Forget gin and tonic, it’s espresso tonic time.

We’ve shown you how to make some easy bubbly cold coffee recipes like sparkling cold brew coffee and also a glitter version at home. Now it’s time to make espresso tonic at home. (Click here to skip to the recipe.)

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You could call an espresso tonic an Americano with bubbly water. Or a caffeinated, non alcoholic version of a G and T. Here’s what it is.

What is espresso tonic?

Espresso tonic is two shots of espresso poured over a cup of tonic water. It’s refreshing and easy to make.

It apparently first appeared in Helsingborg, Sweden at a coffee shop called Koppi and has since spread to other specialty coffee shops around the world. If you’re in New York City, Maialino, a restaurant located in the Gramercy Park Hotel serves a version of it called Espresso Fizz made with espresso, tonic and orange bitters.

Tonic vs seltzer vs sparkling water

In case you’re wondering if tonic is just another bubbly water, here’s the difference between these carbonated drinks.

Sparkling water is mineral water that’s naturally carbonated with no added ingredients.

Seltzer is artificially carbonated, making it bubbly and with no added ingredients.

Tonic, like seltzer, is artificially carbonated but quinine (which can make it taste a little bitter) is added and oftentimes sugar too.

Oh and there’s also club soda, which is like seltzer but with potassium bicarbonate added to make it saltier.

How to make espresso tonic

You just need 4 ingredients. It’s a simple drink that doesn’t require any sweeteners. Here’s how you can make it at home.

Ingredients for espresso tonic

2 shots espresso
1 cup tonic water
Lemon or lime wedges
5-6 ice cubes
Moka pot

Step 1

Brew two shots of espresso. I used a moka pot and let the coffee cool before pouring it into the tonic water so the drink doesn’t get warm right away.