Tequila Tonic Cocktail Drink

Tequila and Tonic

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

In the mood for an exciting cocktail to liven up your night? Give this Tequila and Tonic recipe a go! It’s a delicious drink brimming with tangy ingredients and easy to assemble.

Tequila and Tonic

Our simple Tequila and Tonic recipe is your ticket to relaxation! Enjoy this fresh summer cocktail featuring Tequila, tonic water, and a touch of lime.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

171 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Tequila
  • 4 oz Tonic Water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Tequila: Pour 2 oz Tequila over the ice.
  • Add Tonic Water: Fill the glass with 4 oz Tonic Water.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
  • Garnish: Squeeze and droop a lime wedge into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you don't have Tequila, you can use vodka or gin as a substitute. Both will give you a different flavor profile but still work well with the tonic water.
  • Tonic Water: Club soda is an excellent alternative if you do not like tonic water's bitter taste.

Making a Pitcher of Tequila and Tonic:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Tequila and 32 oz of tonic water.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the tequila and tonic water. Stir gently.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a squeezed lime wedge, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Try one of the non-alcoholic spirits available on the market.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular tequila, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Tequila: Most tequilas are vegan, but some brands may use animal products in processing. Check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their product is vegan.
  • Tonic Water: Most tonic waters are also vegan, but checking the label or the manufacturer's website is always a good idea.
  • Proceed As Usual: After confirming your vegan ingredients, follow the original steps to enjoy your Tequila and Tonic.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
171
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
16
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
11
g
4
%
Sugar
 
11
g
12
%
Potassium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.02
mg
0
%

 

Tequila Tonic Cocktail Drink

Tequila and Tonic

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Our simple Tequila and Tonic recipe is your ticket to relaxation! Enjoy this fresh summer cocktail featuring Tequila, tonic water, and a touch of lime.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 171

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Tequila
  • 4 oz Tonic Water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Tequila: Pour 2 oz Tequila over the ice.
  • Add Tonic Water: Fill the glass with 4 oz Tonic Water.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
  • Garnish: Squeeze and droop a lime wedge into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you don't have Tequila, you can use vodka or gin as a substitute. Both will give you a different flavor profile but still work well with the tonic water.
  • Tonic Water: Club soda is an excellent alternative if you do not like tonic water's bitter taste.

Making a Pitcher of Tequila and Tonic:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Tequila and 32 oz of tonic water.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the tequila and tonic water. Stir gently.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a squeezed lime wedge, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Try one of the non-alcoholic spirits available on the market.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular tequila, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Tequila: Most tequilas are vegan, but some brands may use animal products in processing. Check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their product is vegan.
  • Tonic Water: Most tonic waters are also vegan, but checking the label or the manufacturer's website is always a good idea.
  • Proceed As Usual: After confirming your vegan ingredients, follow the original steps to enjoy your Tequila and Tonic.

What is a Tequila and Tonic?

A Tequila and Tonic is a spirit highball cocktail made of Tequila and tonic water and typically garnished with a wedge of lime or lemon. This drink is relatively easy to make as it only requires two main ingredients and a garnish, making it perfect for quick preparation at parties or gatherings. The simplicity of its components allows the quality and flavor of the chosen Tequila to shine through. It’s a classic Gin and Tonic variant, substituting gin with Tequila for a Mexican twist on this British favorite.

A side shot of a Tequila Tonic cocktail in a highball glass on a wooden coaster placed on a white bar table surrounded by a jigger, a bar spoon, two limes, two lime wedges anda red cloth.

What is a Tequila and Tonic made of – The ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to mix up a Tequila and Tonic:

  • Tequila: This is the primary alcohol in the cocktail. It gives the drink its distinctive flavor and kick.
  • Tonic Water: This mixer adds a bitter and slightly sweet taste, balancing out the strong flavor of the Tequila.
  • Lime Wedge: A squeezed lime wedge juice adds a tangy citrus note, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.
  • Ice Cubes: The ice chills the drink, making it more refreshing and enjoyable to sip on.

Tequila and tonic laid out ona white bar table

How do you make a Tequila and Tonic?

With our easy guide, you can master the art of making a Tequila and Tonic:

1
<p>Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled for a more extended period.</p>

Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled for a more extended period.

2
<p>Pour two ounces of Tequila into the glass. You can use any brand of Tequila you prefer, but a high-quality, 100% agave tequila will give the best flavor.</p>

Pour two ounces of Tequila into the glass. You can use any brand of Tequila you prefer, but a high-quality, 100% agave tequila will give the best flavor.

3
<p>Follow the Tequila with four ounces (enough to fill up the glass) of tonic water. The tonic water adds a bitter and sweet taste that complements the Tequila perfectly.</p>

Follow the Tequila with four ounces (enough to fill up the glass) of tonic water. The tonic water adds a bitter and sweet taste that complements the Tequila perfectly.

4
<p>Stir the mixture gently with a cocktail spoon. This will ensure that the Tequila and tonic water,  are well combined.</p>

Stir the mixture gently with a cocktail spoon. This will ensure that the Tequila and tonic water,  are well combined.

5
<p>Squeeze into the drink a lime wedge and use it as a garnish, adding a touch of citrus flavor to the mix.</p>

Squeeze into the drink a lime wedge and use it as a garnish, adding a touch of citrus flavor to the mix.

History and Origin of the Tequila and Tonic

Tequila’s global popularity, especially in the United States since the mid-20th century, has inspired bartenders and drinkers to try tequila in various mixed drinks. Likely born from this experimentation, the Tequila and Tonic appeals to those looking for a simple, crisp drink that brings out the agave flavors of tequila without overwhelming them.

A Tequila Tonic cocktail, shot from above, in a highball glass on a beige surface surrounded by tequila and tonic.

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FAQ

How many calories does a Tequila and Tonic contain?
A standard serving contains approximately 150-200 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific brands of Tequila and tonic water used, as well as the size of the serving.
How strong is a Tequila and Tonic cocktail?
A Tequila and Tonic cocktail's strength largely depends on the ratio of Tequila to tonic water. Typically, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 15%, translating to 30 proof. This makes it a moderately light cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Tequila and Tonic?
As the name suggests, a Tequila and Tonic uses Tequila as its primary alcohol. The quality and flavor profile of the Tequila can significantly impact the overall taste of the cocktail.
In what type of glass is a Tequila and Tonic typically served?
Traditionally, the drink is served in a highball glass. This tall, straight-sided glass allows plenty of tonic water while leaving room for ice.
What does a Tequila and Tonic taste like?
The cocktail offers a refreshing blend of flavors. The Tequila provides a smooth, slightly sweet base with hints of agave, while the tonic water adds a bitter, citrusy edge. Together, they create a balanced, crisp drink perfect for sipping.
What is the typical ratio of ingredients in a Tequila and Tonic?
The standard ratio is 1:2 or 1:3 — one part tequila to two or three parts tonic water. However, you can adjust this to suit your taste preference.
How are Tequila and Tonic served with ice?
It is typically served over ice, often called "on the rocks." This helps to keep the drink cool while slightly diluting the Tequila, making it more palatable.

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