Ingredient: Tonic Water

Tonic water is a quinine-containing soft drink with a slightly bitter taste.

In the past, tonic water (English tonic means "invigorating, strengthening", see also tonic) was part of the standard equipment of many European colonial armies. The higher quinine content of the drink at that time was an effective protection against malaria. To achieve this effect, the tonic water had to be drunk regularly. Because of the bitter taste, it was often mixed with gin to make gin and tonic. Legend has it that British sailors invented the long drink derived from it.