Can Tonic Water Go Bad? What You Should Know

Can tonic water go bad? Yes, tonic water can go bad. Contrary to a lot of opinions and expectations, tonic water can go bad and although it has a long shelf life unopened, if it isn’t stored properly, it will go bad in no time.

Seeing that a lot of people are fans of cocktails today, it is no surprise that a lot of people have tonic water in their homes.

Apart from those who make use of tonic water as a cocktail and a mixer in dozens of drinks, a lot of people take this drink as it is; the bubbliness of this drink is widely loved in bars and restaurants.

Various questions are lingering in the minds of users of tonic water and one of these is can tonic water go bad? A lot of people are faced with the uncertainty of knowing if their tonic water can go bad or will go bad. We did some research and here is what we found out concerning tonic water.

What Is Tonic Water, Exactly?

Tonic water isn’t merely a carbonated beverage; contrary to popular belief, tonic water was created for therapeutic purposes. Water and quinine were the primary ingredients in the drink, and it was primarily used to treat malaria and lower fever.

The presence of quinine made it bitter, so many people discovered ways to lessen the taste by adding sugar and soda, and it eventually became a thing. The amount of quinine in tonic water has decreased in recent years, and more variety has been developed to lower the bitterness of the quinine.

How To Tell If Tonic Water Is Bad

There are several ways to find out if your tonic water has gone bad. Find out below, how to know your tonic water has gone bad.

No, tonic water is not the same as seltzer water. Seltzer is artificially carbonated and generally doesn’t contain added minerals. — Source: JO cooks

Tonic water normally is clear; however, if you find your tonic water to be light yellow, then it has gone had and should be disposed of.
If your tonic water has lost its taste and has gone flat, we advise you do not to consume it.
If you notice the container of your tonic water has bulged and is not of the regular shape, then the product may not be safe to consume.
If you find the container of your tonic water to be rusted or had leaks, then we advise you to dispose of it as it might have been contaminated.
Finally, if you have had tonic water for a long time, then we advise you to dispose of it as it might be unsafe to drink.

How To Store Tonic Water?

Many people particularly bar and restaurant operators, place a premium on tonic water storage. Because of its versatility in the creation of cocktails and other beverages, many people are concerned about how to keep it as fizzy and bubbly as the first time they opened it. Here are a few pointers on how to store it after it’s been opened.

Want to store it for a long? Keep the flask refrigerated.
You should not refrigerate if you will be using the drink immediately. You can simply keep it in the pantry.
Tightly reseal the flask, every time it is used.
Keep it in a dry and cool place.
Ensure to keep the flask away from hot objects.

Can Tonic Water Go Bad?

Here are some additional questions answered to help properly address your concerns about tonic waters and how long they’re good for.

How long does tonic water last?

Many consumers are interested in learning how long this beverage will last before purchasing it. Tonic water has a very long shelf life. Tonic water can keep useful for months and even more than that, your tonic water can stay edible for over 12 months, as long as it is unopened. If it is opened, however, it can be kept in the fridge for three to five days.

Is It Okay To Drink Tonic Water Every Day?

It is not advisable to consume tonic water every day if you are allergic to the quinine content in this beverage. It can lead to health issues such as blood disorders. If you are not allergic to quinine, then it is okay to take up to three glasses a day.

Is Too Much Tonic Water Bad For You?

Consuming too much tonic water can be bad for you. Although this beverage has no health benefit for you, it contains sugar and too much sugar can be damaging to the body, causing excess calorie intake. We advise you to take it moderately.

Can tonic water make you sick?

Tonic water cannot make you sick, except you are allergic to quinine.

How do you keep tonic water fizzy?

The best way to ensure your tonic water stays fizzy is to keep the bottle tightly closed. We also advise that you do not refrigerate.

Can unopened tonic water expire?

Yes, unopened tonic water can expire; however, this is often after a very long time. Tonic water comes with expiry dates; however, a lot of people have found that it is still drinkable after this date. You must pay attention and observe your drink before you drink or dispose of them. Some people believe that you can still enjoy your tonic water 6 months after the expiry date.

Can opened tonic water expire?

Contrary to unopened tonic water, opened tonic water has a limited shelf life. It is advised that you discard the tonic water after one week, whether refrigerated or not. This drink will lose its carbonation completely after it is opened for a while.

Can you freeze tonic water?

No, you do not have to freeze your tonic water. Tonic water does not require freezing as this can ruin the flavor of the product.

Is tonic water the same as sparkling water?

No, tonic water is not the same as sparkling water. Although tonic water is carbonated, it contains quinine and sugar, unlike sparkling water which is naturally carbonated from a spring or well.

Is tonic water the same as seltzer water?

No, tonic water is not the same as seltzer water. Seltzer is artificially carbonated and generally doesn’t contain added minerals.

What To Do If Tonic Water Turns Flat

Is your tonic water still below its expiry date, but it doesn’t bubble anymore? Do you want to know if you can still make use of it? There is a possibility that your tonic water is not yet spoiled, yet it doesn’t bubble anymore, if you find your tonic water to be this way then we are glad to say, you can still make use of it! Here is how to do so.

This beverage can be used to relieve muscle cramps. Consume it or offer it to someone you know who has muscle cramps if you’re confident it’s not spoiled
Your tonic water can also be used as a cleaner for various surfaces and windows; you’ll be surprised to learn that your tonic water is an excellent natural cleaner
You may also use it to get rid of stains.

Final Thoughts

Tonic water has many uses, especially in bars and restaurants. Knowing if your tonic water can go bad will give you directives on how you can use it and how best to store it.

If you do not have a quinine allergy, then it is safe for you to consume tonic water more than once a day. However, you should stay away from tonic water if you know you have an allergy.