A whiskey and tonic is a simple, refreshing cocktail that’s perfect when you want something easy but still full of flavor. The smooth, oaky notes of whiskey pair beautifully with the crisp, slightly bitter fizz of tonic water - making it a treat for your taste buds.
This drink is a fun twist on more familiar highballs like the gin and tonic, but with a richer depth thanks to the whiskey. The whiskey and tonic is incredibly easy to make and a great way to enjoy dark spirits in a light, bubbly way.
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Ingredient Notes
This easy tonic cocktail comes together with just a few simple ingredients, but the fusion of flavors is anything but basic. A whiskey tonic is part of the highball family - drinks that mix a spirit with a generous splash of something fizzy, like tonic or soda water.
- Whiskey - You can use any whiskey or bourbon that you enjoy. See my suggestions below.
- 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. Choose a good quality tonic water for the best flavor.
See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for ingredient list with measurements.
What is the best whiskey for a whiskey and tonic?
Whiskey is one of my favorite mixers because there are so many varieties that can totally change the flavor of the drink. It’s a fun one to experiment with, so try a few and see what you like best. Here are some of my go-to picks for making a great whiskey and tonic:
- Bourbon - Bourbon is a form of whiskey that is only made in the United States. All bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. Known for its hints of caramel and vanilla, bourbon pairs perfectly with tonic. With it's hint of sweetness, bourbon and tonic are a delicious pair - some people even call it a BLT: Bourbon Lemon and Tonic.
- Rye whiskey - Adding tonic water to rye whiskey is a great way to tone down the spicy finish of rye 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, usually called a Leprechaun Tonic. 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 Scotch whiskey then try it out in this recipe.
- 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 and Tonic
This highball 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.
- 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: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Expert Tip
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.
More easy whiskey cocktails to try:
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Recipe
Whiskey and Tonic
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Whiskey
- 6 ounces Tonic Water
- Lemon Wedge for serving
- Ice Cubes for serving
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.Ice Cubes
- Pour in the whiskey and tonic water. Give it a gentle stir.2 ounces Whiskey, 6 ounces Tonic Water
- Garnish with a squeezed lemon wedge and serve immediately.Lemon Wedge
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