I still drink tonic because I still drink gin. Of course I still drink gin! I could barely get through if it wasn’t for gin! But no matter how pressing the need I will not drink tonic from plastic bottles.
Tonic options are
Tonic in tins which are of course are plastic lined.
Glass bottles with metal plastic lids. (N.B. even metal lids have a plastic lining cap.)
Tonic syrups glass or plastic. Greener as the concentrated syrup means no water and so massively reduce transport costs of tonic. But you have to source some fizzy water.
I recently got myself a Soda Stream which means I can make my own carbonated water
So while there are some plastic elements, all of the above represent a massive reduction in plastic.
Tins
Yes I know tins are plastic lined…..but I need that gin. Only joking under 18s. Hardly touch a drop.
Another downside is that the cans are rather small and I have a lot of very thirsty lady friends. It can get pricey.The plus side is, that if like me you only have a very small snifter, very occasionally, your tonic is always fresh!
Other advantages include
Tins are light to carry
They have a high recycle value.
So I used to buy Schweppes tonic in cardboard packs of 6 tins. At least I did till that happened…. Yes that is plastic wrapping. So I moved onto Tescos own brand which is not too bad. Same deal – 6 tins in a cardboard box. You can get a similar tonic package from Sainsburys – bigger cans but not so much to my taste. And now Schweppes have reappeared unwrapped.
But I have other problems with Schweppes. They are owned by Cocoa-Cola I am trying to only buy British/Buy local So back to Tescos own. You can find other British owned supermarkets here.
Bottles
You can buy tonics in glass
But bottles are heavy.
And have a low recycle value.
Fevertree are good. You can find out more (including where to buy) from their website. But they are pricy – way too pricy for me.
Syrups
Add fizzy water to tonic syrups. Where do you get plastic free fizzy water. I got a Soda Stream that makes fizzy water, and I have been experimenting with tonic syrups.
Syrups are great because you are only transporting the concentrated syrup and not all the added water. this makes it a much greener option.
In Plastic
Sodastream do their own tonic mix but it comes in a plastic bottle.
Heres some blurb from the website
“One 500ml bottle of sodamix will make up to 12 litres of fresh soda, equal to 33 cans.Plus, it contains up to 50% less sugar and carbs than leading (store bought) drinks. Make it the way you want, more or less bubbles, more or less sugar, it’s your choice!”
At 2.50 its a bargain but you have to buy online which probably involves more plastic!
read more and buy here.
In Glass
You can get tonic syrup in bottles with metal caps. Metal caps of course have a plastic liner or small disc to prevent leakage. It’s a tiny amount but it is plastic.
These luxury tonics are extremely expensive but boast spectacular credentials.
Jack Rudy Tonic
“An intriguing cocktail ingredient for mixologists, the Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Classic Tonic Syrup is made using a quinine distillate, along with a subtle selection of botanicals and a touch of cane sugar for sweetness”. £12.80 for 500ml.
buy online see below
BTW Tonic Syrup
A concentrated tonic syrup, created by Nick Crispini from London gin bar 214 Bermondsey and fellow gin lover Lawrence Mason. BTW Tonic Water is made to be mixed with carbonated water, allowing you to make a tonic water to your own tastes. It can also be used in cocktails to impart a daring kick of cinchona bark bitterness.
Made in the Uk but rather pricy at £18.31 for 500ml
Try before you buy
The gin experts at BTW run their own gin bar in Bermondsey (214 Bermondsey, on Bermondsey Street). They know the secret to making the best gin and tonic.
Relaxed, underground bar with reclaimed wood furniture, offering dozens of gins plus cocktails.
Address: 214 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TQ
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 11PM
Menu: 214-bermondsey.co.uk
Buy online see below
Jeffreys Tonic
We come from and live in Chester and currently make Jeffrey’s Tonic Syrups in the NoWFood Centre at The University of Chester. We hope you love it as much as we do!
The Original recipe is where we started – in the Far East, actually! It was our first foray, which was so well received we were encouraged to do more. Cassia, nutmeg, and allspice.. works great with a nice clean London dry gin, or even with whisky and ginger!
Original Recipe – 250ml
Price£8.75 Buy on line – see below
TONIC syrup in a bottle at Waitrose
“Bring something new to the party
For a different take on a G&T, try these handcrafted tonic syrups from Montreal. The Tonic Syrup is made from natural cinchona bark, the ingredient that gives tonic water its appetising bitterness, and makes a great G&T mixed with soda water and your favourite gin. Try shaking up a cocktail, or simply add a splash of syrup to sparkling water to enhance the flavour”Read more.
Canadian made, (I think). But not plastic packed – see below.
Buy
I bought on line from Masters Of Malt who have a great selection but dreadful packaging.
Next time I will go to Waitrose.
More
You can find other plastic-free boozes and related items here
N.B.
lines changes, products get removed. For more information why not ask the Plastic Is Rubbish FB group for updates. They are a great source of tidbits, personal experience and the latest news. Why not join them and share the plastic free love x
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