Tequila And Tonic

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

An earthy and refreshingly bitter take on a classic duo, the Tequila and Tonic cocktail will both surprise and satisfy.

More than once, I’ve found myself with a collection of mixers, like club soda or ginger beer, and spirits that you wouldn’t necessarily combine. Usually, after taking an extended break from imbibing, you decide one night that you’d like a drink. Nothing too strong or heavy, just the right amount of light and bite. But all I had this one time was a little tequila and some cans of tonic water. Gin would have been preferable in my mind, as the Gin & Tonic is a near-perfect libation, what with the quinine-tinged carbonated beverage blending with a wonderful balance amongst the herbaceous and juniper bouquet provided by the gin.

Tequila I never ever considered as something I’d have in my tonic water. And despite the nice alliteration this cocktail’s name carries, when most folks think of the bubbly beverage, their minds turn to London Dry. Many of us cocktail enthusiasts love our traditional, and oftentimes historic tipples, and thinking outside of the box usually happens out of circumstance or necessity. Of course, I googled it and found that many people have loved drinking this particular concoction for quite a while, and it is nothing out of the ordinary.

Combining just the tequila and tonic together is okay, but adding fresh lime juice to the proceedings melds the grassy, agave-forward liquor with the bitter and refreshing effervescence of the tonic for a terrific, balanced sip. A fantastic drink that reminds me to stock up my tonic the next time I hit the store. There may be more to explore. In fact, my taste buds are sure of it.

What is the best tequila to use in a Tequila and Tonic?

You can use either a blanco or reposado tequila in your cocktail, depending on what kind of experience you’re in the mood for. The blanco variety, also called silver or white, is clear in color, unaged and features notes of citrus and has an even, agave sweetness, along with a crisp, peppery finish. This style will neither overwhelm the tonic or disappear within it. A reposado, on the other hand, is aged, golden in color, and brings a richer and more complex taste to the affair.

What glassware and garnish are used?

The traditional collins or highball glass is the best way to go when enjoying a cocktail like the Tequila and Tonic. The slender and tall shape will keep the ice you put in there colder and frozen longer, diluting your drink less. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge on top for some extra zip and a little color.

What is the best tonic water to use?

While there are many fine brands out there to choose from, such as Canada Dry, Schweppes and Betty Buzz, to name a few, I find the taste of tonic itself to be too bitter-sweet and the calorie content a tad high for my liking. I discovered Fever-Tree’s Light Tonic Water and instantly fell in love upon the first toned-down sip.

Similar drinks to the Tequila And Tonic

If the fizzy siren call of a quinine-tinged tipple is all you can hear, it may be time to put your work away, pick up a glass and accept the charges. Fill said glass with ice, grab whatever spirit you may be craving along with a few cans of cold, crisp tonic water, then start relaxing. And if you can’t think of what you might be in the mood for, specifically speaking, allow Twist & Toast to make a few delicious suggestions.

• Vodka Tonic – Another popular combo, being both balanced, strong and thirst-quenching.
• Whiskey Tonic – When the weekend rolls around, try a few of these as the sun begins to set.
• Rum and Tonic – Take your tonic to the beach with this tropical-flavored favorite.
• Mona Lisa – A splash of tonic helps make this mélange a masterpiece.