G&T, or gin and tonic, has certainly become a cult favourite drink in recent years. The combination of gin and tonic water can be easily adjusted to suit different tastes, with a variety of gins and tonic waters available to choose from. It is true that the gin revolution in India has been quite remarkable, but its ally, tonic water brands, has largely come from outside of India. However, it’s important to note that tonic water traces its origins to India, where it was first concocted by the British, using ingredients like quinine and sugar mixed with carbonated water. Cut to now, the original Indian tonic water is back on the shelves, thanks to these artisanal homegrown tonic water brands:
1. Svami
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Founded by Mumbai-based trio, Aneesh Bhasin, Sahil Jatana and Rahul Mehra, Svami happens to be one of the first Indian brands to enter the homegrown tonic water space. They have game-changing flavours like grapefruit, cucumber, lemon, and even ginger ale. The concept of producing zero-proof beverages is what distinguishes the brand. This implies that these tonics can be consumed on their own if a person does not wish to drink alcohol. They provide all the complexity and flavour that a superb cocktail would but without alcohol.
Cost: ₹780 onwards (pack of 6)
2. Bengal Bay
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Said to be India’s first organic tonic water with a blend of the finest indigenous botanicals and natural flavours, this tonic water brings a different nuance to the flavour table. Founded by Rishabh Gupta, the organic tonic water is mostly crafted in small batches with organically sourced botanicals that are free of artificial flavours or preservatives.
Cost: ₹1,188 onwards (pack of 12)
Also Read: 10 Offbeat Gins In India To Try & Ultimately Add To Your Home Bar!
3. Jade Forest
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Founded by Shuchir Suri and Punweet Singh, this homegrown tonic water brand uses mindfully-selected botanicals, herbs and spices that deliver great taste with every single sip. Additionally, their packaging is to watch out for with quirky artwork all over.
Cost: ₹570 onwards (pack of 6)
4. PEER
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Lavanya Anand & Anant Jangwal are the founders of this new tonic water brand, PEER. The tonic water comprises no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or flavouring, and uses all-natural quinine to bring out the authentic taste of the alcohol. In addition, this is definitely one of the new homegrown tonic water brands to watch for!
Cost: ₹570 onwards (pack of 6)
5. Sepoy & Co.
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Founded by Angad Soni, Sepoy & Co. is another revolutionary tonic water brand in the homegrown space. Half designed in London and half in India, this tonic water is an all-natural and low–sugar botanical mix made with essential oils and quinine. Moreover, the flavours are innovative as well, some with floral touches of elderflower, and some with traces of spices like cardamom, cinnamon and clove.
Cost: ₹570 onwards (pack of 6)
Also Read: Know Your Liquor: 9 Amazing Gin Facts You Must Know!
Which of these homegrown tonic waters have you tried it?
Cover image credits: Press release/Sepoy & Co.