Homemade Tonic Water

Ingredients

Cold water

4 cups

Sugar

1 cup

Orange

1, zested and juiced

Lime

1, zested and juiced

Lemon

1, zested and juiced

Citric acid

1 teaspoon

Cinchona bark

2 tablespoons, crushed

Additional cold water

2 cups

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Once done, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding the solids left behind.
4. Return the liquid to the pot and add the sugar, stirring continuously until it is completely dissolved over low heat.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before stirring in an additional 2 cups of cold water to dilute and enhance its refreshing qualities.
6. Pour the tonic water into a clean bottle or jar, seal it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator.
7. Serve chilled over ice, garnished with fresh slices of lemon, lime, or orange for an extra zest.