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For a refreshing pick-me-up any time of day, this easy Coffee Tonic recipe is what you need. This simple yet sophisticated beverage combines the bold flavors of cold brew coffee with the bubbliness of tonic water – a nice change to your regular morning brew!

In recent years, this simple drink has been making waves from San Francisco barista competitions to New York cafe menus, and for a good reason. It’s a great brunch coffee idea and a quick summer beverage!

Table of Contents hide

1 What is Coffee Tonic?

2 Why Make Coffee Tonic?

3 Cold Brew Tonic Ingredients

4 Making Your Own Cold Brew Coffee

5 How to Make Cold Brew Tonic

6 Tips for Making the Best Coffee Tonic

7 Coffee Tonic Recipe Variations

8 Looking for More Coffee Reviews and Recipes?

9 Easy Coffee Tonic Recipe

9.1 Ingredients

9.2 Instructions

What is Coffee Tonic?

A coffee tonic, also known as a cold brew tonic, is a bubbly coffee drink that pairs cold brew coffee (or a double shot of espresso) with the quinine-infused taste of the tonic water.

Typically, it’s also mixed with a hint of citrus and botanical flavors. If you love coffee and you love cocktails, you’ll love this coffee tonic recipe!

Why Make Coffee Tonic?

It’s easy to see why this bubbly coffee concoction has become so popular—it’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and utterly refreshing.

Plus, with its subtle citrus notes and hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect drink for those who love coffee but crave something a little different. iIt’s an excellent choice for brunch, a quick morning beverage, or an afternoon sip.

It’s also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!

Cold Brew Tonic Ingredients

2 oz cold brew concentrate
6 oz tonic water (Fever Tree or any variety of other ingredients that suit your taste preference)
Ice cubes or coffee cubes (enough ice to fill your serving glass)
Sweetener (simple syrup, maple syrup, agave, or other liquid sweetener), to taste
Optional garnishes: slice of citrus, lime wedge, sprig of rosemary, or cherry syrup

Making Your Own Cold Brew Coffee

If you don’t already have store-bought cold brew coffee concentrate on hand, you can easily make it at home by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours.

Strain out the grounds, and you’re left with a smooth, flavorful concentrate to mix into this homemade Coffee Tonic.

How to Make Cold Brew Tonic

Fill Your Glass with Ice: Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes. For an extra boost of coffee flavor, try using ice cubes made from cold brew coffee instead of regular ice.
Add Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate: Pour your cold brew coffee concentrate over the ice, filling the glass about halfway.
Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer your coffee tonic with a little sweetness, now’s the time to add it. A splash of simple syrup, maple syrup, or even a teaspoon of brown sugar can provide that little bit of sweetness to balance the citrusy notes of the tonic.
Top with Tonic Water: Slowly pour tonic water over the cold brew coffee concentrate until the glass is almost full. The combination of coffee and tonic water will create a bubbly, effervescent drink.
Add Flavor Enhancements and Garnish: Squeeze in some fresh lime juice or syrup, then add a slice of citrus for garnish—a lime wedge or slice of lemon works beautifully. Give it a quick stir to mix then enjoy. Cheers!

Tips for Making the Best Coffee Tonic

Coffee Quality: Use high-quality coffee beans or cold brew concentrate for the best coffee flavor.
Tonic Water: Experiment with different tonic waters to find your preferred level of bitterness and flavors.
Temperature: Make sure your coffee and tonic water are properly chilled.
Ratio: Adjust the ratio of coffee to tonic water according to your personal preference. A good starting point is one part coffee to three parts tonic.
Garnish: Don’t underestimate the power of garnish. It really adds to both the visual appeal and the flavor profile of your coffee tonic.
No Added Sugar: If you’re mindful of your sugar intake, you can skip the added sweetener. The natural flavors of the coffee and tonic can stand on their own for those who appreciate a more pure experience.
Serving Size: A standard serving is usually around 8 fl oz, but feel free to adjust according to your preference or the size of your serving glass.
Customize: Feel free to add a splash of orange juice, lemon juice, or even a few drops of bitters to create a more complex flavor profile.

Coffee Tonic Recipe Variations

Espresso Shot: For an extra jolt of caffeine, add a double shot of espresso to your Coffee Tonic.
- You can also substitute the cold brew concentrate with espresso to make an espresso tonic. If you’re using hot espresso, pull a double shot of espresso right before you’re ready to assemble the drink.
Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits to find your favorite flavor combination. Try using orange juice or grapefruit juice instead of lime for something different.
Herbal Infusions: Add a sprig of rosemary or a splash of flavored syrup, such as cherry or blueberry, to infuse your Coffee Tonic with additional layers of flavor.

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If you make this easy coffee tonic recipe, please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think! Or take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @dwellbymichelle so I can repost it on my stories!