Postcards from the Trail

Homemade Tonic Water

I know... this would probably be more appropriate for summer but I recently made tonic water. I have been looking for something to drink during the day and I'm a big fan of soda. But I do not like HFCS. Many of the standard tonic waters like Schweppes and Canadian Dry contain corn syrup instead of cane sugar. You can buy some premium tonic waters but I need something I can drink regularly.

I've been intrigued with the idea of making my own soda. I'd love to have a Sodastream to make my own carbonated water but I hate buying something that I have to get refills.

I came across a recipe recently on Serious Eats. Most of the recipes use cinchonia bark and it turns out a good source of it is a local herbalist - Tenzing Momo.

We visited downtown Seattle this weekend and we made a trip to the Pike Place Market. I just had to get some bark and try it.

What fun! It is great. Just the right amount of bitter and good clean citrus flavors. So easy. I have a jar of it in the fridge that I add to Sparkling water or tap water. Give it a try. Disclaimer: Don't forget that cinchonia bark does contain quinine. See WebMD for potential side effects