Sparkling Espresso: The Most Refreshing Summer Coffee

If summer had an official coffee, it might be the sparkling espresso. Chilled sparkling water over ice, a bright shot of espresso poured on top, and a twist of citrus: it is crisp, fizzy, and unbelievably refreshing. Cafes charge a premium for drinks like this. You can make it at home in two minutes.

What You Need

• A tall glass and plenty of ice
• 4 to 6 ounces of cold sparkling water or club soda
• 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 sparkling 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 bubbles. 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

The bubbles lift the coffee's aromatics so the whole thing tastes alive, and the clean sparkle lets the flavor of the beans lead. A clean, sweet coffee shines brightest here. Rise & Shine, with its caramel and toasted almond notes, makes a wonderfully smooth glass, while Resurrection Espresso brings a deeper chocolate edge. No espresso machine? A moka pot shot works perfectly.

Variations

• Orange sparkling espresso: muddle a slice of orange in the glass first.
• Cold brew sparkler: no espresso on hand? Use a couple ounces of cold brew concentrate instead.
• A little sweeter: stir in a splash of simple syrup or honey before the coffee goes in.

Pour one on a hot afternoon, sit somewhere with a breeze, and enjoy the most refreshing coffee of the season.