I’ll tell you the truth: I love a good gin and tonic, but I also have a passion for coffee and a fondness for a chic espresso martini. So when I discovered the espresso tonic, it felt like I had stumbled upon a refreshing combination of all my favorite things—minus the alcohol.

What Is An Espresso Tonic?

The espresso tonic isn’t a recent invention, as most coffee enthusiasts know. This innovative drink has steadily gained popularity in the coffee world. Originating in Scandinavia in the early 2000s, it combines two simple ingredients—espresso and crisp tonic water. Despite its long history, specialty coffee shops across the United States have only recently started featuring it on their menus.

While major coffee chains haven’t widely embraced the espresso tonic yet, its growing popularity suggests it will soon break out of its niche status. This creative blend of coffee and carbonation opens up an exciting new frontier in coffee consumption, attracting those who seek a lighter, more invigorating coffee experience.

@morgandrinkscoffee

Espresso Tonic all day, every day. How’d I do, @Ethan Rode? #barista #coffee

♬ deep in it – berlioz & Ted Jasper

You want to keep in mind that the way to make this turn out the best is the quality of the tonic water. The crisper, the fresher, the better your espresso tonic will turn out.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 shots of espresso
• 4-6 oz of tonic water
•  Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 4-6 oz of tonic water over the ice.
3. Slowly pour 1-2 shots of freshly brewed espresso over the tonic water.
4. Gently stir to combine the flavors.
5. If desired, garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.

Tips:

• Use high-quality tonic water for the best flavor profile.
• Experiment with different espresso roasts to find your preferred taste.
• For a sweeter version, add a small amount of simple syrup.

For the initial bones of the drink, espresso and tonic water are required. However, when scrolling through TikTok, we noticed there were many different iterations of this spirit-free cocktail. Some variations include adding cherry cola, orange and vanilla, and many other ingredients and syrups. It’s truly up to you and your preferred tastes to customize the drink to your liking.