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Cherry Espresso Tonic
Riffs on the espresso tonic are not new, but they never get old. This summer, we’re leaning into a cherry flavor, just in time for cherry pie season. This Cherry Espresso Tonic creates a beautiful layering effect when done correctly. While you can certainly make a cherry syrup, we’re keeping it simple and using a syrup from the legendary cocktail ingredients company, the fellow Rochester, NY-based Fee Brothers.
Recipe Details
- Complexity - Low
- Serves - 1
- Prep Time - 5 Min
- Cost - ($)
Ingredients
- Espresso - 1.25 fl oz / 36 ml
- Fever Tree Tonic Water - 5 fl oz / 148 ml
- Fee Brothers Cherry Syrup - 25g / a bit less than 1 fl oz
- ~4 oz ice
- Lemon Wheel (for garnish)
A Few Quick Tips
My personal preference for tonic is a nice “dry” tonic, which is why I like Fever Tree, or Q Tonic. Some tonics have more sugar than others, but we’re already adding a syrup to this drink. So, choose a tonic with some bite so the sugar from the syrup will balance out the drink.
You can’t really go wrong with whatever coffee you choose to make the espresso with, but I prefer a coffee with some acidity; some nice “zing,” if you will. Our Colombia Tolima makes this kind of espresso with some nice acidity upfront, balanced by some sweet caramel notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Add the syrup
To create the layering effect, syrup comes before ice. 25g of Fee Brothers Cherry Syrup is sweet enough without going over the top.
Add Ice to the Glass
About 4 oz will do just fine. If you have a bigger glass, add more ice.
Pour the Tonic
No need to go too slow, but the idea is to not disturb the syrup at the bottom too much. That layering effect is a nice sight.
Top With Espresso
Pull your espresso and pour it right on top of the tonic.
Garnish with a lemon wheel
I think garnishes are underrated. Not only does this add a bright pop of color, but I think garnishes do some heavy lifting for the olfactory sensation of a well-crafted drink. You’ll get a sniff of fresh citrus as you go in for another sip, adding more complexity. In this case, a lemony aroma accompanying a cherry sweetness brings the profile closer to cherry pie. Again, a thoughtful garnish can be a game-changer.
I recommend stirring to combine the flavors after you’ve taken an Instagrammable photo of your layered cherry espresso tonic. The drink is refreshing whether sipped straight from the cup or through a straw.
Photography by Grace Walker
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