Espresso Tonic

This espresso tonic recipe is the ultimate summer coffee refresh. Bold, slightly bitter espresso meets fizzy, citrusy tonic water for a drink that’s as sophisticated as it is simple to make. Forget iced coffee – this coffee tonic is the cool, caffeinated pick-me-up your afternoons are craving.

what is an espresso tonic?

An espresso tonic is a refreshing drink that combines chilled tonic water with hot espresso for a unique mix of bitter, sweet, and bubbly flavors.

Coffee culture has exploded with bold new drinks and espresso tonic is leading the charge in trendy cafes worldwide. This unexpected combination might sound unusual at first, but trust me, it’s absolutely amazing, and it will take over your morning coffee routine. It originated in specialty coffee shops and has become a favorite summer drink for coffee lovers worldwide.

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about mixing espresso with tonic water, I was skeptical. Coffee and tonic water? It sounded like something you’d accidentally create when reaching for the wrong bottle. But after trying my first sip, I was utterly hooked. Coffee tonic has become a favorite of mine, especially in the warmer months, when hot coffee just doesn’t hit the same.

What makes this coffee tonic so special is how it bridges the gap between hot coffee culture and refreshing summer beverages. Unlike iced coffee, which can sometimes taste diluted or overly sweet, espresso tonic preserves the bold coffee flavor for all coffee lovers. Baristas love it in particular, because it showcases high-quality espresso in an entirely new way.

Want to make it yourself but don’t own an espresso machine? Here’s how to brew espresso at home with gear you already have.

ingredients

Chilled tonic water. The foundation of the drink. Make sure it’s cold! The fizz adds bite and brightness, especially if you’re using a high-quality tonic like Fever-Tree. Look for tonic water with natural quinine for the best results.

Freshly brewed espresso. Hot, strong, and bold. Brew your espresso shot right before assembling, so it contrasts perfectly with the icy tonic.

Simple syrup. This sweetener is optional for this refreshing drink, but it helps smooth out the bitterness if you’re new to espresso tonics. Start with a splash of simple syrup. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back. The syrup also helps bind the flavors together.

Orange peel. Citrus peels go a long way. Run it around the rim of your glass before garnishing for an extra citrusy hit.

Mint sprig. For aroma and visual flair. Crush it gently before adding to release the oils. The mint adds a cooling sensation that makes this drink even more refreshing, especially on hot days.

this recipe’s must-haves 

Use highball or large rocks glasses to show off the cool layers of an espresso tonic. The tall glass does leave more space for foam, making the dark espresso stand out against the clear tonic.

To make a truly delicious espresso tonic, you need good espresso. An espresso machine works best for rich shots with a nice crema, but if you don’t have one, a moka pot or Aeropress will make strong coffee that works just fine.

Use big, clear ice cubes to keep the drink cold without watering it down quickly. This way, the flavors stay balanced while you enjoy your drink.

A jigger or small measuring cup helps you add the dash of simple syrup, so your drink tastes great every time.

Lastly, grab a veggie peeler to make pretty citrus garnishes. They’ll add a citrusy flavor and make your espresso tonic look even better!

here’s how to make this Espresso Tonic

Fill

Add ice to a glass and pour in chilled tonic water from the fridge to create the base layer.

Brew

Prepare a fresh, hot shot of espresso.

Pour

Slowly pour the espresso over the back of a spoon or directly into the glass to create layered separation, on top of the tonic water.

Sweeten

Add simple syrup to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed.

Adjust

Taste and refine by adding more tonic water for a lighter flavor or more espresso for a stronger coffee taste.

Garnish

Top with a fresh slice of citrus like an orange peel and a sprig of mint.

Serve

Enjoy immediately while the bubbles are active and the layers are distinct.

variations

Swap the orange peel for lemon or add fresh mint for an herbal twist that changes the drink’s entire character. The lemon provides a sharper citrus note, while mint adds cooling freshness.

Experiment with flavored tonic waters like elderflower, cucumber, or grapefruit to add subtle complexity and unique flavor profiles to your espresso tonic.

Try the drink unsweetened for a bold, bitter version that coffee purists will appreciate. This version highlights the natural flavors of both the espresso and tonic without any interference.

Vanilla or lavender simple syrup creates a floral coffeehouse-style drink that feels more dessert-like and sophisticated.

More espresso recipes to explore: Espresso Martini I Hot Orange Mocha Cocktail I Coffee Brownies I Dark Chocolate Coffee Cookies

faqs

Need some more cocktail hour inspiration? Check out my booze recipes page! 

no espresso machine? no problem!

If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still make an espresso tonic at home:

• Moka Pot: Brew strong stovetop coffee. It won’t have the crema of espresso but gives a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with tonic.
• Aeropress: Use the inverted method for a concentrated shot. Add a fine grind and steep for 1–2 minutes for more intensity.
• Strong Cold Brew: If you prefer less bitterness, use a concentrated cold brew instead of espresso.

what to serve with this Espresso Tonic

For sweet pairings, try biscotti or amaretti cookies to lean into that coffeehouse vibe. Dark chocolate-dipped candied orange peel ties beautifully into the citrus notes. lemon poppyseed muffins are a bright, tender option. A slice of toast topped with honey-drizzled ricotta and sea salt is simple but elegant.

For savory bites, prosciutto-wrapped melon gives a salty-sweet balance. Avocado toast with chili flakes adds creamy heat. Marcona almonds or spiced mixed nuts are an easy grab. Or go full cafe mode with a warm parmesan and chive scone.

Light meals? Caprese salad is a classic. Shaved fennel and orange salad adds brightness. Or serve it next to soft scrambled eggs on toast, or a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus, olives, and warm pita.

how to store

Espresso tonic is best enjoyed fresh, as tonic water loses its carbonation quickly once opened and mixed.

If you must prepare components ahead, keep the espresso and tonic separate until ready to serve, then combine them fresh for the best results.

more of our favorite non-alocholic drinks

When you’re ready to explore more refreshing beverage options, try the non-alcoholic Ipanema cocktail for a Brazilian-inspired drink that combines lime and cachaca flavors without the alcohol.

The ginger beer mocktail offers spicy, warming notes that contrast beautifully with the espresso tonic’s bitter coolness.

For a floral option, the sparkling rosemary peach mocktail offers herbal complexity and fruit sweetness, making it an excellent complement to coffee-based beverages.

Finally, if you make this Espresso Tonic recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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