Tag: Cinchona

Originally developed in the 19th century to make bitter quinine more palatable for French troops fighting malaria in North Africa, quina wine is a unique fortified aperitif defined by its key ingredient: cinchona bark.

First used medicinally to combat malaria, quinine is the bitter alkaloid from cinchona bark that has a rich history in beverages. While pure spirits do not naturally contain it, specific aromatized wines and liqueurs are purposefully made with it. If you've ever asked, "Which alcohol has quinine in it?", the answer lies in understanding these special categories of bitter drinks.

For centuries, the bark of the *Cinchona* tree was the sole economically practical source of quinine, a potent alkaloid with a powerful, bitter taste. While many associate this compound with the subtle flavor in modern tonic water, few realize the complex history and significant health implications associated with its natural sources. This article explores **which herbs contain quinine** and the critical distinctions between medicinal and dietary amounts.

While both coffee and quinine's source plant belong to the same botanical family, the answer to 'Does coffee have quinine?' is no for all practical purposes. The characteristic bitterness of your daily brew is caused by a complex cocktail of other natural alkaloids and acids formed during the roasting process.