Review: Q Mixers Light Tonic, Spectacular Tonic, Elderflower Tonic, and Hibiscus Ginger Beer

By Monica Uhm | October 20, 2021 |

The artisan mixer-masters at Q Mixers have updated their lineup, several products of which were reviewed and well received by Drinkhacker here. They’ve recently added two new flavors, Hibiscus Ginger Beer and Elderflower Tonic, and two new variations on the standard tonic, Light Tonic and Spectacular Tonic. They’ve also added Joel McHale as their Chief Happy Hour Officer, in case the world needed a little boost and some how-to’s on how to re-enter the actual in-person mingling universe. You can find him on Q’s website, jauntily enjoying some of the cocktails whose recipes are published there.

If you’ve had Q’s mixers to date, your expectations are already set. So let’s just jump right into how their new offerings stack up to that bar.

Q Mixers Light Tonic Water – To be expected, this is the lower ,20-calorie version of Q’s staple Tonic Water. It is crisp with a touch of zest and sweetness to make it rather refreshing on its own. A- [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

Q Mixers Spectacular Tonic Water – The best way to describe this version is to reinforce what you would expect from the name; this is a bolder version of the standard Q Tonic Water. It’s largely the same product as the base, but by toning down the sweetness, there is a touch more kick in the tartness and citrus-bitterness notes. (And do I detect a hint more kick in the fizz?) A- [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

Q Mixers Elderflower Tonic Water – The floral notes hit immediately and are quite aromatic and are equally prominent on the palate. Perhaps owing to the agave used as sweetener instead of high fructose corn syrup, Q’s tonics are softer and do not become as overbearing as many of the standard tonics on offer. The elderflower lends a nice note to any cocktail you would normally use tonic for, and it complements the juniper of gin in particular. A- [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

Q Mixers Hibiscus Ginger Beer – Q’s current Ginger Beer has a lot of zing to it, and the hibiscus version is no different. There is the bracing spiciness of the ginger, which is both refreshing and biting, with the spiciness lingering longest on the tongue. This version is brightened up by the fruity florals of the hibiscus. This drinks on the sweeter side, pairing well with a splash of vodka or gin over ice for a nice summer refresher. It would also do well with just about any spirit, although the floral note would not make it as versatile as the standard Ginger Beer. A- [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

each $22 per 24 pack of 7.5 fl oz cans