If you’ve ever tasted tonic water by itself, you’ll know why it’s not often consumed on its own. Add it to gin or vodka, however, and you’ve got something magical. Well, that’s what Jitterbug Sodas hopes. No longer will Haligonians be forced to drink the usual tonic available if they want to enjoy the fizzy glass of heaven that is a well-made G and T.
Enter Deco Tonic, Jitterbug Sodas' new, hand-crafted, all-natural tonic—the first of its kind in Canada. It officially debut this Saturday, September 14th at Bishop’s Cellar (1477 Lower Water Street) from 3-5pm.
Rowena Power, the creator of Jitterbug Sodas, was moved to create the new drink after exasperated customers came to her complaining that they were being put off gin and tonics completely because the poor quality of most tonics insults the liquor itself. When asked if she could create a natural tonic in a similar way to her handmade soda, she gave it a shot, tweaked it to perfection and Deco Tonic was born!
Where normal tonic can be tasteless, bitter and loaded with sugar, Jitterbug’s creation is made only from natural ingredients like cinchona bark from Ecuador, citrus juice and zest and organic cane sugar. Designed to complement quality gin and vodka instead of insult them, Deco Tonic promises a nice, well-rounded flavour with just a touch of natural bitterness to it to bring it all into balance.
Power also says that her tonic can be sipped on its own or with soda water for those who are avoiding alcohol for whatever reason. Considering that she was first inspired to make her own sodas after being disappointed with the lack of choice she had drink-wise while pregnant, this makes perfect sense. Also, it’s welcome news for those of us who just aren’t big drinkers, but seek interesting beverage choices.
Jitterbug Sodas is at the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market (1209 Marginal Road) every Saturday and offers new flavours weekly; this week’s flavours include Raspberry Black Peppermint, Rhubarb Ginger and Blueberry Grunt Cream Soda.
The Deco Tonic launch itself will feature free samples of the tonic alone or paired with your choice of either vodka or Juniper Green organic gin.
