Espresso tonic: refreshing summer coffee for hot days
A summer so hot that even your sunglasses melt on your nose? That doesn’t mean you have to get through the day without coffee. But a steaming cappuccino in 35-degree heat? No thanks. Luckily, baristas came up with a refreshing solution a long time ago. And no, we’re not talking about that sickly sweet whipped-cream frappu-with-a-toddler-party-vibe.
Espresso tonic: your summer in a glass
Sounds chic, is easy
Enter: espresso tonic. An ice-cold, fizzy drink that sounds just as fancy as it tastes. Think tonic with a kick, coffee with oomph, all poured over a generous mountain of ice.
Sanne Westphal, former Head of Bar at Bocca Coffee, is a fan. “The combination of tonic and espresso works so well because they enhance each other’s fresh and fruity flavors,” she says. “It comes together especially beautifully with a slightly sweet Ethiopian coffee.”
And as if that didn’t sound hip enough: Bocca serves its coffee tonic with a sprig of rosemary. For that herby edge. And yes, it tastes exactly as it sounds: fresh, summery and just a little bit special.
Impress the crowd
This coffee is guaranteed to make an impression. After all, the drink has been wildly popular among coffee hipsters in Scandinavia and the US for years. Whether you’re sitting on a rooftop terrace or sweating on your balcony: with an espresso tonic in hand, you’re completely summer-ready.
Make it yourself – home-barista style
Sure, you can walk to your favorite specialty coffee bar and order an espresso tonic. But why would you? It’s just as easy to make yourself.
What do you need?
- A good tonic (preferably one without too much sugar)
- A shot of espresso or strong filter coffee
- Lots of ice cubes
- Optional: a sprig of rosemary, a slice of orange, or a little daring (by adding this secret ingredient to your coffee)
Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a large glass to the brim with ice.
- Pour in the tonic first (this keeps the bubbles intact).
- Carefully pour the espresso over the tonic.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a slice of citrus.
- Stir? You can. But preferably give it a little swirl for those beautiful layers.
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