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Orange Espresso Tonic

Bright, fizzy, citrusy, and pleasantly bitter, this Orange Espresso Tonic combines bold espresso, fresh orange juice, and crisp tonic water for a refreshing café-style coffee drink.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Beverages, Drinks
Cuisine: Contemporary
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 oz espresso
  • 4 oz tonic water, chilled
  • 2 oz fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp simple syrup optional
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1 fresh orange slice or orange peel twist, for garnish

Equipment

  • Espresso machine
  • Citrus juicer
  • Tall serving glass
  • Measuring cup or jigger
  • Spoon
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Ice cube tray

Method
 

  1. Brew the espresso
    Prepare 1 shot of espresso (1 oz/30 ml) and let it cool for 1–2 minutes.
  2. Prepare the orange juice
    Squeeze 2 oz (60 ml) of fresh orange juice and strain it if you prefer a smoother drink.
  3. Fill the glass
    Add about 1 cup of ice to a tall glass, then pour in the orange juice. Stir in the simple syrup, if using.
    Orange juice and ice cubes in a tall glass on a wooden table
  4. Add the tonic and espresso
    Slowly pour in 4 oz (120 ml) chilled tonic water, followed by the espresso. Pour the espresso gently over an ice cube or the back of a spoon for a layered look.
    Espresso being poured into a glass of tonic water, orange juice, and ice
  5. Garnish and serve
    Finish with an orange slice or twist of peel and serve immediately. Stir gently before drinking if desired.

Notes

  • Use espresso with chocolate, caramel, or nutty notes for the best balance.
  • Choose fresh orange juice for a brighter, cleaner flavor.
  • Add the orange juice and tonic before the espresso for attractive layers.
  • Stir gently to avoid losing the tonic’s carbonation.
  • Twist orange peel over the glass for extra citrus aroma.
  • Add a little simple syrup if the drink tastes too bitter.
  • Use large ice cubes to reduce dilution.