Coffee Tonic – Non Alcoholic Iced Espresso Recipe

Last Updated on July 8, 2025 by Leah Hall

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.  The combination of bubbly tonic and the bitter espresso combine to make a drink that is complex and surprisingly refreshing. Try the Blizzard cocktail with whiskey and Irish Cream with hazelnut coffee. 

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What is a Coffee Tonic?

Tips & Tricks

• Garnishes: maraschino cherries, pomegranate arils, lemon slices, rosemary sprigs or orange slices. You can also use just an orange peel or lemon twist. 
• Citrus: a dash of lemon juice can be added, or a splash of orange juice.
• Spike It: 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!
• Glassware: of course this is great in a glass mug! But, a highball works too!
• Tonic: 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! Always pour the tonic first for less mess, as it can bubble over. 
• Coffee: if making your own espresso use fruitier beans (like Ethiopian) if possible. It pairs well with the citrusy taste of the tonic water. Cold brew concentrate also is easier to use, so feel free to use that instead. If you use cold brew, use less tonic and maybe more coffee. 

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It makes a cool layered drink that is visually appealing! Try a warm coffee cocktail with our Nutty Irishman!

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Yield: 1

The Coffee Tonic

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

A new trend in coffee - the cafe tonic is an interesting combination of espresso and tonic water.

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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

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Libbey 10.5-ounce Irish Coffee Mug, 4-piece Set
• 
  Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water, 6.8 Ounce Glass Bottles

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 28mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 15gProtein: 0g

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