Cold Brew Tonic Recipe: A Coffee Drink Worth The Hype 2024

A cold brew tonic combines the rich, smooth taste of cold brew coffee with the light, effervescent quality of tonic water, resulting in a unique and refreshing beverage perfect for warm weather.

Originating from the coffee culture’s constant innovation, this coffee drink has established itself as a go-to for those seeking a twist on their traditional caffeine fix. Its growing popularity lies in its simplicity and the delightful contrast between the coffee’s depth and the tonic’s crispness.

Thinking about creating your own cold brew tonic at home? It’s easier than you might think.

Key Takeaways

• A cold brew tonic is a refreshing coffee drink that’s particularly enjoyable in summer.
• It’s a simple mix of cold brew coffee concentrate and tonic water, often served with ice.
• Customization options range from citrus garnishes to sweet syrups, offering versatility for personal preference.

What is Cold Brew Tonic?

Cold Brew Tonic is a refreshing and trendy beverage that marries the rich, smooth flavors of cold brew coffee with the zesty and slightly sweet bubbliness of tonic water. Ideal as a summer drink, this concoction is known for its invigorating effect and a novel twist on your regular caffeine fix.

To craft your Cold Brew Tonic, you’ll start with cold brew concentrate, which is coffee that has been steeped in cold water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. The cold brew method extracts a less acidic and more flavorful coffee, giving you a velvety base for your drink.

Here’s a quick guide to making your own Cold Brew Tonic:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes: The chilled foundation of your drink.
2. Pour in the cold brew: Add your pre-made cold brew concentrate.
3. Top up with tonic water: The volume of tonic to coffee can be adjusted to taste, but a 1:1 ratio is a common starting point.
4. Add a citrus twist: A squeeze of lemon or lime complements the coffee and elevates the effervescence of the tonic.

Your Cold Brew Tonic’s flavor profile can range from rich and smooth to tangy and sweet, depending on whether you amp up the coffee or the tonic. As you enjoy sipping on this stylish beverage, know that not only are you indulging in a delightful taste experience, but you’re also reaping the benefits of caffeine—a perfect pick-me-up for a warm day or when you need a little extra focus.

Selecting Your Ingredients

The quality and flavor of your Cold Brew Tonic hinge on the ingredients you choose. Opt for high-quality coffee and tonic water, and consider adding a twist with fresh citrus or sweet enhancers.

Choosing Coffee for Your Cold Brew

When it comes to coffee, cold brew concentrate is your foundation. Use a coarsely ground, fruitier bean which complements the bitterness of tonic water. Consider single-origin coffee beans that are noted for their fruity and floral characteristics to make your Cold Brew Tonic stand out.

Tonic Water Varieties

Tonic water adds a refreshing fizz and complexity to your drink. Options like Fever Tree and Schweppes offer a good balance of flavor and bubbles. Choose a tonic that pairs well with your coffee’s profile—whether that’s a light and citrusy note or a more robust and earthy undertone.

• Tonic Water Selection:
  • Fever Tree Tonic Water
  • Schweppes Indian Tonic Water
  • For a sweeter touch, try an elderflower tonic.

Additional Flavor Enhancers

Finally, don’t forget the garnishes and syrup. Citrus slices like orange or lemon can add a refreshing zest, complementing the coffee’s inherent flavors. A splash of simple syrup or flavored syrup can sweeten your beverage without overpowering the coffee and tonic blend.

• Enhancers You Might Try:
  • A slice of orange for a sunny citrus kick
  • Lemon twist for a bright acidic note
  • A drop of simple syrup to soften the edges

Cold Brew Tonic Recipe

Welcome to the delightful fusion of coffee and tonic: the Cold Brew Tonic. This refreshing beverage combines the smoothness of cold brew coffee with the effervescence of tonic water—a perfect pick-me-up for any time of day.

Preparation of Cold Brew

To begin, you’ll make a homemade cold brew concentrate. It’s a simple process, but it requires some patience.

1. Ingredients:
   • Coffee (coarsely ground): 50 grams
   • Water: 200 grams
2. Directions:
   • In your cold brew maker, combine the coffee grounds and water. A rule of thumb is a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio.
   • Stir to ensure all the coffee is evenly saturated.
   • Let the mixture brew for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature. The longer it brews, the stronger the concentrate.
   • Strain the coffee to filter out the grounds.

Mixing the Tonic and Coffee

Once your cold brew concentrate is ready, you’ll mix it with the tonic water to create your Cold Brew Tonic.

1. Ingredients:
   • Homemade cold brew concentrate: as prepared
   • Chilled tonic water
   • Ice cubes
   • Garnishes such as orange, lemon, or lime slices (optional)
   • Simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
2. Directions:
   • Fill a large glass with ice cubes.
   • Pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice, about half of the glass.
   • Top with chilled tonic water.
   • Stir briefly to combine.
   • For a touch of citrus, add a slice of orange, lemon, or lime.
   • If you prefer a sweeter taste, mix in a bit of simple syrup to your liking.

Serving and Presentation

When you’re ready to serve your Cold Brew Tonic, the choice of glass plays a key role in presentation. Use a large glass to allow ample room for ice and garnishes. Speaking of ice, fill the glass generously with ice cubes to keep your beverage perfectly chilled.

For a touch of elegance and a pop of color, garnishes are essential:

• Orange slice: Adds a sweet citrus aroma and a vibrant look.
• Lemon slice: Offers a tangy twist and a bright yellow accent.
• Lime slice: Gives a zesty flair and a touch of green.

Here’s a simple step-by-step to serve one glass:

1. Pour the cold brew concentrate into your ice-filled glass.
2. Top with chilled tonic water. Stir briefly to mix the layers.
3. Choose your garnish – be it an orange, lemon, or lime slice.
4. Place the garnish on the rim of the glass or float it atop the drink.

Quick Tip: If you’re using a smaller glass (6 oz / 175 ml), simply halve the recipe.

Popular Variations and Twists

Cold Brew Tonic is a versatile and refreshing coffee drink that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a non-alcoholic mocktail or a spirited cocktail, there’s a twist on this beverage to suit your taste.

Cold Brew Tonic Mocktails

Cold Brew Tonic Mocktails are a delightful alternative if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option that’s just as exciting as its boozy counterparts. You can experiment with sparkling water or flavored tonic to add fizz without the alcohol.

To sweeten your mocktail, consider using flavored syrups or your favorite sweetener, such as simple syrup, maple syrup, or agave.

Here’s a simple variation to get you started:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz cold brew concentrate
  • 6 oz flavored sparkling water or tonic
  • Sweetener to taste (optional)
  • Ice cubes
• Garnish (optional):
  • Citrus slice (lemon, lime, or orange)
  • Sprig of mint or rosemary

Simply mix the cold brew and sparkling water over ice and add your chosen sweetener. Garnish with a slice of citrus or a sprig of fresh herbs for an aromatic touch.

Alcoholic Cold Brew Cocktails

For those who enjoy a bit of spirit in their beverage, you can transform your Cold Brew Tonic into a classy cocktail. The most popular alcohol to mix with your cold brew concentrate is gin, for its herbal and botanical notes that complement the coffee’s robust flavor.

To craft an invigorating cocktail, consider a double shot of your favorite gin. Then, add a splash of tonic and perhaps a flavor enhancer like cherry syrup or a citrus-based sweetener. Here’s how you can mix one up:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz cold brew concentrate
  • 1 double shot of gin
  • 6 oz tonic water
  • Flavored syrup or liquid sweetener (optional)
  • Ice cubes
• Garnish (optional):
  • Lime wedge
  • Slice of orange

Pour the gin and cold brew concentrate over ice, top with tonic water, and gently stir. If you like it sweet, modestly add syrup or sweetener. Finish it off with a garnish to add an extra layer of flavor and sophistication to your cocktail.

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