Espresso Tonic
A unique and surprisingly harmonious non-alcoholic drink, the Espresso Tonic blends a bold shot of espresso with effervescent, bittersweet tonic water over ice, creating a refreshing and invigorating beverage with complex flavors.
Prepare espresso and cool
Brew 1 double shot (about 2 ounces / 60 ml) of espresso. Set it aside to cool slightly. It doesn't need to be completely cold, but not piping hot, to prevent rapid ice melt and excessive fizzing.
💡 Tips:
- •The quality of your espresso significantly impacts the final taste. Use your favorite beans. If you don't have an espresso machine, a very strong, concentrated Moka pot coffee or cold brew concentrate can be used as an alternative, adjusting the quantity as needed.
Assemble base
Fill a tall serving glass (e.g., highball or Collins glass) generously with 1 serving of ice. Pour 0.75 cup (180 ml) chilled premium tonic water over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
💡 Tips:
- •Use a good quality tonic water as its flavor profile is prominent in this drink. Fever-Tree, Q Tonic, or a similar premium brand are recommended.
Layer espresso
Slowly and carefully pour the slightly cooled espresso over the tonic water. Pouring gently over the back of a spoon or directly onto an ice cube can help create a beautiful layered effect, where the dark espresso floats momentarily on top of the clear tonic.
💡 Tips:
- •Pouring the espresso last minimizes excessive foam and creates a visually appealing separation of layers before mixing.
Garnish and serve
Garnish with 1 lime wheel or lemon slice, or 1 fresh rosemary or mint sprig, if desired. Serve immediately with a straw and stir gently before drinking to combine the flavors.
💡 Tips:
- •A citrus garnish enhances the inherent citrus notes in tonic water and complements the espresso. Aromatic herbs like rosemary or mint add an extra dimension.
- 💡**Sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter drink, add 0.5 ounce (15 ml) of simple syrup to the tonic water before adding ice and espresso.
- 💡**Citrus Boost:** Squeeze a small amount of fresh lime or orange juice (about 0.25 ounce) into the tonic water for an extra citrus kick.
- 💡**Flavor Variations:** Experiment with different tonic water flavors (e.g., elderflower tonic, Mediterranean tonic) or add a dash of aromatic bitters.
- 💡**Iced Espresso:** For a consistently cold drink without rapid ice melt, you can brew the espresso ahead of time and chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator before assembling.
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