TNT (Tequila and Tonic)
A citrus, refreshing and bubbly tequila cocktail ∙ Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 9.7% ABV ∙
The TNT, or Tequila and Tonic, is a highball of reposado tequila and fresh lime juice topped with tonic water over ice.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour all ingredients into the ice-filled glass: Tequila reposado 45 mlLime juice 10 mlTonic water 100 ml
- Stir gently
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Tips
- Stir gently, just once or twice, after the tonic goes in so it keeps its fizz.
History
The TNT — short for Tequila 'N' Tonic — is a simple highball that swaps tequila into the gin and tonic template, pairing the agave spirit's earthy character with tonic water's bitterness. A recipe for it appears in the revised 1972 edition of Trader Vic's Bartender's Guide, the mixology reference originally published in 1947 by Victor Bergeron, the Oakland restaurateur behind the Trader Vic's tiki-bar chain. No creator, bar, or year of invention is documented beyond that listing.
FAQ
What is a tequila and tonic drink called?
It is called a TNT or T&T, both short for Tequila and Tonic.
What is a T&T cocktail?
T&T stands for Tequila and Tonic, the same drink as the TNT: reposado tequila and a little lime juice over ice, topped with tonic and a lime wedge.
Can you mix tequila with tonic water?
Yes. The tonic's bitterness and fizz work with the reposado's agave flavor, and a splash of fresh lime juice sharpens it.
What tequila is best for a tequila and tonic?
Reposado. Its time in barrel adds oak and vanilla notes that hold up to the tonic's quinine bitterness better than an unaged blanco.
What's the best ratio of tequila to tonic?
About one part tequila to two of tonic: 45 ml reposado to 100 ml tonic, plus 10 ml lime juice. That keeps the tequila in front without making the drink too strong. Add a little more or less tonic to taste.
