Citrus Maxima Tonic
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- Description
- Ingredients
- Nutrition Info
Veranda Citrus Maxima Tonic is built around the pomelo, the ancestor of every citrus fruit you've ever tasted. It's the tonic for people who think the gin is only half the drink.
Our quinine comes from Java, from a facility in Bandung that's been at this since 1896. Not a stat we found on the internet, the reason the bitterness tastes considered rather than added.
The bubbles are finer and tighter than you're used to, closer to good champagne than a standard tonic. That's by design.
On the nose it's bright, clean and fragrant, led by zesty pomelo and fresh lime. The palate is light, vegetal and crisp, instantly juicy, with a delicate balance of oily Buddha's Hand against the pithy bitterness of refined quinine and yuzu citrus. The finish is dry, fresh and luscious, where quinine and pomelo define the close, leaving rich texture and fresh green bitter notes behind.
Serve simple. Build over ice in a copa glass with a proper measure of gin, top with Veranda, finish with a strip of fresh pomelo or grapefruit zest.
8 x 150ml cans. Made in New Zealand.
Energy — 194kJ (46kcal) / 129kJ (31kcal)
Protein — 0g / 0g Fat total — 0g / 0g
Fat saturated — 0g / 0g
Carbohydrate — 11.2g / 7.5g
Sugars — 11.2g / 7.5g
Sodium — 11mg / 7mg
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.
”
“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.
”
“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.