Blueberry Espresso Tonic is a crisp, refreshing drink made with rich espresso, tonic water, and blueberry simple syrup! Start your day with this cafe tonic or enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up. This surprising combination is incredibly delicious —it is almost addictive!
Looking for a simple espresso tonic? Try our easy Espresso Tonic Recipe topped with orange. If you love homemade coffee-shop-style drinks that make you feel like a top-notch barista but are super easy to make, try our Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso, Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte, or 5-Minute Iced Matcha Latte next!
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Move over cafe latte, cafe tonic is in town and I think it’s here to stay!
The first time I had espresso with tonic was at a local coffee shop. I was actually very hesitant to order it, so instead, I made my boyfriend get it, and I ordered my usual vanilla latte with oat milk. He had the drink before and raved about it, but the combination sounded so peculiar, I couldn’t imagine how it would taste— I mean, espresso and tonic water together sounds crazy right!?
Well, let me be the first to tell you that tonic water and espresso are a heavenly combination! I had a few sips of his drink and instantly thought, I need to make this at home!
What Is Espresso Tonic?
Espresso tonic is a combination of espresso, tonic water, and lime. Tonic water is typically poured first to prevent the drink from bubbling over, followed by espresso. The quinine in the tonic water adds a refreshing citrusy flavor to the rich, complex flavor of espresso. Add simple syrup, and you have a sweet, bubbly, energizing drink!
What Does Espresso Tonic Taste Like?
Espresso Tonic tastes like a light, citrusy soda. The coffee flavor is extremely subtle and adds a bitterness that complements the tonic water. Simple syrup brightens the drink add and a delightful sweetness that brings all the flavors together.
Imagine this Blueberry Espresso Tonic almost as a refreshing blueberry cola —it is SOOO good!
What Ingredients Are Needed To Make Blueberry Espresso Tonic?
Espresso: Prepare your espresso as normal. Be sure to give your espresso time to cool slightly before adding to the drink. (Check out the Espresso Machine I use below!)
Tonic Water: The best tonic water to use for an espresso tonic is Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water. Of course, you can always use whichever tonic water you prefer.
Blueberry Simple Syrup: The blueberry simple syrup is easy to make! You can make a large batch by simply doubling the recipe and storing it in the fridge so that it is ready to use whenever you make this delicious drink! (Or you can completely skip the simple syrup and enjoy a basic cafe tonic!)
Garnish: Finishing the drink with lime not only elevates the flavor, but it makes the drink look prettier too. Add fresh lime and mint on top, or try an orange peel, pomegranate, or fresh berries!
Here is the Espresso Machine I use. It is sleek, stylish, and easy to use! Amazon | Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine
How To Make Blueberry Espresso Tonic?
- Prepare your espresso as normal and set it aside to cool.
- While the espresso is cooling, make the blueberry simple syrup. In a small saucepan, add fresh or frozen blueberries, water, and agave syrup (or sweetener of choice). Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 7-10 minutes, using a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash the blueberries as they cook. (To make a smooth syrup, transfer the mixture into a blender and blend to reach your desired consistency, adding 2-3 tbsp as needed.)
- Allow the blueberry syrup to cool for at least 5 minutes.
- When you are ready to make your drink, add 3-4 tbsp of blueberry simple syrup to a glass. Then, add ice.
- Slowly pour the tonic water over the ice, then add the espresso.
- Top with fresh lime slices and mint. Give the drink a stir, and enjoy!
Quick Method To Making The Blueberry Simple Syrup
There is a quicker way to make the blueberry mixture for the espresso tonic. It saves a lot of time and is perfect for making a single serving. Here’s what to do:
- Add a fourth of a cup of frozen blueberries to a mason jar or glass. Microwave the blueberries for 30 seconds.
- Then, stir in a teaspoon or two of agave syrup, honey, or sweetener of choice.
- Top with ice, tonic water, espresso, and stir. Enjoy!
This is what I do most days when I make the drink. The flavor is delish and it tastes exactly the same as making the blueberry simple syrup on the stove.
Tips For Making a Good Espresso Tonic
Espresso tonic is an easy drink to make, but here are a few tips to make the process foolproof!
- The ratio of espresso to tonic water is typically 1:3, one ounce of espresso for every three ounces of tonic water. Of course, you can customize this drink to your liking, adding however much tonic and espresso you like!
- Pour the tonic water into the glass before the espresso to avoid the tonic water bubbling over.
- Play around with the flavors! Add simple syrup to cut the bitterness and garnish with fresh fruit, like orange slices, pomegranate, blackberries — the options are endless!
What Can I Use Instead of Espresso?
If you do not have espresso, cold brew works perfectly! Experiment with the ratio of cold brew to tonic water, adding more or less of either to your liking.
I hope you enjoy this Blueberry Espresso Tonic Recipe!
If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram! I love hearing from you!
More Energizing Drinks To Try!
- Espresso Tonic with Orange
- Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso (Starbucks Copycat!)
- Best Coffee Smoothie Recipe
- Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Dairy-Free Golden Milk Latte
- Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)
- Chocolate Raspberry Sea Moss Smoothie
- 16 Superfood Smoothies To Jumpstart Your Day
Blueberry Espresso Tonic Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz Blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup Water
- 4 tbsp Agave Syrup (or sweetener of choice)
Blueberry Espresso Tonic Recipe
- 1-2 Shots of Espresso (1-2 ounces)
- 4-6 ounces Tonic Water, plus more to taste
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh Mint
Instructions
How To Make Blueberry Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, add fresh or frozen blueberries, water, and agave syrup (or sweetener of choice). Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 7-10 minutes, using a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash the blueberries as they cook. (To make a smooth syrup, transfer the mixture into a blender and blend to reach your desired consistency, adding 2-3 tbsp water as needed.)
- Allow the blueberry syrup to cool for at least 5 minutes before using.
How To Make Blueberry Espresso Tonic
- Prepare your espresso as normal and set aside to cool.
- When you are ready to make your drink, add 2-3 tbsp of blueberry simple syrup to a glass. Then, add ice.
- Slowly pour the tonic water over the ice, then add the espresso.
- Top with fresh lime slices and mint. Give the drink a stir and enjoy!
Notes
- You can store any remaining blueberry simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
This is such a unique combination! I was a bit unsure at first but the flavors from the blueberry and espresso complimented each other perfectly!
I was skeptical about this combination at first but gave it a try and am glad I did. The description is spot on. It’s crisp and very refreshing!
Hi Jazz! I am so glad you liked 🙂
Okay, so I would have never thought to try this combination, but I’m glad I did. I sipped on this all afternoon while enjoying brunch on the patio with friends. And they loved it too!
I am an avid coffee lover, so this recipe was speaking my language! The blueberry and tonic add such an amazing and surprising flavor when mixed with the espresso. I will be making this again and again!
Hi Avid Coffee Lover! I am a coffee lover myself so I am happy to hear you enjoy the recipe and will be making it again! This drink has quickly become my favorite coffee drink!
I had the ingredients on hand to try this, and I’m so glad I did! The flavor was so refreshing and balanced.
Hi Chenee! I am so glad you liked the recipe! Thanks for leaving a review!
This drink is so delicious. It has nice rich notes from the espresso and the blueberries gives the sweetness and light flavor. Together it’s truly magical! Thanks for this recipe!
I try to avoid eating sweets even though I have a sweet tooth. This tonic is my new favorite because it satisfies my cravings.
Right! It is so satisfying but without a ton of sugar!