bitter tonic
Sharp curative beverage
A bitter tonic is a drink, typically alcoholic, that contains bitter herbs, roots, or other plant extracts traditionally believed to stimulate digestion or appetite.
Quinine-based tonic water is the most familiar example, originally developed as an antimalarial but now primarily mixed with gin.
Herbal bitters like Angostura serve similar purposes in cocktails.
The term may also describe any medicine or remedy with a notably bitter taste, supposedly indicating medicinal potency.
- gentianFlowering alpine plant
- digestive aidPromotes food breakdown
- dandelionYellow flower, white puffball
- wormwoodBitter herb for absinthe
- AyurvedaTraditional Hindu healing practice
Angostura · old fashioned · quinine · burdock · medicinal · medicine cabinet · aperitif · amaro · hair of the dog · root beer · orange peel · yarrow · detoxifier · folk remedies · herbal teas · digestif · vermouth · herbaceous
bitter tonichoney
Bees' viscous nectar product
sugar water · nectar · molasses · maple syrup · fruit juice
bitter tonicdessert wine
Sweet post-meal libation
treat · confection · milkshake · hot cocoa · soda pop