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Glite Dictionary
splash of tonic

splash of tonic

1 2.3
A small amount of tonic water added to a drink to give flavor
  • noun
translation icon : chorrito de tónica
  • Can I have a splash of tonic in my drink?

Examples

  • Add a splash of tonic to lighten the taste of the cocktail.

  • He ordered a gin with a splash of tonic before dinner.

  • The bartender finished the drink with just a splash of tonic.

  • He added a splash of tonic to his gin.

  • I ordered a gin and tonic with a splash of tonic for extra flavor.

  • For my cocktail, I added a splash of tonic to balance the sweetness.

  • The mocktail was refreshing, especially with a splash of tonic mixed in.

Synonyms

splash
vssplash of tonic
29 2.0

A small amount of liquid added to food or drink

is a small amount of a specific mixer used for flavor or dilution
dash of
vssplash of tonic
18 1.3

A small amount you add to change or improve something else

is a small amount of a specific mixer used for flavor or dilution

Antonyms

neat
15 6.3

A drink with alcohol served without ice or mixers

straight
14 4.7

Served without ice or mixer

Surface Forms

splash of tonic singular
splashes of tonic plural

Morphology

splash + of + tonic

The meaning 'a small quantity of tonic water' is directly and compositionally derivable from 'splash' (a small amount) + the partitive 'of' + 'tonic' (tonic water). This straightforward noun + of + noun pattern is cross-linguistically common and follows regular English composition, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Splash of tonic comes from bartending. A quick, small pour, a splash, of tonic water was added to a drink to gently change its taste and make it less strong, so it now means 'a small amount of tonic added to change flavor or make the drink less strong'.