Helping you make a conscious decision for the perfect mixer!

When looking to mix up a perfect simple serve, create a cocktail or even sip solo, we look at the drinks we are pairing with the mixer, the flavours involved and of course your own personal preferences!

A G&T is fairly straight forward, however with non-alcoholic drinks there is a lot to consider - with flavour and taste being everything.

When alcohol-free spirits came on the market, there were concerns around the taste of products - four years later we have hundreds to choose from and we are in a vastly different place! The problem we now face is where to start and getting through them all - what a position to be in.

So, back to the task at hand - what exactly is the difference between tonic and soda?

Tonic

Tonic is made from carbonated water and quinine, found from the bark of the cinchona tree. This gives it the bitter flavour.

Origin of tonic: quinine was actually used as an anti-malaria medicine. The bitter taste was so awful they added gin, sugar and soda water and the rest was history.

Soda

Soda is without quinine and in the simplest form, carbonated water.

What do we need to consider when looking at the two for our drink companion?

Taste:

Simply, if you like the bitter flavour of tonic then it’s a go. If not, soda could be the one for you. Soda can be plain or flavoured and isn’t quite so sharp.

Ingredients:

Soda’s make up of carbonated water is super low in calories and sugars, making it a preferable choice for the health conscious. Having said that, tonics have come a long way and you can health consciously choose tonic with many brands offering naturally low in sugar with fewer ingredients in the bottle. If you are choosing tonic, check the label and the brand so you aren’t hit with extra unwanted calories and ingredients.

Pairing:

If you love both soda and tonic and just cannot decide between the two then why not take some guidance from your other ingredients? This can often steer you in the right direction. For example, Caleño’s Dark and Spicy alcohol-free spirit pairs super well with Double Dutch’s Soda but their Light and Zesty spirit pairs better with Double Dutch’s Skinny Tonic - so much to choose from, isn’t it exciting!

One of the founders of Double Dutch, Raissa de Haas talks to us about how ’Sodas are more versatile and easier to pair with spirits. They are also nicer to drink on their own.’

With an increased awareness and interest in health and fitness we were keen to see whether Double Dutch had seen an increase in popularity for soda and what this could be down to. Raissa shares ‘We have definitely seen an increase in popularity for soda. Since Covid, people are flavour exploring at home with cocktail exploration. People are looking for more than the standard drinks. Over the last few years, drinks have been following the trends of food and people are looking to explore different flavour profiles.’

Mixing innovation with passion, Double Dutch are definitely going above the ordinary. Along with their classic soda water, Founders Raissa and Joyce are bringing a significant level of class and flavour to our soda lives with their new flavoured range!

We have a Bloody Mary soda with pepper and a Cucumber Margarita soda with chilli! Each can be paired with your favourite drink or savoured on their own.

Their other flavoured mixers include; Pomegranate & Basil, Cucumber & Watermelon, (which were their first ever flavours!) and Cranberry & Ginger. You never have to drink dull again.

You can find out all about how Double Dutch create their unique and striking flavours in August’s member’s magazine, exclusive to the JOMO Club!

A few of our favourite Double Dutch recipes:

Raspberry Smash

• 6 Muddled raspberries

• 20ml Lime juice

• 10ml Honey

• Top up with Pomegranate & Basil

• Add all the ingredients to a glass and muddle gently. Add cubed ice and stir.

Ginger Tiki Beer

• 50ml Pineapple juice

• 10ml Lime juice

• Top up with up Double Dutch Ginger Beer

You can find Double Dutch and start experimenting today on their website and in Waitrose, Ocado and Amazon.