Real tonic water isn’t clear - but why.
We’ve been drinking tonic for a long time. As long as we can remember really and there is one thing that has remained consistent. Our tonic has always been clear, it’s always had bubbles and it’s usually slightly bitter in taste.
So why have we never known this? Real tonic, isn’t clear? Quinine is a key ingredient in tonic and raw quinine bark is a golden colour. Most tonic companies actually artificially bleach the bark to create a clear tonic water.
Sea Buck Tonic, our November Box tonic partner, stay away from this artificial process and infuse the bark raw. Because of this natural process, their tonic is golden.
We found it fascinating that we had never heard of that process before and if you hadn’t either, then every day is a school day and that’s something you can share round the dinner table tonight!
Along with with the raw quinine bark, Sea Buck use locally foraged sea buckthorn berries from the dunes of various Cornish beaches. This gives Sea Buck its distinctly refreshing and signature taste. All of their tonics also contain natural botanicals such as orange peel, lemon peel, lemongrass and many others amongst their flavoured range which includes Elderflower, Cucumber and Mint and Blackberry and Honey. This tonic recently won gold in the taste of the west awards!
According to legend, it was the magical sea buckthorn that allowed pegasus to fly, although the theory hasn’t been scientifically proven. We spoke with the Co-Founder of Sea Buck, Pablo Rule and he tells us “Obviously we’re not trying to make horses fly, but we do think it works perfectly in tonic along with a perfect blend of other natural ingredients.”
So, where did tonic water actually originate?
In 1825, the British Army officers stationed in India began blending quinine with water, sugar and gin. This made their malaria fighting medicine more palatable.
Tonic is also becoming extremely versatile. Not only can tonic be paired with your favourite alcohol-free spirit (we paired Sea Buck with Pentire this month for the perfect Cornish match) but tonic is now being paired in all sorts of unique combinations such as a coffee spritz. A double espresso over ice topped up with Sea Buck!
Try it - it might be the match made in heaven you have been waiting for.
If you missed Sea Buck’s Tonic and Blackberry and Honey Tonic in the JOMO Club November Box, you can buy your very own supply on their website here. You can also follow them @seabucktonic to be inspired for a ‘real tonic’ and a sprinkling of pegasus magic.
