Best Substitutes for Tonic water

Out of Tonic water? Here are the best alternatives that work in cocktail recipes.

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Original Ingredient

Tonic water

Other Bitter quinine nose with subtle citrus and herbal botanicals. Palate is assertively bitter with effervescent carbonation and dry mineral character. Long, drying finish with quinine astringency.

Recommended Substitutes

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Club soda

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Soda Water

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Bitter lemon

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

General Substitution Tips

  • Match the alcohol level: a 40% spirit needs a similarly strong replacement or adjust volume.
  • For liqueurs, dilute spirits + simple syrup can replicate sweetness and proof.
  • Citrus substitutions: lemon and lime are mostly interchangeable at a 1:1 ratio.
  • For bitters, Angostura is the most neutral substitute for most other aromatic bitters.