7 best tonic waters for delicious, grown-up drinks this Dry January
On a quest to find the perfect T to your G? We've scoured the supermarkets and tried all the major brands, to find the best tonic water to complement your chosen gin.
And if you're giving Dry January a go this year, our tried and tested tonic waters are also the perfect way to liven up your favourite no and low alcohol spirits, creating delicious, grown-up drinks for sipping when you want to go booze free.
With a range of botanicals and formats, there's plenty to consider...
Best tonic water 2025
What tonic goes best with gin?
Back in the 18th century, quinine was drunk with water as a preventative measure against malaria. Later, gin, lime and sugar were added to make it more enjoyable, and the G&T was born. These days, the volumes of quinine used are greatly reduced and it simply adds a bitter twist, often sweetened by the addition of sugar.
Gin and tonic is probably one of the most well-known cocktails. We’d recommend mixing one part gin to three parts tonic and enjoying with plenty of ice and a citrus slice, alongside other garnishes — fresh herb sprigs and cucumber ribbons work well.
Complex gins such as Elephant Dry pair well with Indian tonic waters, while fresh, floral gins like Bombay Sapphire are perfect with Mediterranean tonic.
Or mix things up and try it with rum or tequila, for a long drink with a twist. We're also big fans of refreshing white port and tonic, with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. Make a big jug for an impressive, yet fuss-free, aperitif.
When deciding what tonic to stock up on, it's also worth considering the format. Once open, tonic goes flat fast. If you only indulge in the odd tipple now and then, you may prefer individual mini cans or bottles over a larger sharing bottle, to keep your bubbles fresh and vibrant.
If you're opting for an alcohol-free thirst-quencher, the same principles apply – check out our roundup of the best non-alcoholic spirits for plenty of Dry January inspiration.
How we test tonic water
The Good Housekeeping Institute experts sipped their way through 14 tonic waters to find the best bitter mixer. All were blinded to avoid brand bias and tried neat to fully assess the aroma and flavour. The top three highest-scoring products then went on to be tested with gin.
Our experts were looking for a well-balanced and refreshing beverage with subtle bitter notes, a hint of sweetness and a clean, crisp finish. The results are in.
Indian Tonic Water 24 x 200ml
Score: 91/100
It’s official, Double Dutch’s Indian tonic water has been crowned the best mixer to stock up on. It gained top marks for its complex flavour profile and delicious notes of orange, cinnamon and ginger. It’s a treat with gin, where the bitterness moves into the background, and the herbaceous notes shine.
Premium Indian Tonic Water 8 x 500ml
Score: 87/100
Using natural botanicals such as lemongrass, Fentimans was one of the bubbliest tonics we tried, with a strong, lemonade-like citrus aroma. On the palate you can expect more of a balanced flavour, with a prominent quinine bitterness.
Diet Indian Tonic Water 1L
Score: 85/100
Looking for a low-calorie option? Our testers found Morrisons' blend to be the most flavoursome, with well-integrated acidity, pronounced bubbles and a crisp, clean finish. When mixed with gin, the sweetness was more apparent, creating a smoother sip.
Mediterranean Tonic Water 500ml
Score: 83/100
Fever-Tree's Mediterranean tonic uses native ingredients such as Provencal lemon thyme to create a natural flavour that pairs well with the botanicals in gin. The light carbonation ensures a pleasant drinking experience, with a bitterness that builds gradually.
Light Tonic Water 4 x 200ml
Score: 77/100
Although better known for its Italian sparkling mineral water and flavoured fizzy drinks, San Pellegrino is also a top choice if you're watching the waistline. The light tonic is peppery and tart, with subtle citrus notes that should pair well with more delicate gins.
Low Calorie Indian Tonic Water 1L
Score: 70/100
Despite being a low-calorie mixer, Tesco’s well-priced tonic has a welcome yet surprising grapefruit aroma, which leads to a sweet (and somewhat artificial) finish. The fizz is pleasant and light, and the bitterness subtle, which should mean it’s versatile enough for most spirits.
Classic London Tonic 24 x 200ml
Score: 70/100
The Artisan Drinks Company was designed by drinks professionals, to pair with craft spirits. Made with natural ingredients such as fresh quinine and citrus, it has a floral quality, refreshing minerality and gentle fizz.
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