Get ready to fall in love with the crisp, bubbly refreshment of Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic—a modern café favorite that’s equal parts invigorating and ultra-refreshing! This simple yet sophisticated drink combines bright, aromatic espresso with fizzy tonic water for a thirst-quenching pick-me-up that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Instant Coffeehouse Vibes: Fancy café flavor and style at home (without the price tag or the wait!).
- Ultimate Summer Refreshment: The fizzy, citrusy bite from the tonic and the espresso’s deep richness offer a cool-down that’s both energizing and outrageously satisfying.
- Super Customizable: Whether you crave classic espresso, prefer a smooth coffee base, or want to play with garnishes, this drink is your playground.
- Ready in Five Minutes: You’re just one brew and a quick pour away from sipping pure magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of simple, quality ingredients can create such an extraordinary flavor party! Each one makes a unique contribution—bitter, sweet, sparkling, or zesty—to every dazzling sip of Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic.
- 2 oz espresso, freshly brewed: Rich, aromatic espresso is the soul of this drink—use a double shot for the best kick and deep coffee flavor.
- 4–6 oz tonic water (or light/diet tonic): Opt for a high-quality tonic water; its quinine edge and gentle sweetness are what give this drink zingy complexity and effervescence.
- Ice cubes: Absolutely essential for chilling things down and creating those show-stopping fizzy layers—fill the glass to the top!
- Lime wedge, fresh herbs, or other optional garnishes: Citrus and herbs add a pop of flavor, color, and aroma; think lime, lemon, orange, or even a sprig of rosemary or mint to make things extra special.
Variations
Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic is endlessly adaptable! Don’t be shy—tweak it to suit your cravings, what’s in your fridge, or any dietary preferences with confidence and creativity. Each variation brings its own sparkling personality to the glass.
- Coffee Instead of Espresso: Use a strong, smooth cold-brew or French press coffee in place of espresso for a gentler but no-less-delicious version.
- Flavored Tonic Water: Try a tonic with hints of elderflower, cucumber, or pink grapefruit for a whole new dimension of flavor.
- Herbal Twist: Muddle a sprig of rosemary, basil, or mint in the glass before adding tonic for extra aroma and color.
- Citrus Boost: Squeeze in fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice—or use a combination of citrus wheels as garnish for next-level brightness.
How to Make Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Start by pulling a fresh double shot (about 2 oz) of espresso using your favorite beans. If you’re going the coffee route, make sure your brew is strong and robust—you want that bold coffee backbone to shine through the bubbly tonic.
Step 2: Prepare the Glass & Add Ice
While the espresso is brewing, fill your serving glass right to the brim with ice cubes. The more ice, the closer you’ll get to that gorgeous layered effect and the longer your Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic stays perfectly chilled.
Step 3: Pour in the Tonic Water
Slowly and gently pour the tonic water over the ice. Aim to fill about 3/4 of the glass. Pouring gently means maximum bubbles without disturbing the ice—a key step for those dreamy, Instagram-worthy layers!
Step 4: Add Espresso & Garnish
Carefully pour the espresso over the ice and tonic—watch the deep coffee cascade through the bubbles! Give a gentle stir if you like, then garnish with a fresh citrus wedge (lime or lemon are my go-tos) or a sprig of herbs. Top up with a splash more tonic if you like it extra fizzy. Serve and sip immediately!
Pro Tips for Making Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic
- Layer for Visual Drama: Pour the espresso slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats gracefully on top of the tonic—this creates those stunning, Instagram-famous layers.
- Chill Everything: Use chilled tonic water and cold glasses for the crispest, most refreshing Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic imaginable.
- Pick the Right Tonic Water: Go for a high-quality tonic that isn’t too sweet—craft or classic brands make a real difference in taste and bubbles.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Just a gentle stir will keep the fizz alive and maintain that magical blend of flavors—too much stirring flattens the drink.
How to Serve Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic
Garnishes
The garnish is your flair moment! Fresh lime or lemon wedges add a citrusy pop, while a twist of orange brings subtle sweetness. If you enjoy herbal notes, a sprig of rosemary, mint, or even thyme nestled on top adds gorgeous color and aroma with every sip.
Side Dishes
Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic pairs wonderfully with light pastries—think almond croissants, lemon scones, or a fresh fruit salad. It also makes a funky brunch companion to avocado toast or smoked salmon bagels if you’re feeling fancy!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your creation in a clear glass to show off those gorgeous layered hues! For gatherings, set up a DIY tonic bar with sliced citrus, herb sprigs, and fun straws so guests can garnish to their heart’s content. Feeling bold? Freeze tonic water with fresh herbs or citrus slices as your ice cubes—the result is as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic is best enjoyed fresh for maximum fizz and flavor. If you must pause mid-sip, store it (with the ice strained out) in the fridge for a couple of hours, but know the bubbles won’t last as long.
Freezing
This fizzy drink isn’t suitable for freezing—the tonic water loses its effervescence, and melting ice dilutes the bright flavors. For a frosty treat, try freezing tonic water and using the cubes for your next glass instead!
Reheating
No reheating needed here! Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic is all about refreshing, cool sips—so sip it fresh and, if it sits too long, simply build a new glass for the best experience.
FAQs
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Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
Absolutely! Cold brew coffee creates a smoother, less intense bitterness than espresso and pairs beautifully with tonic water. Just use equal parts cold brew and tonic (about 4 oz each) for balance, and adjust to taste.
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What’s the best tonic water for Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic?
Crisp, not-too-sweet tonic waters work best. Classic brands like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers have clean flavors and lively bubbles that play well with coffee, but any good craft or light tonic will work nicely.
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Is Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic very bitter?
It has gentle bitterness from both the coffee and the tonic, but the ice and garnishes mellow it out. You can always add a splash of simple syrup, a hint of citrus juice, or a sweeter tonic to round out the flavor if it’s too bold for your palate.
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Can I make Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic in advance for a party?
While you can prep garnishes and espresso shots ahead, always combine the tonic and coffee right before serving to keep that gorgeous fizz and layered effect. Set up a DIY bar so guests can build their own masterpieces on the spot!
Final Thoughts
Ready to shake up your afternoon routine? Give this fun, sparkling Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how easy, fresh, and sophisticated it tastes. Whether you’re brewing for yourself or impressing guests, this drink is guaranteed to become your new warm-weather favorite. Cheers!
Print
Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brewing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a refreshing and unique beverage, Espresso Tonic or Coffee Tonic, that combines the bold flavors of espresso with the effervescence of tonic water. Perfect for a pick-me-up or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Espresso Tonic:
- 2 oz espresso, freshly brewed
- 4–6 oz tonic water or light/diet tonic water
- ice cubes
- lime wedge, fresh herbs, or other optional garnishes
Instructions
- Prepare Espresso: Brew a double shot of espresso using Arabica beans.
- Ice: Add ice cubes to your glass.
- Combine: Slowly pour tonic water over the ice, fill 3/4 full. Pour espresso over and stir gently.
- Garnish: Add lime wedge, herbs, or other garnishes. Top with more tonic water if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- To make a coffee espresso, adjust ratios to 1 part brewed coffee to 1 part tonic water (about 4 fl oz each). Adjust to taste and coffee strength.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: Approximately 30 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
