Jack Rudy tonic syrup is a versatile cocktail ingredient that can add flavor and balance to a variety of classic and modern drinks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Jack Rudy’s tonic syrups, from the different flavors available to creative ways to use them behind the bar or at home.
What is Jack Rudy Tonic Syrup?
Jack Rudy is a small-batch tonic syrup company based in Charleston, South Carolina. They make high-quality, concentrated tonic syrups in a range of flavors like classic tonic, diet tonic, lemon tonic, lime tonic, grapefruit tonic, and ginger beer tonic.
The syrups are designed to be used in place of regular tonic water or soda water in cocktails. They have a more concentrated, intense flavor compared to traditional tonics. The syrup format also makes them easier to mix into drinks smoothly.
Jack Rudy’s tonic syrups use natural flavors and are sweetened with agave nectar or cane sugar. They do not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The syrups are versatile for mixing in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Benefits of Using Tonic Syrup
There are several advantages to using tonic syrup instead of tonic water:
- More control over flavor – Syrup provides consistent, concentrated flavor in every drink.
- Customizable sweetness – The syrup’s sweetness can be adjusted to taste.
- Space saving – Syrups take up less storage room than bulky cans or bottles.
- Versatility – Syrups can be mixed into alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Convenience – Easy to pour and incorporate into cocktails.
Compared to tonic water, the syrups add a cleaner, smoother flavor profile to cocktails. The concentrated flavor means you don’t have to use as much to get the right balance.
Jack Rudy Tonic Syrup Flavors
Jack Rudy offers tonic syrups in a range of flavors to suit any taste:
Classic Tonic
The classic tonic has notes of citrus, herbs, and warm spices with a balanced sweetness. It’s excellent in gin cocktails like a gin and tonic or gimlet.
Diet Tonic
The diet tonic syrup has the same flavor profile as the original but is sweetened with stevia instead of sugar. It’s the perfect zero-calorie tonic for diet-conscious drinkers.
Lemon Tonic
The lemon tonic features fresh lemon zest flavor. It brightens up drinks like vodka or rum cocktails.
Lime Tonic
The lime tonic has a crisp, tangy lime flavor. Use it in place of sour mix in margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos, and other lime cocktails.
Grapefruit Tonic
The grapefruit tonic has a bright, ruby red grapefruit flavor. It goes well with tequila, mezcal, or vodka.
Ginger Beer Tonic
The ginger beer tonic has spicy ginger balanced by honey and lemon. Use it in Moscow mules, dark and stormys, or ginger cocktails.
How to Mix with Jack Rudy Tonic
Jack Rudy tonic syrups are easy to incorporate into drinks. Use these guidelines when mixing with the syrups:
- Start with a 1:1 ratio – Mix 1 ounce of tonic syrup with 1 ounce of base spirit.
- Adjust to taste – Add more or less syrup to achieve desired flavor and sweetness.
- Add other ingredients – Complement with citrus juice, bitters, soda water, etc.
- Shake or stir – Choose shaking for chilled, diluted drinks or stirring for cocktails served neat.
- Garnish appropriately – Finish drink with a garnish suited to the flavors.
The versatility of tonic syrup allows you to use it creatively in both classic and unique cocktail recipes.
Jack Rudy Tonic Drink Recipes
Here are some tasty cocktail recipes using Jack Rudy’s tonic syrups:
Classic Gin and Tonic
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Jack Rudy classic tonic syrup
- 3-4 oz soda water
- Lime wedge garnish
Add gin, tonic syrup, and ice to a chilled highball glass. Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Vodka Lemon Tonic Spritz
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz Jack Rudy lemon tonic syrup
- .75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2-3 oz soda water
- Lemon wheel garnish
Combine vodka, lemon tonic, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a wine glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz Jack Rudy grapefruit tonic syrup
- .5 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz grapefruit soda
- Grapefruit wedge garnish
Mix tequila, grapefruit syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into an ice-filled collins glass. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Moscow Mule with Ginger Tonic
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Jack Rudy ginger tonic syrup
- .5 oz lime juice
- 2-3 oz ginger beer
- Lime wheel garnish
Combine vodka, ginger syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a copper mule mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wheel.
Rum Punch with Lime Tonic
- 1.5 oz aged rum
- 1 oz Jack Rudy lime tonic syrup
- .5 oz pineapple juice
- 1.5 oz orange juice
- Pineapple wedge garnish
Add all ingredients except garnish to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Making Cocktails without Alcohol
Jack Rudy’s tonic syrups can also be used to create refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails. Omit the base spirit and use fruit juice, soda, herbs, and other mixers to craft tasty virgin drinks.
Here are some easy ideas for non-alcoholic cocktails with tonic syrup:
Tonic Spritz
- 1 oz tonic syrup
- 3 oz soda water
- Sliced citrus garnish
Build in a wine glass over ice and gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice or lemon wedge.
Berry Lime Fizz
- 1 oz lime tonic syrup
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- Soda water
- Lime slice garnish
Shake tonic syrup, juices, and ice. Strain into a collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda and garnish with lime.
Ginger Apple Cider
- 1 oz ginger tonic syrup
- 4 oz apple cider
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Dash angostura bitters
- Cinnamon stick garnish
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into an ice-filled mule mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Making Simple Syrups with Jack Rudy Tonic
The tonic syrups can also be used as an ingredient when making homemade simple syrups. This allows you to create custom flavored simple syrups to use in drinks:
Lemon-Lime Syrup
- 1 cup water
- .5 cup sugar
- .5 oz Jack Rudy lemon tonic
- .5 oz Jack Rudy lime tonic
Heat water and sugar together until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in lemon and lime tonic. Cool before using in cocktails.
Spiced Orange Syrup
- 1 cup water
- .5 cup sugar
- .5 oz Jack Rudy classic tonic
- 2 tsp orange zest
- Pinch cinnamon
- Pinch nutmeg
Simmer water and sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Let cool completely before using.
Grapefruit & Rosemary Syrup
- 1 cup water
- .5 cup sugar
- .5 oz Jack Rudy grapefruit tonic
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Heat water and sugar to dissolve. Remove from heat, add tonic and rosemary. Let cool and then strain out rosemary.
Storing Leftover Tonic Syrup
Like any syrup, leftover Jack Rudy tonic syrup can be stored for later use. Here are some tips for storing and keeping your opened tonic syrup fresh:
- Store in the refrigerator – Keep refrigerated after opening to maximize freshness.
- Seal tightly – Make sure the bottle is closed tightly before storing.
- Use within 2-3 months – For best flavor, use opened syrup within 2-3 months.
- Check for mold – Discard if any mold develops.
- No need to dilute – The syrup keeps concentrated; don’t add water.
Store tonic syrup in its original bottle when possible. If decanting into a different container, make sure it has an airtight seal. An opened bottle should keep well in the fridge for at least 2-3 months.
Where to Buy Jack Rudy Tonic Syrup
Jack Rudy tonic syrups are sold online and in select retail locations:
- Online – The Jack Rudy website sells their full line of syrups for delivery across the US.
- Amazon – Many flavors are available on Amazon.com.
- Specialty stores – Some gourmet and liquor stores carry the tonic syrups.
- Bar supply shops – Cocktail-focused retail stores may sell Jack Rudy’s tonics.
The classic, diet, lemon, lime, and grapefruit flavors are usually the most common available. Prices typically range from $8-$12 per 12 oz bottle.
Cocktail Syrups from Other Brands
In addition to Jack Rudy, there are other cocktail syrup brands to consider trying:
- Liber & Co. – Offers a variety of unique syrup flavors like lemongrass ginger and lychee
- BG Reynolds – Makes popular syrups like orchid vanilla and mai tai
- Small Hand Foods – Organic syrups in fruit flavors like raspberry and peach
- Sonia’s Mixers – Fruit mixers and syrups for cocktails
- Dram Apothecary – Craft syrups like honey lavender and pomegranate
Doing a taste test between different brands can help determine your preferences. Jack Rudy is a great place to start for classic tonic syrups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tonic syrup the same as simple syrup?
No, tonic syrup has added flavors like citrus, herbs, and spices while simple syrup is just sugar and water.
Do you need to refrigerate tonic syrup after opening?
Yes, it’s best to store tonic syrup in the refrigerator after opening to maximize freshness.
How long does opened tonic syrup last?
Tonic syrup will stay good for about 2-3 months refrigerated after opening the bottle.
Can you make tonic syrup at home?
It’s challenging to replicate the complex flavor of commercial tonic syrups, but you can make your own simple syrups flavored with citrus, herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
Does tonic syrup go bad if it gets old?
Over time, the flavors in tonic syrup will fade and it can develop an off taste. Discard any syrup that smells or tastes funky.
| Tonic Syrup Flavor | Suggested Uses |
|---|---|
| Classic Tonic | Gin cocktails, vodka sodas, sparkling wine |
| Lemon Tonic | Vodka or rum drinks, lemonade, iced tea |
| Lime Tonic | Margaritas, mojitos, daiquiris, sangria |
| Grapefruit Tonic | Palomas, greyhounds, vodka and grapefruit |
| Ginger Beer Tonic | Moscow mules, punch, sparkling wine |
Table: Suggested uses for Jack Rudy tonic syrup flavors
Conclusion
Jack Rudy’s tonic syrups are a versatile cocktail mixing ingredient. They provide concentrated, balanced flavors to enhance classic gin and tonics along with creative modern drinks. The syrups can spruce up sparkling wines, lemonades, teas, and other non-alcoholic beverages too.
With their clean, smooth flavor and ease of use, Jack Rudy syrups are a handy addition to any well-stocked home bar. Keep them chilled and use within a few months for the best quality. Mix, experiment, and find new favorite drinks with these top-notch tonic syrups.
