The concept of tonic wine dates back to the 19th century,
Tonic Wine
Tonic wine is a fortified wine typically flavored with herbs or botanicals, and sometimes sweetened, creating a medicinal or restorative drink. Historically, it was believed to have health benefits.
Origin: The concept of tonic wine dates back to the 19th century, with the most famous being Liebig’s Fleisch Extract Wine, which was marketed as a restorative tonic. It gained popularity in Europe and was often consumed as a health aid.
Production: Tonic wines are made by fortifying wine with herbal extracts, spices, and sometimes sugar to create a distinctive flavor. Modern tonic wines often have added carbonation and are sometimes used as mixers.
Flavor Profile: Typically, tonic wines have sweet, herbal, and spicy flavors, with notes of ginseng, cinnamon, cloves, and other botanicals. They can be slightly bitter or medicinal in taste, depending on the herbs used.