How To Make Espresso Tonic (Easy & Quick Recipe)

Ever tried mixing espresso with tonic water? It might sound unusual, but it works!

One of my favorite drinks I discovered last summer was espresso tonic. I happened to visit a coffee shop one afternoon, looking for my usual iced latte, but a barista recommended something different. “You should try an espresso tonic,” they said.

I hesitated at first—espresso and tonic? But the moment I took that first sip, I was hooked. It was crisp, refreshing, and had this light citrusy bitterness that made it the perfect summer coffee.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about espresso tonic. For instance, what it is, how it tastes, the best tonics to use, and an easy recipe to make it at home. So let’s start brewing!

What Is an Espresso Tonic?

If you love espresso but want something refreshing and a little unexpected, an espresso tonic might be your next favorite drink.

It’s a cold coffee drink that blends bold espresso with crisp, fizzy tonic water over ice. Sounds a little strange at first, right? But the contrast of deep, rich coffee with light, bubbly tonic creates a surprisingly smooth and refreshing drink.

Iced Coffee vs. Espresso Tonic

Unlike a traditional iced coffee, which is just coffee poured over ice, an espresso tonic has a lighter, more effervescent texture because of the carbonation in the tonic.

The tonic water adds subtle citrus and herbal notes, making the espresso taste brighter and more complex.

I find this drink perfect for hot summer days or when you want to switch things up from your usual coffee routine.

The History of Espresso Tonic

The espresso tonic originated in Scandinavia, with its first known creation in Oslo in 2007. A barista working alongside Anne Lunell and Charles Nystrand, who later founded Koppi Roasters in Sweden. He mixed leftover tonic water with espresso and created a surprisingly refreshing drink.

Seeing its potential, Lunell and Nystrand refined the recipe and introduced it as “Kaffe&Tonic” at their Helsingborg café later that year.

The beverage quickly gained popularity across Scandinavia and, through international barista competitions, made its way to coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

Best Tonic Waters for Espresso Tonic

Not all tonic waters are created equal. I mean, some are sweeter, some are more bitter, and others bring out unexpected citrus or herbal notes.

The right tonic can make or break your espresso tonic. So, picking a good one is key. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Fever-Tree Indian Tonic

If you want a crisp and clean tonic that won’t overpower your espresso, Fever-Tree Indian Tonic is a great choice.

It’s balanced, lightly bitter, and not overly sweet, making it a fantastic base for this drink. Plus, its high-quality quinine gives it a refreshing, slightly citrusy bite.

Schweppes Tonic Water

A classic, budget-friendly option that’s widely available. Schweppes has a slightly stronger bitter note than others, which can enhance the boldness of espresso.

If you enjoy a more traditional espresso tonic with that signature quinine bitterness, this one’s for you.

Q Mixers Tonic Water

Q Mixers keep things light and less sweet, allowing the espresso’s natural flavors to shine. This is a great option if you’re not a fan of sugary drinks and want something that complements rather than competes with your coffee.

Fentimans Tonic Water

Fentimans is known for its herbal and floral complexity, which adds an extra layer of depth to an espresso tonic. You get hints of botanicals and citrus, making it a fantastic choice if you like a more aromatic and layered coffee experience.

Flavor Variations & Creative Twists

One of the best things about an espresso tonic is how easy it is to experiment with flavors. Whether you like it citrusy, sweet, spiced, or boozy, a small tweak can completely change the experience. So here are some fun alternatives.

Citrus Espresso Tonic

A splash of fresh lemon or orange juice takes the brightness of an espresso tonic to another level. The acidity of citrus balances the bitterness of the espresso and improves the floral notes in tonic water.

If you want something even more refreshing, try adding a thin slice of lemon or orange as a garnish—it looks great and adds an extra hint of zest with every sip.

Honey Espresso Tonic

If you like a little natural sweetness, mix in a teaspoon of honey before adding your espresso. The fact is honey smooths out the bitterness while adding subtle floral and caramel-like undertones.

Pro tip: Stir the honey into the tonic before pouring the espresso to make sure it dissolves evenly.

Spiced Espresso Tonic

For a cozier take on this drink, add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom. These spices bring warmth and depth, making your espresso tonic taste more complex.

This version works especially well in cooler months when you still want something refreshing but with a bit of spice.

Alcoholic Espresso Tonic

If you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, add a shot of gin or vodka. The herbal notes of gin complement the tonic and espresso beautifully, while vodka keeps things clean and crisp.

This is one of my favorite versions. I find it perfect for an after-dinner or a coffee-based cocktail at brunch!

Last Thoughts

Have you tried espresso tonic before? If so, what’s your go-to tonic water brand? Or maybe you have a special twist of your own? I’d love to hear your comment below, and with that voilà!