What is Tonic water?
[[File:Tonic Water unter Normal- und UV-Licht.jpg|thumb|Tonic Water under regular and UV light (the quinine makes it glow in the dark).]] '''Tonic water''' is a kind of [[soda]] that tastes slightly bitter. The [[quinine]] in tonic water has a [[bitter]] [[flavor]]. Originally, it was to protect people against [[malaria]]. The first [[drug]] against malaria was [[chloroquine]], which became available in 1934. The first time tonic water became available was in the 1860s, over 70 years before the first drug. Tonic water is often called '''Indian tonic'''. People drank it in Africa and [[Southeast Asia]], where malaria was common. At the time, quinine was a powder that was mixed with water or soda water. Because quinine on its own is bitter, [[sweetener]]s were often added (usually [[sugar]]). Often, it was mixed with [[liquor]]s. '''[[Gin]] and tonic''' is the most common. Quinine should not be used during [[pregnancy]] as it will have an influence on the unborn child. There are also other conditions where quinine (and tonic water) should not be used. Today, tonic water contains a lot less quinine than before the drug was developed. [[Category:Soft drinks]]