• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Emily Laurae
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolio
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Portfolio
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Portfolio
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Espresso Tonic

    Published: Oct 25, 2022 · Modified: Nov 3, 2023 by Emily Laurae · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Bittersweet, bubbly, and perfectly caffeinated, this easy Espresso Tonic is the revivifying pick-me-up you’ve been looking for. Made with just 4 ingredients in as many minutes, this delightfully refreshing sipper is simply sublime.

    Espresso tonic with mint and lime in a glass with ice.
    Jump to:
    • ⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 
    • 🍴Ingredients
    • ⏲️ Substitutions & Variations
    • 🛠️ Equipment
    • 📖 Step by Step Instructions
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • More Espresso-Based Recipes
    • More Beverage Recipes
    • Espresso Tonic
    • 💬 Comments

    ⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

    If you’re in the market for a beautiful, robustly flavored, layered iced coffee or mocktail for breakfast or brunch, stop your scrolling. This delicious espresso tonic recipe is just what you’re after. It’s bitter & sweet, effervescent & energizing, and tastes equally delicious on its own or next to a tasty plate of food. These drinks are not usually found at your local coffee shop - they're found at specialty coffee shops with additions like a lime wedge, cherry bitters, flavored syrup or a citrus peel. There truly are endless variations!

    Made with bracingly strong espresso, complexly flavored bitter tonic water, zesty lime, and fresh mint, this coffee tonic is an absolutely delicious drink. Looking for other coffee drinks? Check out my guide for making homemade cold brew or sweet cream cold foam!

    And, before you pass on the idea of blending fresh espresso and tonic water, take a second to reconsider coffee lovers! If you sip espresso on its own (or with a twist or slice of lemon or orange zest, like they do in Europe), you’ll taste hints of floral and citrus flavors - like in my Yuzu Coffee Soda. It’s a perfect match for tonic water’s botanical flavor profile!

    Closeup of espresso tonic with fresh mint and a lime curl.

    🍴Ingredients

    As promised, you only need a few easy-to-find ingredients to make this thirst-quneching tonic espresso. Here’s what to grab:

    • Tonic Water - If possible, reach for “the good stuff” here. Fever Tree Tonic is my favorite, but Fentiman’s, Q Mixers, Boylan Heritage, and Top Note are all lovely. If you’re unable to find any of these craft brands, Schweppes or Canada Dry are both solid (if a little sweet) choices.
    • Lime Juice - Fresh lemon and lime juice is far superior to the bottled kind, plus you get the added benefit of having an extra ingredient (the zest) for turning into beautiful garnishes. To get the most juice and acidic notes from your fruit, give it a firm roll on the countertop for 10-15 seconds before slicing open.
    • Mint Simple Syrup - Made by steeping fresh mint sprigs in a 1:1 solution of water and sugar, homemade mint simple syrup is a fuss-free and delicious way to brighten up your beverages and mocktails. Feel free to substitute the syrup of your choice here based on your taste preference - ginger syrup would be a great addition here!
    • Double Shot of Espresso - Any coffee beans that are ground finely enough for an espresso maker can be used here, so opt for whatever suits you best for this coffee drink. Stumptown coffee, Linea Coffee, and Sightglass Coffee are some of my favorites!
    • Lime Twist & Fresh Mint - These are technically optional, but make for a pretty garnish and help to bring forth the flavors in your first sip. Plus, you should already have them on hand for the mint syrup and fresh lime juice!
    • Plenty of Ice Cubes - If possible, use filtered water to make your ice.
    Labeled ingredient shot for making an espresso tonic recipe.

    ⏲️ Substitutions & Variations

    While I love a straightforward espresso tonic just the way the recipe is written, there’s always plenty of room for customization depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:

    • Decaf - Use your favorite decaf coffee beans, or for a completely caffeine-free sipper, opt for finely ground roasted carob and barley or another coffee alternative.
    • Lower Sugar - Opt for a “lite” tonic water to cut back on added sugar. You can also make your mint simple syrup with a sugar alternative like stevia or monkfruit.
    • Quinine-Free - If you’re sensitive to the effects of quinine, make your own quinine-free tonic syrup to mix with club soda. You’re also welcome to use plain club soda to make life a little easier.
    • Cocktail Alternative - Adding a shot of vodka will turn this mocktail into a tastefully caffeinated coffee cocktail party drink.

    🛠️ Equipment

    Being your own barista-bartender isn’t as dependent on specialty equipment as you may think! Here’s everything you’ll need to make this coffee and tonic libation:

    • Espresso Machine - Feel free to get as fancy as you want here. While you can spend thousands on a professional-grade machine, a basic countertop model will run around $100 and ultra-simple stovetop espresso makers can be bought for around $40.
    • Bottle Opener - If you’re using craft tonic water, you might not get a twist-off or poppable top. Anything that gives you leverage can be used as a bottle opener, but your wine key and/or can opener probably has one built in.
    • Tall Glass - I love serving this espresso tonic water in a collins glass for a stunning presentation, but feel free to use any glass large enough to fit all the caffeinated, bubbly goodness.
    • Reusable Straws - Not only are reusable glass straws beautiful enough for Instagram, but they’re also a serious win for the oceans and planet. 

    📖 Step by Step Instructions

    Making this simply exquisite cola alternative is a snap. Here’s how it’s done:

    Adding ice cubes into a glass.

    Step 1: Add ice into a serving glass

    Sparkling tonic water and simple syrup in a glass with ice.

    Step 2: Make Clear Base Layer. Add tonic water, lime juice and simple syrup over ice and gently stir. 

    Pouring espresso over ice, tonic water and simple syrup with a bar spoon.

    Step 3: Add Espresso. Gently pour espresso shots into the glass over a spoon to help with the layering effect.

    Garnished espresso tonic.

    Step 4: Garnish your beverage with lime & fresh mint before enjoying!

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

    • Use freshly pulled espresso shots. If you talk to coffee pros, they’ll tell you a shot of espresso “expires” just 10 seconds after it’s pulled. While I’m not quite so particular, I do recommend using espresso you made today.
    • Zest before juicing. Before you juice your lime, grab a few long, twisting curls of the bright green rind for your garnish. Trust me, it’s WAY easier to zest citrus before you juice it!
    • Create distinct layers. Want to make a layered drink? Flip over your bar spoon so the concave part is facing down. Insert it into the serving glass, touching the edge of the glass and the top of the liquid. Pour the espresso (or whatever you’re floating) very slowly over the dome. It should create a visible layer on top before adding your garnish! 
    Closeup of espresso tonic garnishes.

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    What are the benefits of drinking tonic water?

    Quinine used to be prescribed for treating malaria and leg cramps, and it’s believed that tonic water was invented as a way of making the bitter taste of the drug more palatable by adding bubbles and sugar. 

    However, today’s tonic waters typically have pretty low concentrations of quinine, so there isn’t really a health benefit to drinking it.

    What is the best tonic water?

    Taste is subjective, so that’s going to depend on your opinion! I personally love Fever Tree Indian Tonic water, followed closely by Fentiman’s and Top Note. What’s your favorite tonic water? Let me know in the comments below so I can give it a try!

    More Espresso-Based Recipes

    • Rose matcha latte near roses on a counter.
      Rose Matcha Latte: A Floral Twist on Your Green Tea Latte Recipe
    • Matcha affogato recipe thumbnail.
      Matcha Affogato Recipe: An Easy Green Tea Dessert
    • Matcha tonic in a glass cup with ice on the counter.
      The Ultimate Matcha Tonic for a Refreshing Energy Boost
    • Matcha lavender latte on the counter with macarons.
      How to Make a Lavender Matcha Latte

    More Beverage Recipes

    • Rose old fashioned cocktail on the counter near roses.
      Rose Old Fashioned Cocktail: A Floral Twist on a Classic Sip (Quick & Easy!)
    • Rose simple syrup on the counter next to fresh roses.
      How to Make Rose Simple Syrup: A Floral Sweetener for Drinks, Desserts & More
    • Matcha soda in a glass on a wooden board.
      How to Make a Refreshing Matcha Soda (Only Three Ingredients)
    • Matcha cold foam poured into a matcha drink.
      Creamy Matcha Cold Foam Recipe (Made in just 3 minutes!)

    If you try this recipe for an Espresso Tonic, please leave a 🌟 review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! 📧 

    Espresso Tonic.

    Espresso Tonic

    Bittersweet, bubbly, and perfectly caffeinated, this easy Espresso Tonic is the revivifying pick-me-up you’ve been looking for. Made with just 4 ingredients in as many minutes, this delightfully refreshing booze-free sipper is simply sublime.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Course: Beverages
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 Beverage
    Calories: 45kcal
    Author: Emily Laurae

    Equipment

    • Espresso Machine
    • Bottle Opener
    • Tall Glass
    • Reusable Straws

    Ingredients

    • 6 oz Tonic Water
    • 1 oz Lime Juice
    • ½ oz Mint Simple Syrup
    • 2 Shots Espresso
    • Lime Twist & Fresh Mint, for garnish
    • Ice

    Instructions

    • Add tonic water, lime juice and simple syrup over ice and gently stir.
      6 oz Tonic Water, 1 oz Lime Juice, Ice, ½ oz Mint Simple Syrup
    • Gently pour espresso shots over a bar spoon into a glass (as pictured above) and garnish with lime & fresh mint before enjoying!
      2 Shots Espresso, Lime Twist & Fresh Mint

    Video

    Notes

    Expert Tips
    • Use freshly pulled espresso shots. If you talk to coffee pros, they’ll tell you a shot of espresso “expires” just 10 seconds after it’s pulled. While I’m not quite so particular, I do recommend using espresso you made today.
    • Zest before juicing. Before you juice your lime, grab a few long, twisting curls of the bright green rind for your garnish. Trust me, it’s WAY easier to zest citrus before you juice it!
    • Create distinct layers. Want to make a layered drink? Flip over your bar spoon so the concave part is facing down. Insert it into the serving glass, touching the edge of the glass and the top of the liquid. Pour the espresso (or whatever you’re floating) very slowly over the dome. It should create a visible layer on top before adding your garnish!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Enjoyed this recipe?Mention @emilylaurae or tag #emilylaurae!

    More Refreshing Beverage Recipes

    • Brown sugar oatmilk cortado in a small cup.
      Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado: A Twist on the Classic
    • Pouring almond milk into espresso.
      Almond Milk Latte in 5 minutes (Hot or Iced)
    • Strawberry latte with a fresh strawberry garnish in a glass cup.
      Easy Strawberry Latte Recipe (Strawberry Coffee)
    • Smoked old fashioned cocktail in a glass with smoke.
      Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail (with Video)

    About Emily Laurae

    Emily is the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Emily Laurae. After finishing Pastry School and working as a chef in the restaurant industry, she created this blog to share those skills with home bakers and creators all over the world!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    emily laurae sidebar

    HELLO MY FRIENDS, I'M EMILY!

    I'm a professionally trained pastry chef, sharing a collection of my favorite recipes, tips, and tricks for you to create and enjoy in your home kitchen!

    RECIPES

    Spring Recipes

    • Mini lemon meringue tarts on the counter with toasted meringue.
      How to Make Mini Lemon Meringue Tarts with Homemade Lemon Curd
    • Strawberry charlotte cake on a white marble platter with small strawberries.
      How to Make a Classic Strawberry Charlotte Cake (Charlotte aux Fraises)
    • Matcha cookies with white chocolate chips.
      Easy No-Chill Bakery-Style Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
    • Strawberry macarons on the counter near fresh strawberries.
      How to Make Strawberry Macarons with Buttercream and Jam Filling

    Trending Recipes

    • Dutch oven sourdough bread - baked in a dutch oven.
      How to make Sourdough Bread (Dutch Oven Method)
    • 15+ Flavored Simple Syrup Recipes for Cakes, Cocktails, Coffee, and More!
      15+ Flavored Simple Syrup Recipes for Cakes, Cocktails, Coffee, & More!
    • How to make Sugared Berries
      How to make Sugared Berries
    • Chewy Molasses Cookies with Candied Ginger Stack
      Chewy Molasses Cookies with Candied Ginger
    • Medicine ball tea - Starbucks copycat.
      Medicine Ball (5 Minute Starbucks Copycat Hot Tea Recipe)
    • Sourdough grilled cheese sandwich sliced in half on a plate.
      The Ultimate Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich (with VIDEO)

    FEATURED ON

    Featured image including martha stewart, sur la table, southern living,walmart and albertsons.

    Footer

    About

    • About Page
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility
    • Photography Gear Guide
    • Shop

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up so you're the first to know about new recipes, kitchen tips, and events!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Classes & Events
    • Collaborations & Partnerships
    • Special Orders

    Copyright © 2025 Emily Laurae of ACD Studio - All Rights Reserved

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.