Teresa's Recipes
Homemade Tonic Water
Delight in the crisp, refreshing taste of homemade tonic water, a perfect companion to spirits like gin and vodka. This invigorating drink is not just a mixer; it's a celebration of botanical flavors enhanced by the subtle bitterness of cinchona bark, which has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Enjoy this vibrant tonic water over ice, garnished with fresh citrus slices for a truly artisanal experience.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cold water
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1, zested and juiced Orange
- 1, zested and juiced Lime
- 1, zested and juiced Lemon
- 1 teaspoon Citric acid
- 2 tablespoons, crushed Cinchona bark
- 2 cups Additional cold water
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Beverage
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Sugar: 15g
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine 4 cups of cold water, crushed cinchona bark, citric acid, and the zest and juice of the orange, lime, and lemon.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once done, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding the solids left behind.
- Return the liquid to the pot and add the sugar, stirring continuously until it is completely dissolved over low heat.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature before stirring in an additional 2 cups of cold water to dilute and enhance its refreshing qualities.
- Pour the tonic water into a clean bottle or jar, seal it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled over ice, garnished with fresh slices of lemon, lime, or orange for an extra zest.
Tips
- For a touch of herbal flavor, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme during the simmering process.
- Experiment with different citrus combinations, such as grapefruit or blood orange, for varied flavor profiles.
- This tonic water can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before serving.