The Whiskey Tonic

Whiskey Tonic is one of the easiest and most delicious cocktails ever! Mix bourbon or whiskey and tonic water together for an easy, bubbly drink.

Would you like a light and sparkling cocktail based on whiskey or bourbon? Mix it with tonic water for a Tonic whiskey! When you think of tonic water, you might first think of a gin and tonic or a vodka tonic. But the sweet, bubbly carbonation pairs perfectly with a woody, spicy whisky. In fact, we like to steam whiskey this way, especially in summer. Here’s more information on how to make a whiskey tonic and some other great fizzy highball cocktails.

What is a whiskey tonic?

Whiskey and tonic is a highball cocktail, part of a family of drinks that combine alcohol with a larger portion of a non-alcoholic mixer (such as tonic water or sparkling water). Resembling a highball whiskey, highball whiskey originated in the early 1900’s and initially combined Scotch whiskey with carbonated water, called “Scotch and soda”. Whiskey Tonic is basically a highball whiskey but uses tonic water instead of soda water. The ingredients of a whiskey tonic are:

• 1 serving of whiskey
• 2 parts tonic water
• slice of lemon

The best whiskey for a whiskey tonic?

You can use any type of whiskey in a whiskey tonic! The fun part is that switching whiskey makes it a different drink depending on what you mix it with. Here are a few ideas:

• Bourbon: Bourbon and tonic go well together! Some call it BLT: Bourbon Lemon and Tonic.
• Rye Whiskey: Soften the spicy finish of rye whiskey with tonic water.
• Irish whiskey: The smooth, almost sweet taste of Irish whiskey goes well with this drink.
• Scotch: If you like the spicy, peaty flavor of Scotch… it works here too!

Best tonic water to use

Tonic water is carbonated water that also contains quinine and is lightly sweetened. Its taste is both sparkling, bitter, sweet and slightly sour. Classic cocktails use tonic water not only to dilute the liquor with bubbles, but also for its flavor nuance.

What is the best brand of tonic water? There are many options these days. Our favorite brand is Tonic Q: It tastes great and is sold in small doses, just enough for a few drinks. We also like Q for ginger beer and ginger ale.

What is a good blender for whiskey?

You can use the concept of a tonic whiskey with other mixers too! It doesn’t have to be tonic water, although sweet goes well. We personally like the subtle sweetness that tonic water brings with it as a mixer compared to sparkling water. But here are some of the best blenders for whiskey:

Mixing a liquor with sparkling water, tonic water or even ginger ale is an ancient practice! This makes them lighter and easier to drink. Here are some other highball cocktails from this family:

When should a whiskey tonic be served?

Whiskey Tonic is easy to make and super refreshing. It is ideal for use as:

• summer drink
• afternoon drink
• Aperitif (starter)
• Aperitif at aperitif time