Skinny Tonic
Being in lockdown has been good for us all to catch up on jobs, and my review of Skinny Tonic has been sadly neglected. However, I’m glad, if I’m honest, that I haven’t got round to trying it before now. Although I sadly cannot yet try the delicious looking Copper Rive Distillery items that I was sent along with the tonic (yet), finding a good diet tonic has become even more important to me in recent months.

Slimline tonic is my go-to when visiting the pub and unable to drink. Well it was when we could go to the pub at least. However, since my pregnancy was further disrupted with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, I realised that not all tonics are created equal. Some are ‘low calorie’ rather than calorie free and while they contain relatively small amounts of sugar, it does add up over a glass of two and was libel to send my blood glucose readings over the edge. Not good for the baby, and therefore not good for my mental health!
No calories, no sugar
Skinny Tonic was actually created by a Type 1 diabetic – Ian Minton – who discovered the same issue. Instead of just chuntering about it like me, he got out there and did something about it. As a natural sweetener he decided to use stevia in the tonic. This means it is a zero sugar, zero calorie premium tonic line.

I tried the Indian tonic and the light citrus variant and enjoyed them both. The stevia gives a nice background sweetness without the overall flavour being too synthetic. I have noticed this problem in some ‘diet’ versions previously. I did feel that the package size was a little small though. At 150ml it is the same as most of their competitors admittedly … If you’re drinking it on its own rather than as a mixer it barely feels like a couple of mouthfuls. Particularly when it is so refreshing on a beautiful hot day like today!! At the moment I think only small cans are available, although it should be noted that all of the packaging is recyclable and sustainable (they are proudly plastic free) I think I would prefer some kind of large pack option for at home. Which let’s face it, is where we all are right now.

How to serve Skinny Tonic
Trying the Skinny Tonic for the first time now has also been an excellent opportunity to try out some of Fiona Beckett’s ideas in How to Drink without Drinking. In particular I loved the Skinny Tonic Indian Tonic in the lemon scented T & T – made with cold brew tea. However, they are also delicious on their own, with ice and a slice of your choice. Take a look at my serving suggestion here. The orange is a tasty addition on the side of the light citrus tonic. Although it is probably a bit naughty and will make the diabetes midwife tut at me.
You can buy Skinny Tonic from Asda. If you are getting your drinks orders delivered at the moment, try 31 Dover.
The Skinny Tonic samples were sent to me free of charge for the purposes of review. My review is an honest reflection of my opinion upon trying the product.