What is an espresso tonic?

By Norbert Ahnsorge (Inhaber) · Published 18 December 2025 · updated 29 August 2026

A refreshing summer drink: tonic water with ice, carefully poured over with espresso. The bitter notes of espresso and tonic harmonize surprisingly well. A standard in the specialty scene. High-quality tonic water makes the difference.

Why that is

Espresso tonic sounds unusual — coffee with sparkling water? But the combination works because both ingredients share a common flavor component: bitterness. The quinine in the tonic water and the bitter compounds in the espresso complement each other rather than overpower one another. Add to that the carbonation, which gives the drink freshness and liveliness.

Preparation:

1. Fill a large glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in 150–200 ml of high-quality tonic water.
3. Slowly pour a double espresso (or cooled espresso) over the back of a spoon onto the tonic — this creates two visible layers.
4. Stir gently before drinking or enjoy the layers as they are.

Tips:

• Tonic Water: Use a high-quality tonic that isn't too sweet. Cheap tonic is too sweet and overpowers the coffee.
• Let the espresso cool down: Wait 1–2 minutes before pouring. Hot espresso on ice melts the cubes too quickly and waters down the drink.
• Light roasts: Fruity, acidic espressos work particularly well — the fruitiness harmonizes with the tonic. Dark, smoky roasts can become too harsh.
• Lemon optional: A slice of lemon or a strip of lemon zest highlights the fresh notes.

Variations:

• Cold Brew Tonic: Use cold brew instead of espresso — even smoother and more refreshing.
• Yuzu Espresso Tonic: With yuzu juice — popular in Japanese-inspired cafes.
• Espresso Ginger Ale: Ginger ale instead of tonic — sweeter, less bitter.

In practice at Green Wall Coffee

At Sophienstraße 27, the espresso tonic is one of our cold drinks. Many guests are initially skeptical — coffee with sparkling water? — but after the first sip, most are convinced. A fruity, light espresso such as our Karimikui from Kenya works well.

If you want to taste the difference yourself: Sophienstraße 27, Berlin-Lichtenberg. Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm.

Further reading

Related questions:

• What is a Dalgona coffee?
• What is Turkish coffee and how is it prepared?
• What is the difference between cappuccino, latte macchiato, and flat white?

Also relevant:

• What does Third Wave Water mean? — Water & Water Quality
• What decaffeination methods are there? — Decaffeinated Coffee

All questions in this topic: Coffee Drinks & Specialties