What is the best mixer for a cocktail?

Tonic gets the glory, but half of these do more work in a highball than the spirit does.

1. 1
   Tonic Water

   Quinine-bitter sparkling water that turned gin and tonic into the world's default highball.
2. 2
   Ginger Beer

   Spicy, cloudy brewed ginger soda that carries the Moscow Mule and the Dark 'n' Stormy.
3. 3
   Club Soda

   Plain carbonated water with a pinch of minerals, used to lengthen a drink without changing its flavor.
4. 4
   Coca-Cola

   The caramel-sweet cola that anchors the Cuba Libre and the whiskey and Coke.
5. 5
   Pepsi

   Coke's sweeter, citrus-forward rival, poured over ice with rum or bourbon just as often.
6. 6
   Ginger Ale

   The mild, sweet cousin of ginger beer, mixed with whiskey in the Presbyterian and the Horse's Neck.
7. 7
   Lime Juice

   Fresh-squeezed acid that defines the Daiquiri, the Margarita and the Gimlet.
8. 8
   Lemon Juice

   The sour half of every Whiskey Sour, Tom Collins and French 75.
9. 9
   Orange Juice

   Breakfast-sweet citrus that made the Screwdriver and the Mimosa household names.
10. 10
    Cranberry Juice

    Tart red juice behind the Cosmopolitan and the Cape Codder.
11. 11
    Grapefruit Juice

    Bitter-sweet citrus at the heart of the Paloma and the Greyhound.
12. 12
    Pineapple Juice

    Tropical, foam-building juice that gives the Piña Colada and the Painkiller their body.
13. 13
    Simple Syrup

    Dissolved sugar in water, the invisible mixer that balances almost every sour.
14. 14
    Grenadine

    Pomegranate syrup that sinks to the bottom and gives the Tequila Sunrise its gradient.
15. 15
    Tomato Juice

    Savory, thick base of the Bloody Mary and the Red Snapper.
16. 16
    Lemon-Lime Soda

    Clear citrus fizz that lifts vodka, gin and tequila in easy highballs.
17. 17
    Bitter Lemon

    Quinine-laced lemon soda, a sharper alternative to tonic for gin and vodka.
18. 18
    Cream of Coconut

    Thick, sweetened coconut cream that makes the Piña Colada what it is.

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