Citrus Forward Espresso Tonic
The espresso tonic is a ubiquitous warm weather coffee drink that blends the bittersweet effervescence of tonic water with the acidity and potency of espresso. This particular riff on the formula comes from our own John Cannon from his time as the cafe manager of the now defunct Glen Edith Coffee Roasters. The addition of fresh lime juice and orange bitters enhances the citrus forward profile and aromatics of the Espresso Tonic with the added acidity elevating the refreshment factor.
Recipe Details
- Complexity - Low
- Serves - 1
- Prep Time - 5 Min
- Cost - ($)
Ingredients
- Espresso - 1.5 fl oz / 44 ml
- Fever Tree Tonic Water - 4 - 5 fl oz / 118 - 148 ml
- Orange Bitters - 3 Dashes
- 2 Lime Wedges (cut the lime vertically into 8 equal pieces)
A Note on Espresso and Tonic
When selecting a coffee to pull as espresso and a tonic to mix with, choosing the right ingredients can make or break it when it comes to the flavor and balance of your drink. For your espresso we recommend something clean, bright and more lightly roasted. Look for berry or citrus acidity in the notes. Traditional espresso blends roasted in a second wave style tend to overpower everything else when the medium/dark aromatics are boosted by the carbonation from the tonic.
Your tonic selection is equally important. Fever Tree tonic water is much lower in sugar and made without high-fructose corn syrup. Using a drier tonic prevents the drink from becoming overly sweet, an issue that similarly affects Gin & Tonics as well. If you can’t find Fever Tree, Q Tonic Water is another great choice.
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Pairing Knife
- Rocks Glass
- Shot Glass Pitcher (optional)
- Straw
Step-by-Step Instructions
Build Your Glass
Fill a rocks glass nearly to the top with ice and slowly pour in your tonic to preserve as much carbonation as possible. Leave room on the top for your espresso. Depending on your cubes and your glass this should be anywhere between 4-5 oz of tonic. Finish by adding your orange bitters.
Pour Your Espresso
When you first combine your espresso and tonic, if you pour gently, the difference in liquid densities will cause the espresso to float on top of the tonic.This also creates a beautiful visual contrast between the rich brown of the espresso and the clear tonic. If you have difficulty pouring from an espresso cup, a shot glass pitcher is a great alternative that has a lot of utility for measurements and drink making.
Squeeze Your Lime and Combine
Before stirring to combine your espresso and tonic, squeeze one of your two lime wedges over the top of the drink. Use your pairing knife to cut a small slit into the other wedge to garnish the edge of your glass. At this point you’re free to gently stir with your straw to incorporate. I recommend saving this right up until you’re ready for your first sip, especially if you’re serving one to someone else.
Photography by Grace Walker
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