WHAT type of tonic do you reach for when it’s time for a refreshing G&T?
British brand Fever-Tree came top in a recent poll, but does it really taste any better over ice than supermarkets’ own versions?
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Laura Stott puts them to the test.
Fever-Tree Premium Tonic Water 8 x 150ml, £5.45
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Made with premium ingredients and with a price tag to match, this has a strong note of bitterness.
A luxury option which will set you back at the till but it does taste fresh and delicious.
Not too sweet, very well balanced and no nasty aftertaste.
Rating: 3/5
Indian Tonic Water 1L, 68p, Asda
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The taste is seriously impressive even before you throw in the cheap-as-chips price.
Extremely crisp, very dry and with sharp, buoyant bubbles and the perfect amount of bitterness, it was eminently gluggable.
Would be lovely poured into a Pimms, too.
Rating: 4/5
Tesco Finest Indian Tonic Water, 500ml, £1.80
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The fancy glass bottle looks luxurious.
You wouldn’t know it costs less than £2!
This is an aromatic sip with a nice sizzle of bubbles when you slurp.
Lovely flavour, zingy, dry and delicious and it tasted great paired with vodka over ice. I’d buy this one again.
Rating: 5/5
Deluxe Indian Tonic Water 8 x 150ml, £1.99, Lidl
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This supermarket mixer has all the look of the Fever-Tree brand.
Very fizzy, so it will add plenty of sparkle to your summertime tipple.
There’s a slight hint of aromatics when you sniff it.
A great price and I’d use it as a mixer with sweeter spirits.
Rating: 3/5
Indian Tonic Water 1L, 85p, Morrisons
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If you prefer sweeter mixers, this will be ideal.
I found it a bit lacking in flavour, and not very fizzy.
It will do fine for diluting a spirit if you add ice and plenty of slices but this wouldn’t be my go-to glug.
Tasted more like a slightly weak lemonade and left a peculiar aftertaste.
Rating: 2/5
Indian Tonic Water, £2.20, M&S/Ocado.com
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Another one in a fancy bottle, this M&S mixer costs more too.
Made with natural spring water and quinine, it is in the “Fever-Tree” style with a citrus tang.
Luxury tonic taste and fresh aroma. But you can find the same flavours for less money elsewhere.
Rating: 3/5
Ridge Valley Tonic Water 8 x 150ml, £1.99, Aldi
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These tonic waters in individual cans are a classic Aldi “dupe” drink.
While the look is almost identical to Fever-Tree, Aldi’s offerings are a lot cheaper so you get more for your money.
Nice flavour, with the right level of bitterness and hint of citrus.
Rating: 3/5
Indian Tonic Water 1L, 95p, Co-op
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The taste of this was not half bad.
It had a nice level of sparkle and the flavour was instantly recognisable as a proper tonic, without being too sour.
More on the sharp side, so it’s ideal with sweeter spirits or solo on the rocks with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Rating: 3/5
