different Types of Tonic Water

Classic Tonic Water

Classic tonic water combines the familiar bitterness of quinine with a touch of sweetness, perfect for pairing with a variety of gins and vodkas.

Top Pick: Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water (200ml) – Ideal for pairing with London Dry Gin, this tonic water enhances the botanicals in gin and delivers a crisp, clean taste.

Flavoured Tonic Water

Flavoured tonic waters offer an innovative way to enjoy cocktails, adding depth with unique botanical or citrus notes. These are ideal for experimenting with different spirits.

Top Pick: Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic Water (500ml) – A floral option that pairs well with light gins and vodkas, perfect for summer cocktails.

Low-Calorie Tonic Water

For those seeking a healthier alternative, low-calorie options are perfect. These tonics retain the bitter notes of quinine but cut back on sweetness, making them ideal for lighter, more refreshing drinks.

Top Pick: Fever Tree Refreshingly Light Mediterranean Tonic (500ml) – A lighter tonic that retains all the crisp flavour but with fewer calories, great for pairing with gin or vodka.

Tonic Water Trends in 2024

The demand for premium tonic waters continues to grow, driven by the rise of at-home cocktail culture and the increasing preference for mixers made with natural ingredients and low-sugar options. In Australia, consumers are increasingly turning to local brands like StrangeLove and Long Rays, which offer unique flavour profiles featuring native botanicals.

Additionally, there’s an increasing focus on health-conscious options, with low-calorie and low-sugar tonics becoming more popular. Brands are responding by developing tonic waters that still deliver on flavour but with a lighter approach. Fevertree’s Light Tonic and StrangeLove’s Light Tonic are standout examples of this growing trend.

Premixed Drinks Featuring Tonic Water

Tonic water’s versatility makes it a key ingredient for a variety of cocktails. Here are a few popular options:

• Gin & Tonic: A classic combination that never fails, Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water paired with a gin like Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin creates a crisp, refreshing drink. Garnish with lime for a fresh twist.
• Vodka Tonic: For a cleaner, lighter option, use Fever Tree Naturally Light Tonic with premium vodka like Belvedere, and garnish with a twist of lemon.
• Australian Gin with StrangeLove Coastal Tonic: StrangeLove’s Coastal Tonic adds a herbal, salty complexity, making it an excellent match for Australian craft gins like Ink Gin or Four Pillars.

Our Top Tonic Water Brands at Barrel & Batch

We feature a selection of premium tonic waters from top brands that offer a variety of flavours to suit your cocktail preferences:

• Fevertree: Known for its all-natural ingredients, Fevertree’s lineup includes Indian Tonic Water, Elderflower Tonic, and Mediterranean Tonic, offering versatile mixers for various spirits.
• Long Rays: This Australian brand is loved for its use of local ingredients and sustainable practices. Their Citrus Tonic and Premium Native Tonic are designed to pair well with Australian craft spirits.
• StrangeLove: StrangeLove stands out for its bold and inventive tonic waters, such as Dirty Tonic and Coastal Tonic, which incorporate native Australian botanicals, adding a unique twist to any cocktail.

Innovations in Tonic Water

The tonic water industry has seen a surge in innovation, particularly in the areas of flavour profiles and health-conscious choices. Fevertree, for example, has introduced a range of flavoured tonics, from Elderflower to Cucumber, allowing drinkers to customise their cocktails. Additionally, the rise of botanical-infused tonics has opened up new possibilities for pairing with craft gins, as brands explore complex combinations of herbs and citrus.

Health-focused options have also grown in popularity, with many producers now offering low-sugar and natural sweetener alternatives. This caters to a broader audience of consumers who are more health-conscious but still want to enjoy premium drinks. Innovations in packaging, such as eco-friendly bottles and sustainable sourcing of ingredients, have also become integral in meeting the demands of environmentally aware consumers.

Sustainability in the Tonic Water Industry

A growing trend in the tonic water industry is the focus on sustainability. Brands are increasingly using recyclable packaging and sourcing local ingredients to reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, Long Rays uses eco-friendly packaging and works with local Australian farmers to source its ingredients. Similarly, StrangeLove is committed to sustainability, producing tonics that highlight the flavours of Australia while reducing environmental impact.

Food Pairings with Tonic Water

Tonic water pairs well with more than just spirits—it can also elevate food pairings:

• Gin & Tonic with Oysters: The briny, mineral-rich flavours of oysters are complemented by the bitter notes in Fevertree Indian Tonic.
• Dirty Tonic with Charcuterie: StrangeLove’s Dirty Tonic pairs perfectly with a rich charcuterie board, balancing the savoury flavours of cured meats and cheeses.
• Elderflower Tonic with Soft Cheese: The floral sweetness of Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic is an excellent match for creamy cheeses like brie or camembert.

Shop Tonic Water at Barrel & Batch

At Barrel & Batch, we offer a selection of premium tonic waters that bring out the best in your cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic Gin & Tonic or are looking to experiment with flavoured tonics, our collection ensures that you’ll find the perfect option to suit your tastes. Shop now and enjoy fast, reliable delivery across Australia.