Espresso Citrus Tonic with Orange Twist
A lively cocktail combining freshly brewed espresso with tonic water and bright orange notes for a sparkling pick-me-up. This recipe, ready in about 4 minutes, brings together freshly brewed espresso, tonic water, simple syrup 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
- 2 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 4 oz tonic water
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1 wide strip orange peel
The espresso machines we’d pull this shot on → Best Espresso Machines for Home in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
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 halfway with 1/2 cup of ice cubes.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz freshly brewed espresso over the ice.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 oz simple syrup and gently stir with a bar spoon for 15 seconds to combine without losing carbonation.
- Step 4: Slowly pour 4 oz tonic water down the side of the glass to maintain bubbles.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by twisting it above the glass, then rub the rim with the peel and drop it in as garnish.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with a short straw.







