If summer had an official coffee, it might be the espresso tonic. Sparkling tonic water over ice, a bright shot of espresso poured on top, and a twist of citrus: it is crisp, bittersweet, fizzy, and unbelievably refreshing. Cafes charge a premium for it. You can make it at home in two minutes.
What You Need
- A tall glass and plenty of ice
- 4 to 6 ounces of tonic water (or club soda for a less sweet, less bitter version)
- 1 shot of espresso, or about 2 ounces of strong coffee from a moka pot or AeroPress
- Optional: a slice of orange or lime, and a touch of simple syrup if you like it sweeter
How to Make It
- Fill the glass to the top with ice and pour in the tonic water. Let it settle for a moment.
- Brew your espresso or strong coffee fresh.
- Slowly pour the espresso over the back of a spoon so it layers on top of the tonic. That dark-over-clear look is half the fun.
- Add a citrus twist and serve right away, before it fully mixes. Give it one stir just before you drink.
Why It Works
Tonic water has a gentle quinine bitterness and a little sweetness that play beautifully against coffee, and the bubbles lift the aromatics so the whole thing tastes alive. A clean, sweet coffee shines brightest here. Rise & Shine, with its caramel and toasted almond notes, makes a wonderfully smooth tonic, while Resurrection Espresso brings a deeper chocolate edge. No espresso machine? A moka pot shot works perfectly.
Variations
- Orange espresso tonic: muddle a slice of orange in the glass first.
- Cold brew tonic: no espresso on hand? Use a couple ounces of cold brew concentrate instead.
- Lighter and brighter: swap tonic for plain sparkling water and add a squeeze of lime.
Pour one on a hot afternoon, sit somewhere with a breeze, and enjoy the most refreshing coffee of the season.
