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What is tonic water? What is it made of? Popular mixed drink ingredient explained.

Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY
·3 min read

Maybe you’re curious about the ingredients in your gin and tonic — or maybe you saw “quinine” on a nutrition label and want to make sure what you’re drinking is safe for consumption.

Quinine is, after all, a medicine used to treat malaria, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to the Malaria Journal, made available by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the drug has been in use since as early as the 17th century.

Regardless of whether your interest was piqued by this ingredient or another, here’s the information you’re after.

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What is tonic water?

Tonic water is a carbonated soda water with dissolved quinine and often added sugars, according to The Spruce Eats.

The drink tastes bitter, thanks to a dash of quinine, and is a common mixer with alcohol — but you shouldn’t worry about overdosing on the malaria medication. According to Agilent Technologies, the drink contains between 50 and 60 parts per million of quinine, which is less than the 83 parts per million allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The common mixer is used in popular alcoholic drinks such as gin and tonic, vodka tonic, whiskey tonic and more, according to A Couple Cooks.

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Is tonic water good for you?

Although tonic water is certainly safe for consumption, it might not be the healthiest option. According to Medical News Today, the drink could cause you to consume more calories than you need — especially if you’re drinking tonic water with added sugars.

If you’re drinking tonic water in excess, Medical News Today lists the following (though very unlikely) potential side effects of quinine consumption:

  • Ringing ears

  • Vomiting

  • Stomach cramps

  • Nervousness

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Confusion

If you experience any of these side effects or have any questions about how tonic water may interact with your diet, make sure to talk to your doctor.

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How is tonic water different from club soda?

Club soda is carbonated water with added minerals. Many mixologists use it interchangeably with sparkling mineral water, sparkling water, soda water and seltzer water because of their similarities, according to MasterClass.

The biggest difference between club soda and tonic water is the flavor, says MasterClass. While club soda has a mild flavor, tonic water is bitter and sweet.

Club soda, which typically contains zero calories and no sugar, according to the USDA, is often healthier than tonic water, which has added sweeteners.

Although both can add bubbles to a cocktail, they are used in different contexts. Tonic water is most famous for its use in gin and tonic, while club soda is used in drinks like a mojito or a Tom Collins, according to MasterClass.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is tonic water? What is in this popular mixed drink ingredient?