Quinine

(n.) An extract from the bark of the cinchona tree that when ingested can mitigate malaria symptoms. Discovered by the Peruvian Incas, this remedy was adopted by British colonialists in India in the 17th century and consumed with sugar and soda water as an anti-malarial tonic. An approximation of this would later be manufactured by Schweppes as tonic water. Modern mass-market tonic water contains synthetic quinine, but some boutique brands, like Fever Tree and Tomr’s, make an effort to use the real product. Bars and restaurants have also been experimenting with in-house versions.

Tagged: mixer, quinine, tonic