Fentimans Artisan Tonic Waters (Northumberland)
Fentimans (Northumberland) makes a wide range of botanically brewed tonic waters, made with herbal infusions from lemongrass to Sicilian lemon oil.
Tonic water is mostly served as a mixer for gin and vodka, or sometimes alone as a refreshing drink. But it was originally used to help prevent malaria, as it contains quinine (from the bark of the cinchona tree).
It was so bitter that medics added gin, to make it more palatable. Modern tonic waters don’t have as much quinine, and are generally sweeter.
Check medication before drinking tonic water (contains quinine). Also avoid tonic water for pregnancy/nursing.
Before recycling cans, fully remove lids (and pop inside cans) or pop ring-pulls back over holes. Then pinch or flatten cans, to avoid curious creatures like hedgehogs (or snails/slugs) getting trapped inside.
Other artisan tonic waters
- Luscombe (Devon) blends Dartmoor spring water with wild or organic fruits, and Indian quinine. Also in flavoured versions (elderflower and grapefruit) and a Light version (sweetened with fruit sugar, with Japanese yuzu).
- Daylesford makes organic tonic water with dandelion, instead of quinine. Containing far less sugar, it’s bottled on a family farm in Devon. Choose from Light, cucumber, wild elderflower or Damescena rose.
