Elevated Espresso Tonic
A sophisticated blend of rich espresso and sparkling tonic water, perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up with balanced bitterness and sweetness. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together freshly brewed espresso, tonic water, simple syrup (1:1) for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 70 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 3 oz tonic water
- 0.25 oz simple syrup (1:1)
- 1 strip lemon twist
- as needed ice cubes
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with large ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 2: Pour 3 oz tonic water gently into the glass to preserve carbonation.
- Step 3: In a separate small pitcher, mix 1.5 oz freshly brewed espresso with 0.25 oz simple syrup.
- Step 4: Slowly pour the sweetened espresso over the back of a spoon onto the tonic to create a layered effect.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of lemon peel over the drink, twist to release oils, and place it on the rim as garnish.
