Tonic espresso – just a dozen years ago, we would have reacted with utter surprise at such a combination. How is that possible – mixing coffee with soda? Today, however, anyone looking for an intriguing, refreshing combination of tonic's bitterness with the flavor of their favorite beverage can try making tonic espresso at home. How do you make it? We'll tell you.

Coffee with tonic and ice - does it make sense?

Even the most traditional coffee lovers must admit that its diverse variations are an interesting change. Especially on hot days, when we don't want to give up the taste of coffee but prefer to drink it cold. Of course, we can reach for iced coffee , but why not add a unique flavor that will be refreshing and simply delicious? The combination of espresso and tonic has gained such popularity because it's not limited to just these two ingredients – we can enhance it to our liking – more on this below.

How to prepare espresso with tonic?

A huge advantage of coffee with tonic and ice is that it's incredibly easy to prepare. Let's start with the ice itself – it's worth preparing it in advance so you can refill it if necessary. Another consideration is choosing the right tonic. There are several varieties of this drink on the market, so it's worth testing some beforehand to find your favorite. If, for example, you don't like a sweet taste, check whether the product contains added glucose syrup.

The final touch is the additions. This is where we can really go wild. From a standard orange or lime slice, through frozen fruit, to your favorite syrups and, for example, mint or other herbs – espresso with tonic is truly a foundation for experimentation and finding your favorite combination of flavors and aromas. Of course, you can stick with the classic flavor without any additions, as that's also a great option.

Espresso with tonic - recipe

How do you make an espresso with tonic that not only tastes great but also looks like something from an exotic cocktail bar? It's best to refrigerate the tonic before preparing the drink to ensure it's at least chilled. Next, fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour in about 150ml of tonic, or just enough to leave room for the coffee. At this stage, you can also add extras, such as freshly squeezed orange juice or syrup.

The next step is to prepare the espresso. This is done at your discretion, but it's important to ensure the yield doesn't overemphasize the bitterness or acidity of the ground beans. Why is this important? When combining tonic water with espresso, the tonic water will provide these flavor notes, so the coffee doesn't have to be bitter or acidic .

A standard 30 ml espresso is enough for one drink, but you can add a second shot to enhance the coffee flavor. This can be made either in an espresso machine or in a moka pot. The espresso doesn't need to be chilled, as it will quickly lose its temperature when combined with the ice and tonic water. Pour the finished coffee slowly to create a beautiful visual effect in the glass—a dark top and a light bottom. Then, you can garnish the glass with the aforementioned garnishes, such as a lime slice.

Selecting coffee for espresso and tonic

Now that we know how to prepare an espresso with tonic, it's worth considering the perfect coffee for this type of drink. Our recommendation is a specialty coffee incorporating a classic Italian espresso, made with Super Tuscan beans. This espresso blend is characterized by notes of chocolate, roasted nuts, and caramel, emphasizing its sweetness and smooth texture. This blend is made with medium-roasted Arabica beans, giving it a rich, unique flavor straight from sunny Tuscany.