Cinchona Bark Red Quinine | The Soul of the G&T
Unlock the authentic, earthy bitterness of the legendary "Fever Tree." Our Red Cinchona Bark (Cinchona succirubra) is the essential ingredient for those looking to craft true-to-origin tonic syrups, complex distilled spirits, and traditional bitter liqueurs.
Unlike clear, mass-produced tonic water, real Red Cinchona bark provides a deep, sunset-amber hue and a sophisticated tannin structure that elevates your drink from a simple mixer to a craft experience.
The Origin Story: From the Andes to the Glass
Native to the high-altitude rainforests of the Andean mountains in South America, Cinchona bark has a history as rich as its color. Known traditionally as "Jesuit’s Bark" or "Sacred Bark," it was first used by the Quechua people of Peru and Bolivia as a muscle relaxant.
The legend grew in the 1630s when the Countess of Chinchón was famously cured of malaria using the bark, leading to its introduction to Europe. By the 19th century, British officers in India began mixing their medicinal quinine rations with gin, sugar, and lime—and the Gin & Tonic was born.
Craft Applications
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Authentic Tonic Syrups: Create a "real" tonic syrup that balances the sharp bite of quinine with citrus zest, lemongrass, and cinchona’s natural woody depth.
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Distilling & Gin: A vital botanical for distillers looking to add "dryness" and a lingering finish to their gin profile.
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Amaro & Quinquina: Use it as the bittering backbone for house-made aperitifs, vermouths, or digestive liqueurs.
BeerCo Pro-Tips for Use
Caution: Quinine is potent! A little goes a long way. Always measure by weight rather than volume for consistency.
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The "Rubra" Glow: Because this is the Red variety (succirubra), your tonic will naturally have a beautiful pink-to-amber tint. If you want a crystal-clear tonic, you’d need a lab; if you want an authentic craft aesthetic, this is your bark.
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Cold vs. Hot Extraction: For a brighter, more floral tonic, try a cold-maceration (steeping in the fridge for 24-48 hours). For a deeper, more tannic and "medicinal" bitterness, a gentle simmer in your syrup base works best.
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The Filter Stage: Cinchona can leave "dust" in your syrup. We recommend filtering your final liquid through a coffee filter or a very fine nut milk bag to ensure a polished look in the glass.
Pack Sizes:
- 100g
- 1 Kg (SAVE 28% OFF 100g Price)
Form:
- Bark
Ingredients:
- 100% Cinchona Bark Red Quinine | Cinchona succirubra
Botanical Name:
- Cinchona succirubra
Country of Origin:
- Italy*
*Country of Origin may differ from what is shown above
*Actual product may vary in colour, size and/or shape to the picture shown
Storage Guidance:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.