Espresso Tonic
Tonic's quinine bite brings out espresso's fruitier notes in this unusual but established cold coffee. Pouring slowly keeps the first sip bright and fizzy.
Non-alcoholicMake it like a pro.
- 01
Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the chilled premium Indian tonic water.
- 02
Let the freshly brewed espresso cool for one minute, then pour it slowly over the back of a spoon onto the tonic.
- 03
Express the orange peel over the glass, set it on the rim, and serve before the tonic loses its bubbles.
Tools for This Recipe
Helpful equipment for making this recipe at home.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Easy swaps
- Use a labeled light tonic for a less sweet version; its nutrition is not the same as the premium tonic used here.
- A double shot of decaf espresso keeps the coffee flavor with much less caffeine.
Mixpert tips
- Pour espresso slowly to avoid a foam overflow when it meets the carbonated tonic.
- Use clear ice and a cold glass; a warm espresso shot otherwise flattens the drink quickly.
You might also like
Espresso Tonic FAQs
Can I use soda water instead of tonic in espresso tonic?
You can, but soda water lacks tonic's bitter-sweet flavor, so this will become a very different coffee highball. Pour the espresso slowly over ice and chilled soda to limit foaming. If you want sweetness, add it separately and do not rely on the tonic-based nutrition estimate.
Does espresso tonic contain milk?
No. It is espresso layered over tonic and ice, so it stays clear and sparkling.
Why did my tonic foam up?
Hot espresso poured too fast into carbonation can create a sudden foam head. Cool briefly and pour slowly.