Tequila Tonic

Of all the spirit-plus-tonic cocktail combinations, tequila tonic isn’t used nearly enough. The mineral, grassy quality of a good blanco tequila and the bitter quinine in tonic water complement each other so well. They share a earthiness that makes the combo feel considered rather than accidental.

It’s also drier than a margarita, lower effort than a Ranch Water, and pretty darn refreshing on a warm afternoon.

What Kind of Tequila to Use

100% agave blanco is the only option worth using. The mineral, slightly vegetal character of a good blanco is what makes this drink interesting. A reposado works too and adds a subtle vanilla and oak note that plays nicely against the bitterness of the tonic.

Which Tonic Water is Best?

Tonic quality matters more in a tequila tonic than in almost any other spirit-tonic combination because there’s nothing sweet to smooth over the edges. A cheap, overly sweet tonic will make the drink muddled and flat.

Fever-Tree Indian Tonic is a reliable choice. Q Tonic’s higher carbonation and restrained sweetness also work well. Fever-Tree Grapefruit Tonic is a fun pairing: the grapefruit bitterness doubles down on the citrus notes in blanco tequila, creating something that tastes close to a light, bitter Paloma.

Ratio

2 oz tequila to 4 oz tonic. This runs drier than most two-ingredient cocktails, which is the point. If it’s too bitter for your taste, a squeeze of lime softens it up.

Garnish

The best garnish is a grapefruit peel expressed over the glass before dropping it in. The citrus oils add brightness that ties together the tequila’s mineral quality and the tonic’s bitterness.

A rosemary sprig from the garden is another option that adds an herbal note.

Find more ideas in my cocktail garnishes guide.

The 3-Ingredient Upgrade: Grapefruit Glow-Up

Use Fever-Tree Grapefruit Tonic instead of plain tonic, and express a grapefruit peel over the glass before dropping it in. The grapefruit tonic amplifies the citrus notes in blanco tequila, the expressed peel adds aroma. Add a pinch of salt if you want that Ranch Water effect.

A citrus zester or channeling knife gives you a clean, long grapefruit peel. Dehydrated grapefruit slices make a beautiful rim garnish if you want something super easy that lasts longer.

Mocktail Version

Try tonic water with fresh grapefruit juice and a pinch of salt. Use a ratio of about 3 oz tonic to 1 oz grapefruit juice. A non-alcoholic tequila with agave character works if you really it.

Tequila cocktails to try next:

• Prickly Pear Margarita
• Cactus Cooler Collins
• Cactus Orchard Fizz

More 2-Ingredient Tequila Cocktails:

• Paloma (Simple)
• Tequila Cola
• Tequila Lemonade
• Tequila Pineapple
• Tequila Soda
• Tequila Sprite
• Tequila Sunrise (2-Ingredient)
• Tequila Tonic
• Tequila Watermelon

Tequila Tonic

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
• 4 oz tonic water
• Grapefruit peel or rosemary sprig, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add tequila.
3. Pour tonic water slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
4. Stir gently.
5. Express a grapefruit peel over the glass and drop it in, or add a rosemary sprig.

Grapefruit Upgrade (3-Ingredient Version)

Ingredients

• 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
• 4 oz Fever-Tree Grapefruit Tonic
• 1 grapefruit peel
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• Dehydrated grapefruit slice, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add tequila.
3. Pour grapefruit tonic slowly down the side of the glass and stir gently.
4. Express the grapefruit peel over the glass and drop it in.
5. Add a pinch of salt if using and garnish with a dehydrated grapefruit slice.