Inspiration
In 1862, Mr Erasmus Bond exhibited at the International Exhibition his quinine flavoured soda water known as Pitt’s Tonic Water. Erasmus Bond’s Patent dates to 28th March 1858 and is supposedly the oldest tonic water recipe. He describes “an improved aerated liquid known as Quinine Tonic Water” made from water, carbon dioxide, citric acid and quinine.
We drew inspiration from this pioneer when we created the Lady Alaï range in the Basque country in 2021. We adopted the guidelines of the original recipes dating back to the 19th century to create a new range with no added sugar. The Lady Alaï range reinterprets the heritage of this era with the flavours of modern mixology. This has led to the creation of prestigious tonic waters with authentic flavors and quality ingredients.
The lack of sugar in the recipes was compensated by the incorporation of stevia, which, like quinine, is a tree native to Latin America. For centuries, the indigenous Guarani tribes of Paraguay have used it in culinary preparations, beverages, and traditional remedies. Its powdered leaves contain no calories or carbohydrates.
Our carefully crafted tonics are designed to complement the flavors of major spirits or to offer a delicious, sparkling non-alcoholic experience.
Key features of the Lady Alaï tonic range:
