How to Make an Espresso Tonic (Easy Recipe)
You don’t need fancy equipment for this. Just a good espresso shot and your favorite tonic water. The key to a great espresso tonic is balancing the boldness of the espresso with the crisp, bubbly texture of the tonic. Get that right, and you’ll have a drink that’s both refreshing and full of depth.
Equipment
- Espresso machine or alternative (Moka pot, AeroPress, or Nespresso)
- Tall glass (to showcase those beautiful layers)
- Spoon (for gently stirring)
- Citrus peeler or knife (if using a garnish)
Ingredients
- 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso
- 4-6 oz of tonic water (premium brands recommended)
- Ice cubes (lots of them)
- Optional: Citrus garnish (lemon, orange, or lime)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice – The more, the better! This keeps the drink cold and prevents the espresso from heating up the tonic too much.
- Pour the tonic water over the ice first – Doing this before the espresso preserves the carbonation, so your drink stays nice and fizzy.
- Slowly pour the espresso shot over the tonic – This helps create a cool layered effect and prevents the espresso from mixing too quickly.
- Garnish with citrus peel or herbs – This step is optional, but a twist of lemon or a sprig of rosemary adds an extra aromatic touch.
- Stir gently & enjoy! – Give it a light stir before drinking to blend the flavors while keeping the bubbles intact.