There's something undeniably refreshing about an espresso tonic—the perfect fusion of bold espresso and sparkling tonic water. But what if we turned up the flavor dial with warm spices? ☕️💫 Enter the Chai Espresso Tonic—a vibrant, invigorating drink that balances the rich depth of coffee with aromatic spices and the crispness of tonic. This unique coffee drink is ideal for cozy mornings or as a pick-me-up on a brisk afternoon. In this blog, we'll guide you through making this flavorful twist and introduce four more creative espresso tonic recipes that will elevate your coffee game.✨

 

What is an Espresso Tonic?

Curious about how to make an espresso tonic? This bold and refreshing drink combines rich, freshly brewed espresso with crisp, bubbly tonic water for a unique twist on your daily coffee. The bitterness of espresso perfectly balances the bright, slightly sweet tonic, creating a vibrant coffee experience. Popular in trendy coffee shops and easy to make at home, an espresso tonic is perfect for warm afternoons or when you're craving something different. Ready to shake up your coffee routine? Let's dive into how you can make the perfect espresso tonic at home!

 

How to Make an Espresso Tonic: 5 Bold Recipes to Energize Your Day

 

✨ Chai Espresso Tonic Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of freshly brewed espresso (about 1 oz)

• 4 oz premium tonic water

• 1 tbsp of Chai Tea Concentrate

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Brew the Espresso:

  Start by pulling a fresh shot of espresso (about 1 oz). Let it cool slightly to prevent melting the ice too quickly. No espresso machine? A strong brewed coffee works too, but espresso gives that bold, rich flavor and crema.

• Add In Ice & Tonic Water:

  Fill your favorite glass with a handful of ice cubes. This keeps the drink refreshingly cold and creates the perfect foundation for layering flavors. 

  Slowly pour 4 oz of premium tonic water over the ice. The crisp, bubbly tonic adds the perfect contrast to the deep espresso flavor.

• Mix in the Chai Tea Concentrate:

  Stir in 1 tbsp of Chai Tea Concentrate, blending aromatic spices with the bright tonic base for a cozy, spiced kick!

  
  

• Pour in the Espresso:

  Gently pour the espresso over the tonic mixture, allowing it to cascade naturally for a beautiful swirl of dark and light layers.

• Top with Cinnamon:

  Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon on top for extra warmth and a fragrant finishing touch.

• Sip & Enjoy:

  Give your drink a gentle stir to blend all the bold flavors, then sip and enjoy this spiced, sparkling coffee creation!

Want to see this recipe in action?

Watch our Chai Espresso Tonic Recipe on YouTube!

4 Additional Must-Try Espresso Tonic Recipes

 

🍊 Citrus Honey Espresso Tonic

Ingredients:

• 1 shot espresso

• 4 oz tonic water

• 1 tbsp honey

• Juice of half an orange

• Ice cubes

• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

• Mix the Citrus and Honey:

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp of honey and the juice of half an orange until smooth. This adds a naturally sweet and tangy base.

• Brew the Espresso:

Pull a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly. A medium or dark roast espresso works best to balance the bright citrus flavors.

• Mix Together the Tonic, Espresso Mixture & Ice:

Fill a glass with ice, pour in 4 oz of premium tonic water, and slowly add the citrus-honey espresso mixture for a vibrant, refreshing layer.

• Garnish & Enjoy!

Add a fresh orange slice for a pop of color and extra citrus aroma.

Pro Tip: Use a medium or dark roast espresso to balance the sweet citrus flavors. We recommend our Brazil Medium Roast for its rich notes of chocolate and nutty.

 

🌸 Lavender Vanilla Espresso Tonic

Ingredients:

• 1 shot espresso

• 4 oz tonic water

• 1 tsp lavender syrup

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Ice cubes

• Lavender sprig for garnish

Instructions:

• Brew the Espresso:

Prepare a fresh shot of espresso and stir in 1 tsp of lavender syrup and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly to enhance the floral notes.

• Prepare the Glass:

Fill a glass with ice and pour in 4 oz of crisp tonic water.

• Combine:

Slowly pour the lavender-vanilla espresso over the tonic water, letting the flavors gently blend for a light and floral twist.

• Garnish:

Finish with a fresh lavender sprig for a delicate aroma.

Pro Tip: Choose a light roast espresso to enhance the delicate floral notes of lavender and the smooth sweetness of vanilla. Our Splendor Light Roast is the perfect pairing with its bright hints of vanilla and cherry.

🍋 Ginger Lime Espresso Tonic

Ingredients:

• 1 shot espresso

• 4 oz tonic water

• 1 tbsp ginger syrup

• Juice of half a lime

• Ice cubes

• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

• Brew the Espresso:

Pull a fresh shot of espresso and stir in 1 tbsp of ginger syrup and the juice of half a lime. This blend adds a spicy, zesty kick.

• Layer the Drink:

Fill a glass with ice, pour in 4 oz of premium tonic water, and slowly add the ginger-lime espresso mixture.

• Garnish:

Add a lime wheel for a burst of color and fresh citrus aroma.

Pro Tip: A bold dark roast espresso works best to stand up to the zesty lime and spicy ginger. Try it with our Jude's Brew for a rich, full-bodied taste and tasting notes of velvety, toffee and burnt sugar.

 

🍁 Maple Rosemary Espresso Tonic

Ingredients:

• 1 shot espresso

• 4 oz tonic water

• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1 small sprig fresh rosemary

• Ice cubes

• Extra rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

• Brew the Espresso:

Pull a fresh shot of espresso and stir in 1 tbsp of pure maple syrup. The maple adds a warm, earthy sweetness.

• Infuse with Rosemary:

 Lightly muddle a small rosemary sprig in your glass to release its natural oils, then fill the glass with ice and pour in 4 oz of tonic water.

• Add the Espresso Shot:

Slowly pour the maple-infused espresso over the tonic for a layered, aromatic effect.

• Garnish & Enjoy!

Finish with a fresh rosemary sprig for a cozy, herbal touch.

Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly torch the rosemary sprig before garnishing. The smoky aroma pairs perfectly with the sweet maple and rich espresso.