Hosts serving a larger group
If several guests will use the same tonic or soda, a 1L bottle provides shared volume. Check how many bottles you expect to open, rather than counting packs alone.
Who is choosing mixers for the BBQ?
The useful pack format depends on how many people will share a mixer and how many drink choices you plan to offer.
Hosts offering individual serves
Multipack cans let guests choose from separate portions. They are worth considering when you plan to offer more than one mixer or keep some servings unopened.
Shoppers comparing tonic variants
Standard, light and flavoured tonics are distinct choices. Read the exact pack’s nutrition panel and ingredients if a guest has a particular preference or needs to check an ingredient.
What should you check before choosing?
Plan the drinks you expect to serve, then compare total volume, portion size and the exact mixer variant.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare total mixer volume, not just the number of bottles or cans. A 12 × 150ml pack contains 1.8L; a 1L bottle contains 1L. | I expect several guests to use the same mixer, so I need to plan enough shared volume. |
| Serving format | Check whether a shared 1L bottle or individual 150ml cans fit the drinks you plan to make. Consider how many different mixers will be open at once. | Guests may choose different drinks, and I would rather offer separate portions than open several large bottles. |
| Flavour choice | Decide whether tonic alone covers the menu or whether to include soda, ginger ale or lemonade. Check the flavour and pack size of each option. | Not everyone will want a tonic-based drink, so I need options for other mixed or alcohol-free serves. |
| Ingredients and nutrition | Compare the exact variants’ ingredient lists and nutrition per 100ml. Joybuy’s listing for Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Premium Indian Tonic Water states 15 kcal and 3.8g sugars per 100ml; its name alone does not describe every ingredient. | I want guests to be able to identify a variant that fits their preferences and check any ingredients relevant to them. |
Common buying mistakes
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Judging quantity by pack count
Twelve small cans and a few large bottles can supply very different amounts of mixer.
Multiply the volume of each can by the pack count, then compare the resulting total with the bottles you would otherwise buy.
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Treating every light tonic as the same recipe
Standard and light variants can have different stated sugars and calories. A variant name does not establish that it contains no sugar.
Check the nutrition panel and ingredient list on the exact pack you intend to serve.
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Stocking only tonic for a mixed guest list
Tonic alone may not cover guests who want ginger ale, soda or lemonade, including those choosing an alcohol-free drink.
Plan the expected drink types before deciding how much of each mixer to get.
Mixer ranges to consider
These ranges illustrate different pack formats and drink styles; check the individual product rather than assuming a brand’s entire range has the same format or formulation.
Tesco
Tesco’s own-label range includes 1L Indian tonic water, a shared-bottle format for gatherings.
- A 1L bottle is straightforward to plan around when several guests will use the same tonic.
- A single large bottle offers less choice between mixers once it has been opened.
Schweppes
Schweppes tonic is listed in 12 × 150ml multipacks for individual servings.
- The 150ml cans provide separate portions for guests making their own drinks.
- Check the named variant: Indian tonic and Slimline tonic should not be treated as the same formulation.
Fever-Tree
Fever-Tree offers several tonic styles, including Premium Indian, flavoured and light variants.
- Named variants allow hosts to choose a particular tonic style for their drinks menu.
- Check the exact variant’s ingredients and nutrition; one tonic’s details do not apply to the whole range.
Fentimans
Fentimans lists tonic waters and ginger ale among its soft drinks.
- The range offers both tonic and a non-tonic mixer for planning different drinks.
- Choose by the particular drink and pack format required, not by the range name alone.
London Essence
Britvic announced London Essence Crafted Lemonade six-packs of 150ml cans and Crafted Soda four-packs of 250ml cans in May 2025.
- The announced formats show lemonade and soda choices beyond tonic.
- Check the particular pack and retailer when planning the drinks you need.
Joybuy multipack options
These portioned tonic and ginger ale multipacks suit a BBQ where guests may choose their own serves. Compare their can sizes, counts and named variants with the drinks you plan to offer.
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Schweppes Indian Tonic Water 12 × 150ml
Twelve individual 150ml cans provide tonic portions for guests making separate drinks. The pack contains 1.8L in total; check the current label if ingredients matter to your guests.
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Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Premium Indian Tonic Water 15 × 150ml
Fifteen 150ml cans offer individual serves of this named light variant. Joybuy’s listing states 15 kcal and 3.8g sugars per 100ml; check the exact pack label when comparing formulations.
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Schweppes Slimline Tonic Water 12 × 150ml
This 12-can pack offers individual portions of Schweppes Slimline tonic. Check its own nutrition panel and ingredients rather than applying details from the Indian tonic variant.
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Double Dutch Skinny Tonic 24 × 200ml
Twenty-four 200ml portions may suit a gathering where many guests want the same tonic variant. The pack contains 4.8L in total; check its nutrition panel rather than interpreting “Skinny” as a nutrition value.
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Canada Dry Ginger Ale Mini 12 × 150ml
Twelve 150ml cans add a portioned ginger ale option when the drinks menu extends beyond tonic. Check the nutrition panel on the pack before making a calorie comparison.
Questions about BBQ mixers
How much mixer does a multipack contain?
Multiply the volume of one can by the number of cans. A 12 × 150ml pack contains 1.8L, while a 15 × 150ml pack contains 2.25L; use the total to plan how many portions you need.
Should I choose 150ml tonic cans or 1L bottles?
Choose cans for separate portions or several drink choices. A 1L bottle makes more sense when guests are likely to share the same mixer and finish it after opening.
Does light tonic contain no sugar or calories?
Not necessarily. Joybuy’s listing for Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Premium Indian Tonic Water states 15 kcal and 3.8g sugars per 100ml, so check the nutrition panel of the exact variant you choose.
What should I check before serving tonic to guests?
Check the exact pack’s ingredients, nutrition and any relevant warnings, particularly if a guest needs to avoid an ingredient. Do not assume that two variants from the same brand have identical formulations.
How can I offer a non-tonic mixer?
Add a mixer that fits the drinks you expect guests to choose, such as ginger ale, soda or lemonade. Check its pack size alongside the tonic so the planned menu does not leave you with more portions of one drink than you need.