Quinine, a natural alkaloid found in the bark of the cinchona tree, has a long history of medicinal use. It's known for its unique bitter taste and its role in treating malaria. Australia regulates the import of plants and fungi, and unfortunately for tonic enthusiasts, the Cinchona tree is a schedule 2 restricted plant. This means we are unable to grow the tree and produce locally, but fortunately we're able to import it which means making your own delicious beverage has never been easier.
So where can you buy quinine in Australia? What forms can you get it in? This comprehensive guide will take you through the various forms of quinine available, their uses and some of our favourite links to sources.
How do I obtain Quinine or Cinchona bark in Australia?
Quinine, a versatile natural alkaloid with a rich history of applications, is available in various forms to cater to a wide range of preferences and needs. Whether you're a mixologist looking to craft unique cocktails, an enthusiast of traditional remedies, or in search of a medicinal solution, there's a quinine form suited to your purpose. In this guide, we'll explore the diverse forms of quinine you can buy and where to find them, from extracts that infuse flavor into your drinks and dishes to the raw bark for those who prefer a natural approach, and even pharmaceutical-grade tablets for medicinal purposes. Let's dive into the world of quinine in its various forms and discover the options available for your specific requirements.
1. Raw Bark
- Raw cinchona bark is the traditional source of quinine. It's used by those who prefer a more natural approach. You can purchase raw bark for brewing your own quinine-infused beverages, such as tonic water right here at Brewyo.com.au or at other retailers such as Newtons Pharmacy.
- If you want to learn about the use of raw cinchona bark, see our guide on raw bark and extractions here.
2. Extracts
- Quinine extracts offer a concentrated form of this natural alkaloid. They are versatile and can be used in various applications, including cocktails and cooking. Quinine extracts are far more popular in the US and often imported as extracts from that market. This enables precision with dosing your own tonic, however we don't condone the use of extracts as they often involve an alcohol or boiling water - additional elements that adjust the flavour of your tonic. Instead, we prefer a cold extraction, which you can try with one of our kits and you can find on our guide to raw bark and extractions here.
- Here's an enjoyable watch of the process using boiling water and solvents for a high yield extraction
- If you're interested in quinine extracts, you can find them here on Amazon
3. Tablets (Medicinal Focus)
- Quinine tablets are primarily used for their medicinal properties. They are often prescribed to treat malaria. You can find pharmaceutical-grade quinine tablets at reputable providers like Healthylife.com.au
4. Premixed Tonics
- If you're a fan of classic beverages like gin and tonic, you can purchase premixed tonic water that contains quinine. These are readily available in most grocery stores and online retailers. When we're not drinking our own home brew at brewyo.com.au, we're drinking StrangeLove
5. Specialty Syrups
- Quinine syrup can be used to add a unique twist to your cocktails and mocktails. You can find our very own at markets around Sydney, Australia. But if you're unable to visit us, one of our must try favourites is the sin-kō-nah tonic syrup
6. Ready to Brew Kits
- For the DIY enthusiast, there are ready-to-brew kits available that contain all the ingredients you need to make your own quinine-infused beverages. These kits often include raw bark, extracts, and instructions for brewing. You can find our two specialised flavours in our brew store
Summary
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- Shameless plug - you can find some cinchona on our store, either as raw bark or in our tonic kits. Start experimenting with quinine in your culinary adventures!
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- Healthylife.com provides pharmaceutical-grade quinine tablets, ideal for individuals seeking quinine for medicinal purposes. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using quinine medicinally.
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- If you prefer to purchase raw cinchona bark online, Newtons Pharmacy offers a reliable source for this natural ingredient.
Whilst the medicinal use of quinine is still applicable to malaria treatment and leg cramps for others, it's important to enjoy safely. Note that when cinchona alkaloids like quinine can be toxic if consumed excessively. Use responsibly. Additionally, consult with a healthcare professional if you plan to use quinine for medicinal purposes to ensure it's appropriate for your needs. You can read more about medicinal use at medicalnewstoday.
In conclusion, quinine is a versatile and historical substance with various applications. Whether you're a homebrewer, a cocktail enthusiast, or in need of medicinal quinine, there are plenty of options available for you to explore. We hope that this guide has helped you find some good sources so you now know where to buy quinine in Australia.
Happy quinine hunting!