Tonic with a coffee kick

Craving something refreshing with character? Discover the perfect balance between bitter and bubbly in this tonic with a coffee kick. This alcohol-free thirst-quencher combines the lively fizz of 150 ml tonic with the deep, aromatic strength of 50 ml freshly brewed espresso. Served over ice cubes, it's a true pick-me-up for warm days - elegant, surprising, and irresistible.

Whether you're a coffee lover or simply looking for something new, this might just become your favorite summer drink. Later in this article we will also disclose where and how this drink originated.

How to make tonic with a coffee kick?

It doesn't get much simpler than this. And that's exactly why this tonic with espresso is perfect for hot summer days - a refreshing, alcohol-free drink with a kick.

First and foremost, brew an espresso and let it cool completely. It's best to do this in advance.

Next, place a few ice cubes in a long drink glass. Fill it with tonic until the glass is about two-thirds full.

Now comes the "hardest" part: adding the espresso. To create beautiful layers, it's best to pour the espresso over the rounded side of a spoon. This helps it spread gently across the glass, forming distinct layers.

Why tonic and espresso are a golden duo

Contrasting flavors that enhance each other

Espresso is rich, bitter, and full-bodied, with notes of chocolate, nuts, or citrus depending on the bean. Tonic is light, crisp, and has a dry bitterness from quinine, often complemented by citrusy aromas. Together, they create an exciting flavor balance: the deep bitterness of espresso is brightened by the sparkling tonic, making the drink feel lighter and more vibrant.

Sparkling texture adds playfulness

The carbonation in tonic gives the drink a lively mouthfeel, softening the intensity of the espresso and making it more approachable - especially on warm days. The result is a perfect blend of bitterness (from tonic and coffee), sweetness, and acidity.

Temperature and refreshment

Served over ice, the espresso cools quickly (if you didn't let it cool down previously). This prevents the flavors from becoming too heavy and makes it an ideal summer drink: invigorating and rich in caffeine.

No milk - pure and grown-up

Unlike many coffee drinks, this combination is completely lactose-free. That makes it a great choice for those who appreciate pure, unadulterated flavors.

Complementary aromas

Some tonic brands feature floral or citrus notes that pair beautifully with the fruity acidity of certain espressos. The result? A complex, layered drink that keeps surprising you.

Variations on tonic with a coffee kick

The classic combination of tonic and espresso is already a refreshing surprise in itself. But who says you have to stop there? With a few clever additions, you can give this sparkling summer drink a completely unique character. Here are some flavorful variations to experiment with:

Citrus Boost A slice of orange, grapefruit, or a squeeze of lime elevates the tonic to a new level. The fresh citrus aromas enhance the drink's vibrancy and give the espresso a fruity lift.

Spicy Kick Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick. Rosemary adds a Mediterranean flair, while cinnamon brings a warm, autumnal undertone. A subtle twist with lots of personality.

Espresso Tonic Float For the sweet tooth: add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The result is a decadent, summery version - like an affogato with bubbles. Creamy, cool, and surprising.

Cold Brew Tonic Replace the espresso with cold brew coffee. This brewing method is smoother and less bitter, giving the drink a mellow and approachable flavor. Ideal for fans of subtle coffee notes.

Herbal Infusion Let a few mint or basil leaves steep briefly in the tonic before adding the coffee. Fresh herbs add an aromatic twist and make it extra refreshing - perfect for a summer afternoon on the patio.

Ginger Espresso Tonic Use a ginger-infused tonic or add a splash of ginger syrup. The spicy kick of ginger pairs surprisingly well with the deep tones of espresso, giving the drink an energetic bite.

Vanilla Tonic Espresso A drop of vanilla extract in the espresso softens and rounds out the flavor. A subtle addition that tempers the bitterness and adds a touch of elegance.

The surprising history of espresso tonic

What began as a spontaneous barista experiment in Scandinavia has grown into a globally beloved summer drink. The combination of tonic and espresso - fresh, bitter, and sparkling - may seem like a modern invention, but the idea first emerged in 2007 in Oslo, Norway. There, a barista working with specialty coffee was searching for a non-alcoholic alternative with character and mixed the two for the first time.

The drink soon found a stage at Koppi Roasters, a pioneering coffee bar in Helsingborg, Sweden, founded by Anne Lunell and Charles Nystrand. Under the name Kaffe & Tonic, it appeared on their menu, sparking curiosity among coffee enthusiasts. The blend of deep, aromatic espresso with the dry bitterness of tonic proved to be refreshingly surprising - and visually striking thanks to its layered presentation over ice.

From that moment on, espresso tonic began its quiet rise. Through barista competitions and coffee festivals, it spread to cafés in Japan, Australia, North America, and eventually to larger chains. Around 2019, brands like Caffè Nero began offering the drink in collaboration with premium tonic producers such as Fever-Tree, further fueling its popularity.

Today, espresso tonic is a staple on the summer menu of many coffee bars. It's a drink that plays with contrasts: hot versus cold, bitter versus bright, classic versus experimental. And the best part? You don't need alcohol or sugar - just good coffee, tonic, and a little boldness.

You can learn more about the equally surprising history of coffee in the article on Turkish coffee.

Read more about the surprising history of espresso tonic in the following articles:

• Espresso and tonic - Wikipedia.
• Espresso tonic: harmonizing coffee and tonic water (The coffee guru).
• Deep dive: what is an espresso tonic? (Drinktrade).

More surprising.drinks

Drinks can be truly surprising too. The basic need to quench thirst can be elevated to an art form with the right beverage. Discover more surprising drinks here:

• Turkish cardamom coffee.
• Mango lassi with saffron and cardamom.
• Onion peel tea.
• Masala milk tea.
• Healthy coconut water smoothie.

If you speak Dutch, you can find the Dutch version of this recipe on gerechtenweb.blog.