TONIC WATER

Tonic water is a beverage-inspired fragrance impression: cool, clear and lightly bitter, sometimes with a sparkling citrus feel. It refers to the sensation of a refreshing mixer rather than a botanical extract called tonic water. In fragrance language, sparkling and bitter describe an association; they do not mean that the perfume is carbonated or intended to be tasted.

Perfumers can approach this idea through different combinations. Prouvé compares a juniper and ocean-like composition to tonic water, while gin-and-tonic-inspired fragrances may use citrus, juniper and cool cucumber effects. These are examples, not compulsory ingredients. A tonic-water note need not include the full gin character, and it does not prove the presence of quinine. Look for the balance between airy freshness, aromatic bite and surrounding sweetness to understand an individual interpretation.