Espresso and orange juice? Not long ago, this combination might have seemed like coffee heresy. Today, however, orange espresso (also known as orange freshpresso) is one of the hottest coffee trends, taking coffee shops around the world by storm. The combination of intense, deep espresso with freshly squeezed orange juice creates a drink that's not only refreshing but also captivates with its unique flavor profile. What exactly is orange freshpresso, and how can you make it at home?

What is espresso orange?

Orange espresso is a coffee drink made by combining espresso—preferably from specialty beans —with freshly squeezed orange juice. Depending on the variant, you can also add ice cubes, an orange slice, herbs, or even tonic water. This is known as an espresso tonic orange. Each of these versions combines the contrast of the fruit's sweetness and acidity with the coffee's bitterness and depth. It's the perfect summer option, but also a unique way to start the day.

Why is orange freshpresso so popular?

This drink embodies a modern approach to coffee – open to experimentation, multi-sensory, and surprising. The flavor of Orange FreshPresso is very fresh, slightly citrusy, while retaining the full coffee character. Furthermore, the orange naturally highlights the fruity notes present in many varieties of specialty coffee. If you enjoy coffees from Ethiopia or Kenya , whose profile includes citrus, berry, or floral notes, you will surely be delighted by this drink.

How to prepare orange espresso?

To make an orange espresso, you don't need barista experience or specialized equipment. All you need is:

• freshly brewed espresso (approx. 30 ml - preferably from beans with a fruity profile),

• freshly squeezed juice from one orange (approx. 100-150 ml),

• a few ice cubes,

• optional: orange slice for decoration, fresh mint or rosemary.

Step by step recipe:

1. Juice the oranges, preferably from organic, ripe oranges. It's a good idea to strain the juice through a sieve to remove any pulp.

2. Pour ice into a tall glass - it will make the drink pleasantly cool and layered.

3. Pour in orange juice - this is the base of our drink.

4. Gently add the espresso - preferably a spoonful at a time - to create the effect of two layers: dark and light.

5. Garnish - a slice of orange, mint leaves or herbs add not only flavor but also an elegant appearance.

Espresso tonic orange - a version for bubble fans

For those seeking even greater refreshment, the Espresso Tonic Orange is the perfect choice. This variation adds tonic water to the classic orange espresso, creating a drink reminiscent of a cocktail – light, citrusy, and with a subtle bitterness. We recommend this version:

• 100 ml of tonic,

• 50 ml orange juice,

• 30 ml espresso (brewed in an espresso machine or a moka pot)

• ice cubes.

Mix the tonic and juice together, and pour in the espresso at the end. An espresso blend with notes of caramel, nuts, and dark chocolate works well here, such as LaCava's Super Tuscan.

Which coffee should I choose for orange espresso?

The key to success is choosing the right beans. LaCava offers a wide selection of specialty coffees that are perfect for such experiments. For a tonic version, we recommend classic espresso blends like the Super Tuscan , with its chocolate-nutty notes, or the Black Art . For a classic orange fresh press, it's worth choosing beans from Ethiopia, such as Lima Bru , which offer a citrus profile that perfectly complements orange juice.

Orange espresso - perfect for summer and beyond

Whether you're a coffee purist or an experimenter, orange espresso is a drink worth trying. Thanks to its simple preparation and surprising flavor, it's perfect both at home and as a unique addition to a café menu.

Orange espresso, orange freshpresso, or espresso tonic orange – each of these variants demonstrates the many facets of modern coffee. And with the right selection of LaCava beans, each will be unique.