Cold brew tonic is a fizzy, refreshing, caffeinated beverage made with bold coffee, tonic water, and homemade spiced orange simple syrup for a bright, citrus twist. Get a boost of energy when you sip on this iced drink, inspired by Starbucks Cold Brew Orange Tonic. (This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan.)
For more coffee tonic beverages, try our Espresso Tonic or Blueberry Espresso Tonic recipe next!
If you’ve ever wondered, “What can I mix with cold brew?” I have news for you! Cold brew tonic is the boost of energy you need to start your day. Its subtle sweetness makes this chilled drink downright irresistible during a hot summer day but it’s also great for any time you need to refuel.
Reasons This Cold Brew Tonic Recipe Works
- Better Than Storebought! Skip the Starbucks menu and make this quality beverage from the comfort of your own kitchen.
- A Tasty Way to Refuel! This energizing drink is the perfect mid-day pick-me-up.
- Can be enjoyed as a tasty mocktail!
- Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
What is Cold Brew Tonic?
Cold brew tonic is a mix of cold brew coffee concentrate and tonic water over ice cubes. The bitter, botanical taste of the tonic water pairs perfectly with rich coffee concentrate. It can be sweetened or served as is.
Cold Brew Tonic Ingredients
- Chilled Cold Brew: Unlike some cold brew tonic recipes, this one includes a ready-made cold brew coffee that does not need to be diluted. I prefer the unsweetened Stok Cold Brew Coffee. It has a pleasant, mellow flavor that balances the taste of the tonic water.
- Chilled Tonic Water: This carbonated drink contains quinine, making it the perfect crisp, bitter, sweet mixer to pair with coffee. I use Q Spectular Tonic Water, which is sweetened with organic agave, but Fever Tree is another great option.
- Orange Simple Syrup: Made with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, this is a tasty (yet optional) addition to your drink. My Spiced Orange Simple Syrup recipe takes just five minutes to make and instantly elevates this drink!
- Orange Slices: Add a slice for garnish. Another good option would be a lemon peel.
Cold Brew Tonic Ratio
The ratio of cold brew to tonic water in this recipe is 1:2. A great rule of thumb is to use less cold brew at first, taste test, and then add more if necessary.
How to Make Cold Brew Tonic
- Fill a large glass with ice.
- Pour the chilled cold brew concentrate into the glass. Then, top with tonic water. Add orange simple syrup, optional. Then, gently stir.
- Garnish with orange or lime slices. Enjoy!
Tips To Nail the Recipe
- For the best taste, chill the cold brew and tonic water before mixing the drink.
- This is a cold beverage so liquid sweeteners work best. Don’t add granulated sugar because it doesn’t dissolve as well.
- Drink it immediately because the drink will become flat if left sitting uncovered.
Recipe Variations and Customization
- Cold Brew Tonic Cocktail: To make this an adult beverage, add some alcohol. Kahlua Cold Brew would be delicious. Jameson Cold Brew would be tasty too!
- Use Espresso: For an even more energizing drink, add one or two espresso shots. Just chill them for about 10 minutes before adding them to the beverage.
- Citrus Notes: Although I love using orange simple syrup for cold brew tonic, a great substitute for a hint of citrus would be a splash of orange juice or squeeze of lemon or lime.
- Add a Sweetener: Try sweetening with agave or maple syrup. (Both are vegan options!)
- A Different Fizz: If you don’t like tonic water substitute it with sparkling water instead.
- Make it a Dessert: Instead of ice, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the bottom of the glass before pouring in the other ingredients.
- Garnish: Get fancy with the garnishes. Try a sprig of rosemary, lime or lemon wedge, or fresh mint.
FAQs
Is it OK to drink cold brew every day?
Unless you have a medical condition that can be affected by caffeine consumption, it’s perfectly fine to drink cold brew coffee daily. However, you should not consume more than five 8-ounce cups in a 24-hour period. Keep in mind that caffeine has varying effects so what works for one person may not be ideal for another.
What is the difference between cold brew concentrate and cold brew coffee?
The difference between cold brew concentrate and cold brew coffee comes down to the amount of ground coffee contained in each. The ratio of ground coffee to water is different. Cold brew concentrate has more caffeine and a deeper, more intense flavor than cold brew coffee.
Are coffee and tonic good?
If you like iced coffee, then you’ll probably enjoy a cold brew tonic. The quinine in tonic water complements the fruity, floral undertones of cold-brewed coffee. It’s an unlikely pairing that just works!
This Cold Brew Espresso tonic is a coffee-drinkers dream! It is one of those simple recipes that you can make again and again! If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.
More Coffee Beverages Recipes To Try!
- Non-Dairy Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Starbucks Copycat
- Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
- Maca Coffee
- Best Coffee Smoothie Recipe
- Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte | Vegan
Refreshing Cold Brew Tonic
Ingredients
- 3 oz Chilled Cold Brew Concentrate
- 6 oz Chilled Tonic Water
- 1 tbsp Orange Simple Syrup optional (or to taste)
- 1-2 Orange slices (or lime)
- Fresh Mint or Rosemary Sprig for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill a large glass with ice.
- Pour the chilled cold brew concentrate into the glass. Then, top with tonic water. Add orange simple syrup, optional. Then, gently stir.
- Garnish with orange or lime slices. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips To Nail the Recipe
- For the best taste, chill the cold brew and tonic water before mixing the drink.
- This is a cold beverage so liquid sweeteners work best. Don’t add granulated sugar because it doesn’t dissolve as well.
- Drink it immediately because the drink will become flat if left sitting uncovered.
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