Cold Brew Coffee Tonic Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Summer Drink

Key Points Summary

• Cold brew coffee tonic combines smooth cold brew concentrate with effervescent tonic water
• The drink originated in Swedish coffee culture and has gained international popularity
• Basic recipe uses a 1:3 ratio of cold brew concentrate to tonic water
• Quality ingredients and proper chilling are essential for optimal results
• Multiple variations allow for customization based on personal taste preferences
• The drink serves as an excellent non-alcoholic alternative for social occasions

The cold brew coffee tonic is the summer’s hottest non-alcoholic coffee drink, combining the smooth flavors of cold brew with the bubbly bite of tonic water. The combo of espresso and tonic water originated in Sweden in the early 2000s, allegedly created by a barista at Koppi Roasters in 2007. This coffee tonic recipe is a sophisticated alternative to iced coffee, with both caffeine and refreshment in one glass.

What makes this cold brew tonic recipe so great is its simplicity and versatility. Unlike complicated cocktails, this coffee drink requires only a few ingredients and delivers complex flavors. Whether you’re a coffee purist looking to branch out or someone looking for the perfect summer coffee drink, this fizzy drink will be your new obsession.

What is Cold Brew Coffee Tonic?

Cold brew coffee tonic is a non-alcoholic coffee mocktail that combines cold brew coffee concentrate with tonic water, a fizzy, caffeinated drink. Tonic and coffee might seem weird together, but it’s a combo that’s taken off in the specialty coffee world and gives drinkers looking for something other than a regular cup of coffee or espresso a refreshing kick.

This iced coffee alternative has become super popular as cafes and home baristas discover its awesomeness. The drink’s signature is the contrast between the rich, bitter coffee and the bright, slightly bitter carbonation of the tonic water, creating depth and complexity that’s surprising and fun.

The Perfect Cold Brew Coffee Tonic Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cold Brew Concentrate:

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (medium to dark roast recommended)
• 4 cups cold, filtered water

For the Tonic:

• ¼ cup cold brew concentrate
• ¾ cup high-quality tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh lime or lemon wedge (optional)
• Simple syrup to taste (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Cold Brew Concentrate

1. Combine coffee and water: In a large jar or cold brew maker, mix coarsely ground coffee with cold filtered water at a 1:4 ratio.
2. Steep: Refrigerate the mixture for 12-24 hours. The longer steeping time creates a more concentrated, smoother flavor profile.
3. Strain: Filter the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or use a cold brew maker’s built-in filter. Store concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Assembling Your Cold Brew Tonic

1. Prepare the glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, leaving space for the liquids.
2. Add cold brew: Pour ¼ cup of cold brew concentrate over the ice. Try 1 part cold brew to 2 or 3 parts tonic for a cold brew tonic.
3. Top with tonic: Slowly pour ¾ cup of chilled tonic water to preserve carbonation and create natural layering.
4. Garnish and serve: Add a lime or lemon wedge, give it a gentle stir, and serve immediately.

Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee and Tonic Water

Cold Brew Benefits

Cold brew coffee has several advantages over hot brewed coffee. The longer cold brew process makes a naturally sweeter, less acidic coffee that’s easier on the stomach. This method also retains more of the coffee’s natural antioxidants and gives sustained energy without the jitters of hot coffee.

The concentrate format makes cold brew super convenient for coffee tonic variations as it maintains flavor strength and can be made ahead of time. The smooth, mellow flavor is the perfect base for the bright, bitter of tonic water.

Tonic Water’s Part

Good quality tonic water brings the important stuff to this fizzy coffee drink. The carbonation adds texture and lifts the coffee’s aromatics while the quinine adds a bitter note that complements the coffee’s natural bitterness. It’s a layered flavor experience that’s more interesting than either ingredient on its own.

Creative Variations and Customizations

Flavor Additions

Citrus: Add fresh orange or grapefruit juice for a bright, acidic boost to both coffee and tonic.

Spiced: Add cardamom, cinnamon or vanilla simple syrup for warm spice.

Herbal: Muddle fresh mint or basil leaves for a garden-fresh twist.

Strength Adjustments

• More Coffee: ⅓ cup cold brew concentrate, ⅔ cup tonic
• Less Coffee: 3 tablespoons concentrate, 1 cup tonic
• Sweet: 1-2 teaspoons simple syrup or flavored syrup

Seasonal Variations

Summer: Add fresh berry muddled fruits or coconut water for tropical vibes Fall: Pumpkin spice syrup or maple syrup Winter: Nutmeg or allspice

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

Best Served

Serve your cold brew coffee tonic in tall glasses over ice. The visual is part of the fun – the contrast between dark coffee and clear tonic is beautiful before you stir.

Pairs Well With

This non-alcoholic coffee drink goes great with:

• Light pastries or croissants
• Fresh fruit and yogurt
• Savory brunch dishes like avocado toast
• Afternoon snacks like nuts or dark chocolate

Occasions and Settings

Cold brew coffee tonic is perfect for:

• Morning coffee alternative for hot weather
• Afternoon pick-me-up that’s more interesting than iced coffee
• Sophisticated non-alcoholic option for entertaining
• Post-workout refreshment that’s caffeinated and hydrating

Tips for the Perfect Cold Brew Tonic

Quality Matters

Use high quality coffee beans and premium tonic water. Since this recipe is so simple, each ingredient’s quality will shine through. Choose coffee beans with flavor notes that complement tonic’s botanicals – Ethiopian or Colombian beans work really well.

Temperature and Timing

Make sure both the cold brew concentrate and tonic water are chilled before mixing. Room temperature ingredients will dilute the ice too fast and result in a flat, watery drink. Serve immediately after making to keep the carbonation.

Experimentation Encouraged

Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios to your taste. Some like a stronger coffee presence, others like the lighter, more refreshing version with more tonic. Start with the basic recipe and adjust to your palate.

Coffee Tonics are Here to Stay

Americans think it’s new and novel, but so was the espresso martini at one time! The coffee tonic trend is part of a bigger movement towards creative, non-alcoholic drinks that offer complexity and sophistication without the booze.

It’s grown in Scandinavia, Europe and America and is a surprise alternative to iced coffee. First came to the UK via Soho, the espresso tonic spread through festivals and independent cafes and is now in high street chains

This growth means coffee and tonic water combinations are more than just a trend – they’re a legitimate evolution in coffee culture for adventurous drinkers looking for new experiences.

Also read:

• Beyond Mocktails: Exploring the World of Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• Rosemary Grapefruit Refresher: Non-Alcoholic
• Virgin Mary Recipe: Best Non-Alcoholic Bloody Mary
• Iced Vanilla Oolong Chai Recipe

Conclusion

The cold brew coffee tonic is the perfect blend of old and new, combining traditional cold brew methods with the unexpected twist of tonic water. This coffee drink gives coffee lovers a new way to enjoy their favourite coffee and the cooling refreshment we all need in the summer.

Whether you want to impress your guests with a summer coffee recipe or just want to level up your daily coffee routine, this cold brew tonic delivers in every fizzy, caffeinated sip. The beauty is in the simplicity – with just a few good ingredients and minimal prep time you can make a coffeehouse quality drink in your own kitchen.

Try it out? Make a batch of cold brew concentrate this weekend and try your first coffee tonic. Share your variations and experiences with fellow coffee lovers and see why this non-alcoholic coffee mocktail is becoming the summer drink of choice for coffee connoisseurs everywhere.