Manzanilla Olive Tonic
- Description
Manzanilla
The Sea of Olives
Andalusia has a word for the particular green of its olive groves at dusk. It does not translate well. You have to be there.
Spain's southern coast has been producing olives longer than it has been called Spain. The Manzanilla olive, small and sharp and grown close to the sea, carries that coastal air in its skin. Briny, herbaceous, faintly mineral. It is one of the most distinctive flavour stories in European produce and, until now, no one had thought to put it in a tonic.
We did.
Manzanilla is built around the connection between Andalusia's olive culture and the wild botanicals that grow alongside it. Spanish citrus. Fennel from the hillsides above the coast. And underneath all of it, the Javanese quinine that anchors every Veranda we make. It is a tonic for the Martini drinker, the Negroni lover, the person who reaches for the olive first.
Coming soon. Worth the wait.
FAQ
What is quinine and why does it matter?
Quinine is the bitter backbone of any tonic water, extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree. It's what makes a G&T taste like a G&T. Too little and it's just sweet fizz — too much and it kills the gin. Veranda is balanced to let the quinine work without taking over the glass.
What makes Veranda different?
Most tonics lean sweet or neutral. Veranda is built around pomelo — Citrus maxima — which adds a dry, floral bitterness that complements the quinine and lets good gin shine. Made in New Zealand, in small batches.
What is pomelo (Citrus maxima)?
Pomelo is the original citrus — the ancient ancestor of the modern grapefruit. The flavour is subtler and more aromatic, with a clean dry finish. In Veranda it's the defining ingredient, not a garnish.
How much tonic should I use in a G&T?
Start with 1 part gin to 2 parts Veranda and adjust from there. With a bold botanical gin, go closer to 1:1.5. With something lighter, 1:2.5 works well. Veranda is dry enough to be generous with.
Shipping info
Shipping Rates & Options
Veranda ships throughout New Zealand. Orders are typically processed within 2 to 3 business days. Delivery takes 2 to 5 business days after dispatch depending on your location — rural addresses may take a little longer. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout.
Tracking Your Order
Once your order has been dispatched you'll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number so you can follow your delivery. We don't currently offer international shipping — check back as we expand.
Need Help?
For any shipping questions or concerns, get in touch at verandadrinks.com and we'll sort it out. For damaged, faulty, or incorrect orders please contact us within 7 days of receiving your delivery with your order number and a photo if relevant.
Why Choose Veranda?
The original citrus.
Veranda is built around pomelo — Citrus maxima — the ancient ancestor of the grapefruit, and the most underrated fruit in the glass. Dry, fragrant, and grown for flavour rather than familiarity.
Quinine done properly.
Real quinine, balanced to complement good gin rather than overpower it. Bitter where it should be, clean where it counts.
Made in New Zealand.
Small batch, considered, and crafted for people who drink well. Not a supermarket staple — a deliberate choice.
“I brought a box to a dinner party not really knowing what to expect. By the end of the night everyone was asking where to get it. That's all you need to know.
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“Finally a tonic that tastes like it actually means something. The citrus is real, the bitter is real - it just tastes honest. Genuinely the best thing in my fridge right now.
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“Veranda has completely ruined every other tonic for me. I made a G&T with it on a Friday night and now I can't go back. My gin deserves better - and apparently so do I.
”
Why You’ll Love It
The original citrus. Veranda is built around the pomelo - Citrus maxima - the ancient ancestor of the grapefruit, and the most underrated fruit in the glass. Dry, fragrant, and grown for flavour rather than familiarity.
Quinine done properly. Real quinine, balanced to complement good gin rather than overpower it. Bitter where it should be, clean where it counts.
Made in New Zealand. Small batch, considered, and crafted for people who drink well. Not a supermarket staple - a deliberate choice.