This Espresso Tonic recipe guarantees a delightful drink that effortlessly combines the exquisite taste of espresso and the crispness of tonic water.
For all coffee lovers, this refreshing drink is for you. This espresso tonic recipe is a non-alcoholic, citrusy drink perfect for hot summer days.
If you’re seeking more caffeinated and refreshing options, try an iced oat milk latte or a dirty matcha latte.
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Ingredients
- Espresso: I used my favorite espresso vertuo pod – double espresso dolce. Feel free to use your favorite coffee beans. Please note that the stronger the espresso, the more bitter the beverage.
- Tonic water: My favorite tonic water brand is Fever Tree. If you prefer a bitter taste, go with the Premium Tonic water. My personal favorite is Mediterranean tonic water. This one has more botanical flavor.
- Sweetener: This is optional, but I added some brown sugar simple syrup. You may not need a sweetener, depending on your strong espresso.
- Citrus wheel: I added the orange wheel for this recipe, but feel free to add a different citrus fruit of your choice. The orange will brighten the coffee’s flavor and pair well with the acidity of the coffee.
- Ice: I used clear ice cubes so the layers are more distinct.
See recipe card for quantities.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor: This beverage is refreshing, bittersweet, and bubbly.
- Presentation: The beautiful, distinct layers make this beverage presentation just divine!
- Simple to make: You can make this drink anytime with just a few ingredients and a few minutes.
- Customizable: You can customize this beverage by adding a slice of your favorite citrusy fruit or a sweetener or changing the espresso/tonic ratio.
What is Espresso Tonic
Espresso tonic is a refreshing and carbonated drink made with tonic water and chilled espresso poured over ice.
Equipment and Tools Needed
- Espresso machine: You don’t need a fancy espresso machine. A basic countertop model will do just fine. I use the Nespresso Vertuo model.
- Bottle opener: Use any bottle opener to quickly open the tonic water.
- Tall glass: Use tall (and wide) glass.
- Bar spoon: To pour the espresso and to keep the layers separated, use the bar spoon.
Which Glass to Use
You can use a highball glass like for a Tom Collins drink or something I used – tall and broader at the bottom.
Instructions
Before you start making this beverage, gather all the ingredients and cut the fruit if using, which will speed up the preparation process.
Step 1: Prepare the espresso and leave it in a freezer for a few minutes to cool down.
Step 2: Add ice cubes to the glass.
Step 3: Pour the tonic water over ice (¾ of the glass).
Step 4: Slowly pour the espresso over a spoon to separate the layers.
Step 5: Add an orange wheel or a wedge and the sweetener of your choice.
Hint: If you use a sweetener, add it at the very end because it will mix the layers, and the espresso will sink to the bottom.
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
You can batch-make the brown sugar simple syrup and use it for beverages and cocktails.
Here are the simple steps to make it:
- Combine equal parts of brown sugar and water. I usually use 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup water.
- Heat on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Make sure it does not boil.
- Remove from heat and store it in a jar in a fridge for a couple of weeks.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Cool the espresso: When you make it, you need to cool it down because adding it immediately will melt the ice and warm the drink.
- Use liquid sweeteners: I recommend using liquid sweeteners. Nobody wants to taste the granulated sugar in their cold beverage.
- Pour ingredients slowly: When pouring the liquid, pour it slowly. Tonic water is very carbonated, so you want to avoid any over-spilling. To keep the layers separated, pour the espresso very slowly.
- Use clear ice: I recommend using clear ice cubes to make a beautiful presentation. I usually buy ice in the local grocery store and use it for all my cocktails and beverages.
- Use a large ice cube: I recommend one large one to keep the drink cold longer. This will prevent the beverage from watering down since large ice melts more slowly.
- Use fresh fruit for add-ins: I like to add a slice of orange or lime to add more citrusy flavor. Feel free to add other fruit you like.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use different tonic water: There are so many other options. My favorite brand is Fever Tree. You can pick from several different options they have. If you prefer a more bitter flavor, use Premium Tonic water. My personal favorite is Mediterranean Tonic water.
- Use your favorite espresso: Use your favorite coffee beans. You can grind your own or use your favorite pods. Make a decaf option if you want.
- Adjust espresso-to-tonic ratio: You can adjust the espresso-to-tonic balance. I like mine with two espresso shots, but you can use one shoot, too.
- Use cold brew instead of espresso: Don’t like espresso or don’t have it on hand? No worries, you can use cold brew instead.
- Use soda water instead of tonic water: If you want less added quinine and sugar, like in tonic water, use soda water instead. Please note that the flavor might be different.
- Use a different sweetener: Other great sweetener options are agave or maple syrup.
- Adjust the amount of sweetener: If you prefer it more sweet, add more sweetener, or you can omit it altogether.
- Add a dash of bitters: If you want a little extra zhuzh, add a dash of Angostura Orange bitters.
- Add other fruit: Orange goes very well with this drink, but other citrusy fruits add excellent flavor. Pick the fruit based on your preferences.
How to Serve
This beverage is served cold with optional add-ins like fresh fruit, sweeteners, or bitters.
Storage
This beverage doesn’t store well since tonic water will lose carbonation. I recommend preparing as much as you need to enjoy fresh.
FAQ
Since we are using just a few ingredients, we focus on the espresso and tonic water quality.
Tonic water is a carbonated drink that contains quinine and sugar, which gives it the signature bitter-sweet taste.
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Recipe
Espresso Tonic
Ingredients
- double espresso shot (chilled)
- Ice cubes
- tonic water (enough to fill the glass ¾)
- orange wheel or a wedge
- 1 tablespoon brow sugar simple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Make the espresso. Leave in a freezer to cool down.
- Pick a glass and prepare other ingredients.
- Add ice cubes to the glass.
- Pour tonic water over the ice – ¾ of the glass.
- Pour espresso over a spoon to separate the liquid for a prettier presentation.
- Add the orange wheel to the glass (or a wedge).
- Add brown sugar simple syrup if you want to add a sweetener.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Combine equal parts of brown sugar and water. I usually use 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup water.
-
- Heat on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Please make sure it does not boil.
-
- Remove from heat and store it in a jar in a fridge for a few weeks.
- Cool the espresso: When you make it, you need to cool it down because adding it immediately will melt the ice and warm the drink.
- Pour ingredients slowly: When pouring the liquid, pour it slowly. Tonic water is very carbonated, so you want to avoid any over-spilling. To keep the layers separated, pour the espresso very slowly.
- If you use a sweetener, add it at the very end because it will mix the layers, and the espresso will sink to the bottom.
Mujo
I can not wait to try this tonight TGIF!