Last Updated on February 5, 2022 by The Noms
An interesting combo of flavors in this coffee and tonic water combo!
When we first read about this combination of coffee and tonic on Tasting Table, we thought it sounded so crazy that we just had to try it, especially when we found out it is a trend that is sweeping the coffee houses in San Francisco. The combination of bubbly tonic and the bitter espresso combine to make a drink that is complex and surprisingly refreshing.
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What is a Coffee Tonic?
What does Espresso Tonic Taste Like?
What Ingredients are Needed for the Cafe Tonic?
- espresso
- tonic water
- simple syrup (optional, more info below!)
What Other Ingredients can be Used in A Coffee Tonic?
- Garnishes: maraschino cherries or pomegranate arils, lemon slices or rosemary
- a dash of lemon juice can be added, or a splash of orange juice
- Make it spiked: feel free to add some booze in this if you like! Gin would be lovely (Gin & Tonic, duh) or a coffee liqueur to compliment the coffee flavors would be great!
What Tonic Should be used in the Coffee and Tonic?
Of course, it’s completely up to you, but we encourage you to use a higher quality tonic, such as Fever Tree. Feel free to play around with flavored tonics too, see what you like!
Making a Coffee Tonic at Home
- Use fruitier beans (like Ethiopian) if possible. They pair well with the citrusy taste of the tonic water. If you choose a Latin American blend that will mean a nuttier, more chocolate flavored coffee, which can be ok with tonic, but maybe less tonic.
- A cold brew concentrate may be easier to use than espresso or regular cold brew.If you are using regular cold brew, use less tonic and maybe more coffee.
- Always pour the tonic first for less mess, as it can bubble over!
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Other Tonic Water Cocktails
It makes a cool layered drink that is visually appealing! Cheers!
Like this recipe? Try these below, too!
Other Coffee Cocktails
- Long Island Iced Coffee – Whitney Bond
- Boozy Iced Coffee – The Wanderlust Kitchen
- Affogato Coffee Dessert
- Mint Irish Iced Coffee Cocktail – Home Cooking Memories
- Irish Whiskey Coffee
The Coffee Tonic
A new trend in coffee - the cafe tonic is an interesting combination of espresso and tonic water.
Ingredients
Coffee Tonic
- Simple Syrup to taste
- 2 ounces espresso
- 6 ounces tonic water
Instructions
Add ice cubes and tonic water into a glass. Slowly pour the espresso over the ice and tonic, allowing the tonic to mix the espresso and make a creamy bitter layer on top.
Gently stir to mix and if needed add a dash of simple syrup to make it a bit sweeter.
Notes
We recommend Fever Tree tonic water. You can also use a cold brew concentrate instead of espresso.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 28mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 15gProtein: 0g
PIN THIS COFFEE TONIC RECIPE FOR LATER!
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Say hello to the coffee tonic – your new favourite summer drink
Monday 22nd of March 2021
[…] Otherwise known as an espresso tonic, the drink is exceptionally easy to make. […]
Iced Coffee Concoctions to Keep You Cool and Caffeinated - KCM Apartments Social Hub
Thursday 13th of August 2020
[…] Coffee Tonic [Gastronom]Feeling a little adventurous? Cue the coffee tonic. True to its name, this iced coffee beverage contains tonic water for a fizzy kick. A dash of simple syrup offsets the slightly bitter taste of the tonic. It’s kind of like a coffee cocktail, just sans the boozy element. […]
Kim
Tuesday 7th of April 2020
I am a coffeeholic, but not sure what simple syrup is.
The 'Noms.
Tuesday 7th of April 2020
Simple syrup is an easy mix of sugar and water. You take it to a simmer on the stove, and then let it cool! Boom, simple syrup. Great for coffee drinks, cocktails and lemonades!
Sami @ Be Mindful, You're Creative
Friday 10th of July 2015
Very very interesting!!
gourmet.gourmand
Wednesday 11th of March 2015
this looks so cool!! this is a new trend in SF? Haven't heard of it yet, but thanks for the introduction :)
The 'Noms.
Wednesday 11th of March 2015
Glad you enjoyed reading it. We actually heard about it on a SF blog and then later on Tasting Table where they talked about it being a big trend out in the Bay area.