Quinine Syrup

Here is a recipe for homemade quinine syrup, which will take the staid gin and tonic up a few notches. The syrup is made from cinchona, the bark of a shrub originally from Peru but now cultivated in various tropical climes worldwide, from which is extracted the alkaloid quinine, the original anti-malarial medication. It is available at a well-stocked herb store or, as always, online.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup (1 ounce/20 grams) cinchona bark, powdered (a coffee grinder does this well)
• 3-4 cups rich simple syrup (by volume, two parts sugar to one of boiling water, stirred to dissolve)
• ¼ cup citric acid, also known as lemon salt
• 3 limes, only the peeled zests
• 3 lemons, only the peeled zests
• 2 sour or Sevilla oranges, only the peeled zests (or peel of 1 grapefruit or pomelo)
• 1 cup chopped lemongrass (3-4 stalks)
• 9 whole allspice berries
• 6 whole cardamom pods
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon lavender

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (10 servings)

    337 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 91 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 85 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 1628 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
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Preparation

1. In a covered saucepan, bring all ingredients except the simple syrup to a boil and reduce heat immediately; simmer on low for a half hour, then remove from heat and allow to cool fully. Transfer to a carafe and chill for two days. Strain through a superfine chinois or cheesecloth, or by using a plunger press coffee maker. Return to carafe and refrigerate for a day or two, allowing sediment to accumulate on bottom. When layer seems stable, gently decant off the clearer liquid without disturbing the sediment “mud.” It should be about 3 cups at this point; add to this liquid an equal measure of rich simple syrup, mixing well. Funnel into a clean, cappable bottle and refrigerate. Makes roughly 6 cups or 1.5 liters.