Quick Guide to Tonic Water (& Top Drinks!)

The most classic drink with tonic water? A gin and tonic! Its crisp, botanical flavor is straightforward but at the same time intriguing: a feat using only 2 ingredients! It’s no wonder that this is one of the world’s popular cocktails. We’ve researched to gather a few tips about making the perfect gin and tonic.

Ingredients: Gin, tonic water

Another classic drink with tonic water is the the vodka tonic! Vodka melds right into the tonic water, making for a zingy, easy to drink cocktail (so beware). While it’s simple, there are a few tips on making the very best vodka tonic. Here’s how to make this two-ingredient cocktail!

Ingredients: Vodka, tonic water, lemon wedge, lime wedge

Want a light, bubbly cocktail starring whiskey or bourbon? Mix it with tonic water for a Whiskey Tonic! You might first think of a Gin and Tonic or Vodka Tonic when it comes to tonic water. But the sweet, bubbly carbonation pairs perfectly with oaky, spicy whiskey. In fact, we love toning down whiskey this way, especially in the summer.

Ingredients: Whiskey, tonic water, lemon

Love tequila and a good G&T? Then here’s your new favorite drink: the Tequila and Tonic! Swap out the gin for tequila, and you’ve got a whole new drink. It’s tart and bubbly, with just the right bite from the tequila. It’s a cousin to Ranch Water and Tequila Soda, but using tonic water instead: which gives it an intriguing sweetness and light bitter note on the finish.

Ingredients: Tequila, tonic water, limes

This rum spin on the classic G&T is bubbly and refreshing, with a hint of fruity rum on the finish. It’s almost like a subtle version of the Dark and Stormy, less spicy sweetness and more intriguing nuance. While we prefer a G&T or Vodka Tonic flavor-wise, a rum and tonic drink is absolutely worth a try!

Here’s a drink you won’t be able to stop sipping. Try St Germain and Tonic! The flavor here is so refreshing, so perfectly balanced, that it’s almost impossible not to take another sip. The secret? St Germain, of course. This elderflower liqueur is majorly popular because of its irresistible sweet floral flavor. Combine it with vodka, lemon and tonic water, and it’s a beautiful blend of sweet tart, bright and bubbly.

Ingredients: St Germain, vodka, tonic water, lemon

Here’s a beautifully bright drink with tonic water: the Blood Orange Gin and Tonic! There’s nothing better than a cocktail you can mix up right in the glass, right? Much as we love a good blood orange margarita or blood orange martini…this one’s even easier to make. Here the botanicals from the gin mesh perfectly with the bright citrus of the blood orange.

Ingredients: Blood orange juice, gin, tonic water

Here’s a memorable cocktail that’s botanical and bubbly: the Lillet G&T! This Lillet cocktail features the popular fortified wine dressed up as a Gin and Tonic. The flavor is perfectly crisp, with floral and herbal notes from Lillet Blanc and the gin. It makes a refreshing cocktail that works not only for summer afternoons but evening happy hour in any season.

Ingredients: Lillet Blanc, gin, tonic water

Here’s a unique drink we think should start trending: the White Port and Tonic! Aka Porto Tónico, this Portuguese spin on the classic G&T might be even better than the original. White port is a style of fortified wine made in Portugal, sweet and light with notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and orange peel. Add to that bubbly tonic water and it’s intensely refreshing, with aromas that linger after each sip. 

Ingredients: White port, tonic water, orange slice

Last but not least: a list of drinks with tonic water is not complete without a mocktail!  This virgin margarita is tangy and refreshing, punctuated by that classic salt rim. Even better, it’s got a surprise that brings a bit of “funk” to the flavor that’s reminiscent of tequila. It’s truly the non alcoholic mocktail spin on our Classic Margarita.

Also try: Virgin Mojito Mocktail

Ingredients: Lime juice, lemon juice, pickle juice (optional), simple syrup, tonic water