Whiskey Tonic

A Whiskey Tonic is a simple and refreshing mixed tall drink. It is easy to make and deliciously bubbly with a tasty depth of flavor.

Jump to:

• Tonic & Whiskey
• Ingredients Needed & Notes
• How to make a Whiskey Tonic
• Recipe Tips and Notes
• Recipe

Tonic & Whiskey

A Whiskey Tonic is a simple, bubbly highball cocktail that can be made with whiskey or bourbon. Tonic water is a common mixer with all sorts of different liquors, such as gin and tonic or vodka tonic.

But the sweet, bubbly carbonation of tonic water also pairs perfectly with oaky, spicy whiskey. It brings a delicious balance to the whiskey and makes for a great way to enjoy dark liquor during the summertime.

Also sometimes referred to as A Leprechaun, a Whiskey Tonic, is an easy cocktail to mix up. Tonic water's sharp and tangy bitterness mixes well with mellow, dark whiskey which turns this simple drink into something special.

Looking for more tasty ways to drink whiskey during the summer? Check out our list of THE BEST SUMMER WHISKEY COCKTAILS!

Ingredients Needed & Notes

This tasty drink is made with a few simple ingredients that combine to create a well-balanced bubbly cocktail. The Whiskey Tonic is a highball cocktail which is a family of drinks that pair liquor with a larger portion of a non-alcoholic mixer (like tonic water or soda water).

The ingredients you will need are listed below or you can find a full, detailed recipe at the end of this post.

• Whiskey. You can use any whiskey or bourbon that you enjoy the flavor of.
• Tonic water.  Tonic water's flavor is bubbly, bitter, sweet, and a little sour all at once. So cocktails use tonic water not only to dilute liquor and add bubbles but also for its nuance in flavor. Therefore the quality of your tonic water really does make a huge difference in tonic-focused cocktails. So choose a good-quality tonic water for the best flavor results when making this cocktail.
• Lemon and ice (for serving). This keeps the drink extra refreshing and tasty.

The best whiskey for a Whiskey Tonic

There are many different types of whiskey that blend really well with tonic. Switching up the kind of whiskey you use to make this drink will transform its flavor. So have fun trying out different whiskies to find your favorite. Some of our favorite whiskeys to make Whiskey Tonics include:

• Bourbon: Known for its hints of caramel and vanilla, bourbon pairs perfectly with tonic. Bourbon and tonic are a popular and delicious pair - some people even call it a BLT: Bourbon Lemon and Tonic.

• Rye whiskey: Adding tonic water with rye whiskey is a great way to tone down the spicy finish of rye whiskey while still enjoying its bite.

• Irish whiskey: The mellow, almost sweet flavor of Irish whiskey works well in this cocktail and produces a well-balanced finished drink. Since Irish whiskey is typically triple distilled and aged in wooden barrels it has a very smooth, almost sweet, flavor to it that works well with the bitter tonic.

• Scotch: If you love the spicy, peaty flavor of oakey Scotch whiskey then try it out in this recipe to enjoy all of its nuanced flavor.

• Tennessee Whiskey: Is filtered through sugar maple charcoal to give it a distinct flavor that works well in this cocktail and produces a flavorful but balanced drink that is easy to sip.

How to make a Whiskey Tonic

This cocktail is easy to make and doesn't require any fancy bar equipment. You simply assemble the drink in the serving glass and it can then be enjoyed straight away.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below or find a full detailed recipe at the end of this page to make your own Whiskey Tonic.

STEP ONE

Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.

STEP TWO

Pour in the whiskey and tonic water. Give it a gentle stir.

STEP THREE

Garnish with a squeezed lemon wedge and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips and Notes

Use good-quality ingredients: A good-quality whiskey and tonic water will make a big difference in the flavor of your drink. So choose the best you can for maximum flavor results.

Measure accurately: Use a jigger or a measuring cup to measure your ingredients accurately. A precise measurement can make a big difference in the balance and flavor of your cocktail.

Chill the ingredients before mixing: Chill the whiskey and tonic water before making your cocktail. This will help to keep the drink cool and refreshing for longer.

Drink responsibly: A whiskey tonic is a relatively light drink. If you make it with 80-proof Irish whiskey and pour the full 6 ounces of tonic, it has an alcohol content of just 9 percent ABV (18 proof), which makes it lighter than a glass of wine.

I hope you love this Whiskey Tonic recipe as much as I do! And if you want to see more of my food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.

Recipe