In the past few years, coffee culture has been pushing beyond lattes and cold brews into creative territory. From the TikTok-famous espresso martini for cool girls to different espresso-based cocktails, it continues to get popular. One drink that’s earned a loyal following is the espresso tonic, which is a simple, sparkling combination of espresso and tonic water that’s refreshing, caffeinated, and visually striking. Most importantly, it’s nonalcoholic and the perfect choice for people who want a refreshing drink, but no alcohol included.
It may sound like an odd couple, you know, bitter espresso with the sharp fizz of tonic… but that’s the charm. When made right, the drink is bright, layered, and complex, with a perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, and citrusy sparkle. Whether you’ve seen it on a café menu or trending on Instagram, the espresso tonic is worth knowing about, and of course, making at home.
The Origins of the Espresso Tonic
The espresso tonic is a relatively new invention compared to centuries-old coffee traditions. The drink is believed to have started in Scandinavia in the early 2000s, particularly in Sweden, where the long summer days and café culture encouraged experimentation with coffee and cold drinks. From there, it spread across Europe, then to specialty coffee shops in the United States and Australia.
The appeal was immediate: it’s photogenic, it’s easy to make, and it offers something unique for coffee lovers, especially during warmer months, much like other trending drinks and top coffee flavors for summer 2025 that focus on bright, refreshing profiles.
Why the Combination Works
At first glance, mixing espresso and tonic water seems unusual. Tonic is carbonated and bitter (thanks to quinine), while espresso is rich, concentrated, and also bitter. But here’s why the pairing works:
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Contrast in textures: The smooth, thick espresso floats over the light, fizzy tonic, creating a dynamic mouthfeel.
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Bitterness + brightness: Espresso’s deep roasted notes meet tonic’s crisp, citrusy bitterness. This creates complexity instead of redundancy.
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Subtle sweetness: Many tonic waters contain a small amount of sugar, which softens espresso’s harsher edges.
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Temperature play: The tonic is served cold over ice, while the espresso is freshly brewed hot. When combined carefully, you get an invigorating chill with every sip. And yes, coffee often tastes better in ceramic mugs if you decide to skip the glass.
The result? A drink that’s refreshing like a soda, but with the sophistication and depth of specialty coffee.
What You’ll Need
Making an espresso tonic at home doesn’t require fancy equipment beyond what you’d already use for espresso. Here’s your basic toolkit:
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Espresso machine (or a strong coffee alternative like an AeroPress or moka pot)
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Chilled tonic water
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Ice cubes
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A tall glass (preferably clear to appreciate the layered look, or a safe ceramic mug like CURVD. Just make sure you’re using the best mug size for espresso-based drinks so the balance of coffee and tonic feels right).
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Optional garnishes like citrus slices, herbs like rosemary, or flavored syrups
If you prefer mugs to glasses, investing in durable ceramic coffee mugs can make a big difference in heat retention for your espresso before pouring.
Choosing the Right Espresso
The coffee you use matters. Since tonic water is sharp and effervescent, you want an espresso with flavor notes that complement rather than clash. Look for:
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Light to medium roasts with fruity, floral, or citrus profiles (African coffees like Ethiopian or Kenyan beans work beautifully)
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Avoid overly dark roasts, which can make the drink taste too heavy or overly bitter
Freshly ground beans will always give you a brighter, more aromatic result.
Picking Your Tonic
Not all tonic waters taste the same. The classic choice is a high-quality, premium tonic that isn’t overly sweet. Brands like Fever-Tree, Fentimans, and Q Tonic are popular for their balanced bitterness and clean finish.
You can experiment with flavored tonics (e.g. citrus, elderflower, or Mediterranean herb-infused versions) to create a signature twist.
How to Make an Espresso Tonic at Home
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own.
Ingredients (per serving):
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2 oz (60 ml) freshly brewed espresso
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4–6 oz (120–180 ml) chilled tonic water
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Ice cubes
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Optional: slice of lemon or orange, herbs (rosemary, thyme), or simple syrup
Step 1: Fill Your Glass with Ice
Start with a tall, clear glass and fill it to the top with fresh ice. This keeps the tonic cold and helps maintain the layered effect when you pour the espresso.
Step 2: Add the Tonic
Pour your chilled tonic water over the ice. Leave a bit of space at the top for the espresso.
Tip: Always add the tonic before the espresso to preserve carbonation and avoid too much foaming.
Step 3: Brew Your Espresso
Brew a double shot (about 2 oz) of espresso using freshly ground beans. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use an AeroPress or moka pot to make a strong coffee concentrate.
Step 4: Pour the Espresso Over the Tonic
Here’s where the magic happens: slowly pour the espresso over the back of a spoon so it gently floats on top of the tonic. This creates a distinct, two-tone look that’s visually stunning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add a slice of lemon or orange for brightness, or a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately before the ice melts and the layers mix.
CURVD Pro Tips for the Perfect Espresso Tonic
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Keep everything cold except the espresso. Chilling your glass and tonic beforehand enhances the refreshing effect.
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Experiment with ratios. Some prefer more tonic for a lighter, fizzier drink, while others want a punchier coffee flavor.
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Add a flavor twist with infused syrups like vanilla, ginger, or lavender, but use sparingly so the coffee and tonic still shine.
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Mind your pour. Pouring too fast will collapse the foam and ruin the layered look.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic espresso tonic, it’s fun to experiment.
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Citrus Espresso Tonic – Add a dash of fresh grapefruit or lime juice for extra zing. If you enjoy the idea of mixing citrus and coffee, you’ll probably also love this coffee lemonade recipe.
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Herbal Espresso Tonic – Infuse your tonic with basil, mint, or thyme.
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Sweet Espresso Tonic – Stir in a small amount of honey syrup for a gentler bitterness.
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Coffee Spritz – Swap part of the tonic for soda water and add a splash of Aperol for a coffee cocktail.
When to Serve an Espresso Tonic
This drink shines in warmer weather, but it’s versatile year-round as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, a brunch feature, or even a pre-dinner nonalcoholic apéritif. It’s an excellent alternative for coffee drinkers who want something refreshing without going for iced lattes or cold brews.
For something equally playful and refreshing, try learning how to make Japanese coffee jelly at home.
Why Make It at Home?
While espresso tonics are increasingly common in specialty cafés, making them at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, flavor profile, and presentation. It’s also far more cost-effective, and you can fine-tune your version to match your taste preferences.
Plus, there’s something satisfying about serving a guest a sparkling, layered drink they didn’t expect, especially when they realize it’s just coffee, tonic, and ice.
An espresso tonic is more than just a novelty. It’s a clever example of how simple ingredients can create something complex, refreshing, and memorable. With the right beans, quality tonic, and a bit of care, you can make a café-worthy espresso tonic in your own kitchen, no barista training required.
