A tall glass of Espresso Tonic is a bold and bubbly way to enjoy your coffee. Made with chilled espresso, tonic water, simple syrup and a lemon peel garnish, espresso tonic is the perfect balance of bright, citrusy sparkle and rich, robust espresso.
This Espresso Tonic recipe is so easy to make at home and is calling all coffee lovers!
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Espresso Tonic
Whether you're a die-hard coffee drinker or just looking to try something new, this espresso tonic recipe is an energizing drink with a modern edge.
Combining the deep flavors of freshly brewed espresso with the bubbliness of tonic water, along with a splash of simple syrup for a touch of sweetness, and a lemon garnish for a zesty finish, this drink is a game-changer for coffee aficionados.
Served over ice, it's an ideal pick-me-up on warm afternoons and relaxing summer evenings.
A vibrant contrast of flavors makes coffee tonic not just a drink but a culinary experience for your tastebuds and guaranteed to become your go-to iced coffee choice.
Did you know that espresso is brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans? It’s the flavor foundation of this drink, offering deep, roasted flavor and a smooth finish.
Tonic water has a bright, bubbly profile that adds a refreshing note while the complexity of the espresso makes this combination both fresh and sophisticated.
Cool, crisp, and caffeinated, espresso tonic is the ultimate refreshing drink for coffee lovers.
With its perfect balance of bold espresso and bubbly tonic water, this effervescent beverage is a vibrant blending of bitter, sweet, and citrusy notes.
A touch of simple syrup adds just enough sweetness to soften the bitter edge of your tonic drink. Add as much or as little simple syrup based on your personal taste preference for sweetness.
A twist of lemon peel adds a zesty finish that elevates every sip and is a classic addition to a cup of espresso.
I sometimes add a lemon slice or two in my glass because it looks so pretty!
Whether you're sipping it on a hot afternoon or serving it as a trendy brunch drink, this espresso tonic is a modern coffee shop favorite you can easily make at home.
Explore the differences between iced coffee vs iced latte along with tips and tricks for making both.
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How to make a tonic drink
This is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
- Step 1: Add ice, 3/4 cup tonic tonic water and 1 Tablespoon simple syrup to a tall glass.
- Step 2: Carefully add one espresso shot and garnish with one piece of lemon peel. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make two drinks.
Hint: It is important to use chilled espresso to make this drink so that the tonic water keeps its effervescence.
Expert recipe tips
- Chill Your Espresso – It is very important to be sure that your espresso is completely cooled before pouring it into the tonic water. If it is not chilled hot espresso will make the tonic lose its bubbles and go flat.
- Pour Carefully - To preserve the tonic’s fizz, pour the chilled espresso slowly over the back of a spoon or carefully down the side of the glass.
- Tall Glasses - Use a tall glass filled with lots of ice for a refreshing drink.
- Adjust the Sweetness - Customize the sweetness by starting with less simple syrup and adding more to taste.
- Flavored Simple Syrup – You can use a flavored simple syrup such as brown sugar syrup, honey syrup or berry syrup for added flavor
- Fresh Rosemary - Add a sprig of rosemary for an herbal aroma.
- Make It Bold - Add a double shot of espresso for a bolder coffee flavor
- Use Coffee Ice Cubes – Make iced cubes with leftover coffee and your drink will not get diluted as the ice cubes melt
Substitutions
- Espresso – If you don’t have espresso you can use a strong cold brew coffee concentrate or very strong coffee instead.
- Tonic Water - Replace tonic with sparkling water or club soda for a less bitter version or use a flavored tonic or coffee soda to add an extra layer of taste.
- Simple Syrup - Honey syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives to simple syrup. For a sugar-free option, use monk fruit or stevia-based syrups.
- Lemon Garnish - Try orange peel, lime wedge or a slice of citrus such as grapefruit in place of lemon for a different citrus twist
Variations
- Fruity Espresso Tonic - For a fruity flavor, add a splash of fresh orange juice or grapefruit juice before pouring the espresso.
- Spiced Espresso Tonic - Use ginger simple syrup for a flavor twist with a hint of heat and spice.
- Herbal Espresso Tonic - Muddle fresh basil or mint leaves in the glass before adding the ice for a fragrant herbal note.
- Espresso Tonic Cocktail - Add a shot of gin or vodka and turn this nonalcoholic beverage into a sophisticated coffee cocktail.
- Cold Foam Espresso Tonic - Top your drink with cold foam and garnish with coffee beans!
Ingredients
Ingredients for a classic espresso tonic
- Espresso – Espresso is rich and concentrated in coffee flavor and the flavor base of this drink.
- Tonic Water – Tonic water is slightly sweet and pleasantly bitter. This carbonated beverage is flavored with quinine.
- Lemon Peel - A strip of lemon peel adds a burst of aromatic citrus oil that elevates and complements the espresso’s richness. It also adds bright, zesty accent that lingers on the palate.
- Simple Syrup – The ideal sweetener for a cold beverage, simple syrup blends and sweetens instantly without leaving grainy sugar in your drink.
- Ice - Ice cubes keep your drink chilled
Iced Coffee Drinks
If you love a good iced coffee drink you'll want to make these easy coffee recipes too!
Recipes Made With Coffee
When you're a coffee lover and craving that coffee flavor, here are some recipes to try!
Espresso Tonic Recipe
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Ingredients
- ice
- 4 Tablespoons espresso chilled
- 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) tonic water
- 2 Tablespoons simple syrup
- 2 pieces lemon peel
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Instructions
- Add ice, 3/4 cup tonic tonic water and 1 Tablespoon simple syrup to a tall glass.
- Carefully add 2 Tablespoons of espresso and garnish with one piece of lemon peel.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 2 servings.
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