<P> Tonic water (or Indian tonic water) is a carbonated soft drink in which quinine is dissolved . Originally used as a prophylactic against malaria, tonic water usually now has a significantly lower quinine content and is consumed for its distinctive bitter flavor . It is often used in mixed drinks, particularly in gin and tonic . </P> <P> The quinine was added to the drink as a prophylactic against malaria, since it was originally intended for consumption in tropical areas of South Asia and Africa, where the disease is endemic . Quinine powder was so bitter that British officials stationed in early 19th Century India and other tropical posts began mixing the powder with soda and sugar, and a basic tonic water was created . The first commercial tonic water was produced in 1858 . The mixed drink gin and tonic also originated in British colonial India, when the British population would mix their medicinal quinine tonic with gin . </P>

What's the difference between tonic water and indian tonic water
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