The Italian Tonico: A Bold Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Carissimi amici!

We are excited to welcome you to the very first post of Italology’s cocktail recipes, where we will be sharing some of the finest traditional Italian cocktails, along with a few favorites and creations from Alberto, Italology’s beverage specialist. Alberto’s expertise in food and beverage brings a special touch to our cocktail offerings, and we’re so happy to share this journey with you! From timeless classics to innovative twists, we promise a delightful experience of Italy’s cocktail culture. Alongside our travel posts and Italian food recipes, we’ll be adding a fun and refreshing twist with cocktail recipes that you won’t want to miss.

Let’s kick things off with a cocktail that combines the best of both worlds, tradition and modernity. Introducing… The Italian Tonico: A Bold Fusion of Tradition and Modernity.

There’s something special about the Italian approach to food and drink, simple ingredients combined in unexpected ways to create something extraordinary. This philosophy inspired my husband Alberto’s latest cocktail creation: The Italian Tonico. It’s a refreshing blend of coffee, gin, and tonic water that pays homage to both Italian espresso culture and the art of mixology.

Ingredients

• 3 oz freshly brewed coffee (cooled to room temperature)

• 1.5 oz premium gin

• Tonic water (enough to top off the glass). Add .5 of simple syrup if you like your drink sweeter.

Instructions

1. Start with a shaker filled with ice.

2. Add in the coffee and gin, giving it a robust shake.

4. Pour the drink into a glass filled with ice.

5. Top with tonic water, filling the glass to your desired level.

6. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic finish.

The Key Ingredients: Gin & Tonic Water

Gin: The Spirit of Complexity

Gin is the perfect base for this cocktail because of its botanical nature. With origins dating back to 17th-century Europe, gin is distilled with juniper berries and an array of botanicals, ranging from citrus peels to spices like coriander and cardamom. This gives gin its distinct flavor profile, which pairs surprisingly well with coffee. For The Italian Tonico, choose a gin that complements the coffee’s richness—something citrus-forward or herbaceous like a Mediterranean gin works beautifully.

Tonic Water: A Touch of Effervescence

Tonic water isn’t just fizzy water—it’s a mixer with a fascinating history. Originally developed as a medicinal drink, tonic water contains quinine, which gives it its characteristic bitter flavor. High-quality tonic waters also feature hints of citrus or floral notes, making them ideal for cocktails. In this recipe, tonic water balances the coffee’s depth and gin’s botanicals with a refreshing effervescence. Opt for a premium tonic water to elevate the drink—Mediterranean-style or lightly sweetened varieties work best.

Why It Works

The Italian Tonico combines the bold flavors of coffee with the intricate botanicals of gin and the crisp fizz of tonic water. It’s a drink that surprises you with every sip. The bitterness of the coffee and tonic is softened by the aromatics in the gin, creating a complex, well-rounded flavor profile.

This is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of Italy’s love for coffee, a toast to the art of craftsmanship, and a nod to the Italian spirit of enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

Cheers to la dolce vita!

Alberto and Giulia with the Italology Team 💚🤍❤️