Is It OK to Drink Tonic Water Every Day?

Tonic water has long been a staple in British households — whether it’s enjoyed with a splash of gin, poured over ice with a wedge of lime, or simply sipped on its own. But have you ever stopped to wonder: Is it actually OK to drink tonic water every day?

While it may seem like a harmless habit, there’s more to tonic water than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll explore the health implications of drinking tonic water daily, the ingredients that make it unique, and whether it’s a smart choice for your regular routine.

Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that contains quinine, a bitter compound originally derived from the bark of the cinchona tree . Quinine was historically used as a treatment for malaria, especially during the British Empire’s colonial era.

Today, quinine is used in much smaller amounts in tonic water, primarily to give it its signature bitter taste. Alongside quinine, most tonic waters also contain:

• Carbonated water
• Sugar or sweeteners
• Citric acid
• Natural or artificial flavorings

While it’s often consumed as part of a gin and tonic, many Brits now enjoy tonic water as a low-alcohol or alcohol-free option, especially with the rise of premium mixers and the growing popularity of mindful drinking in the UK.

Let’s cut to the chase — drinking tonic water every day isn’t necessarily harmful, but it does come with a few caveats.

The amount of quinine found in tonic water is generally considered safe by food and health regulators. In the UK, quinine is approved by the Food Standards Agency, and tonic water sold commercially adheres to strict limits.

However, excessive quinine consumption has been associated with some side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision

In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction known as cinchonism , a sensitivity to quinine that can cause more severe symptoms.

Takeaway: For most people, the occasional glass of tonic water won’t cause harm. But if you’re drinking multiple bottles a day or experiencing odd symptoms, it may be worth cutting back.

Here’s something that might surprise you: tonic water is not the same as sparkling water. While it may look similar, tonic water often contains a significant amount of sugar.

A standard 150ml serving of regular tonic water contains around 12 to 16 grams of sugar — that’s equivalent to about three to four teaspoons.

Compare that to your average soft drink or fruit juice, and tonic water starts to look less “healthy” than its reputation suggests.

Over time, consuming too much sugar can increase your risk of:

• Weight gain
• Type 2 diabetes
• Tooth decay
• Heart disease

Pro tip: If you enjoy tonic water daily, consider switching to diet tonic water or low-calorie alternatives. These versions use artificial or natural sweeteners and can help you reduce your sugar intake without losing the fizz and flavour.

This is a common question, especially among older adults in the UK.

Some believe that quinine in tonic water helps relieve night-time leg cramps, a condition that affects a large number of Brits — particularly those aged over 50.

However, according to the NHS , using quinine to treat leg cramps is not recommended due to the potential for side effects and limited effectiveness.

In fact, quinine tablets are now only prescribed in certain cases and under close medical supervision.

Important: If you’re considering drinking tonic water for muscle cramps, chat with your GP first. There may be safer and more effective treatments available.

While a glass of tonic water now and then is unlikely to harm you, daily consumption can be a concern if you’re:

• Diabetic or pre-diabetic (due to sugar content)
• Taking certain medications (quinine can interact with blood thinners and anti-arrhythmics)
• Pregnant (quinine should be consumed in moderation)
• Allergic or sensitive to quinine

According to the UK’s Eatwell Guide , adults should limit their free sugar intake to no more than 30 grams per day. That means just two small glasses of tonic water can already put you halfway there.

As a rule of thumb:

• An occasional glass (2–3 times a week) is likely fine.
• Daily consumption , especially of regular tonic water, may increase your sugar intake more than you realize.

If you’re reaching for a tonic every day, consider mixing things up or choosing a diet version to cut back on unnecessary sugar and quinine exposure.

In short, moderation is key.

Tonic water isn’t inherently bad — it’s a refreshing and slightly bitter drink with a fascinating history. But drinking it daily may not be the healthiest habit, particularly if you’re watching your sugar intake or have certain medical conditions.

If you’re a fan of the fizz, think about rotating in some healthier alternatives or sticking with diet tonic water to avoid hidden calories and sugar.

And if you’re unsure whether tonic water is right for your daily routine, it never hurts to check in with your GP — especially if you take medication or have existing health issues.