What is an espresso tonic?

Espresso tonic is a unique coffee drink that harmoniously combines the properties of espresso and tonic. The main concept is the interaction of the bitterness of espresso and the refreshing sourness of tonic. The drink is served with ice, which enhances its refreshing effect. The unusual combination of flavors, novelty and lightness quickly made the drink popular among coffee lovers. The trendy drink attracts lovers of experimenting with coffee flavors and fans of non-standard combinations.

History of origin

The drink is native to Sweden. It was there, in the early 2010s, that the drink gained popularity. The idea of ​​combining espresso with a carbonated drink arose from the desire to create a light and refreshing coffee-based cocktail. The drink first appeared in Stockholm coffee shops, after which the recipe spread throughout the world. Coffee culture is constantly evolving. Every year, new trends gain the attention of coffee lovers.

Espresso tonic is the answer to the demand of modern consumers in search of a combination of the classic taste of coffee with non-classical ingredients.

Ingredients and equipment

It requires three main ingredients: coffee , tonic water, and ice. The espresso provides bitterness and fullness, the carbonated drink adds refreshing acidity and texture, and the ice adds freshness.

To prepare it, you will need an espresso machine and a shaker or just a mixing glass. It is important to choose high-quality ingredients: freshly roasted coffee and natural tonic without sweeteners.

The cocktail leaves room for experimentation. If desired, you can take other types of coffee as a basis, for example, filter coffee , and replace the tonic with another carbonated drink.

Classic cooking recipe

To prepare the drink, you need to follow a few simple steps:

  • Prepare 30-40 ml of espresso using an espresso machine.
  • At the same time, fill the glass with ice.
  • Pour the espresso over ice to cool the drink.
  • Add 100-150 ml of tonic
  • Gently mix the ingredients with a spoon.

If you want to keep the layered texture, you can leave it alone.

Professionals recommend using freshly roasted coffee and not adding unnecessary sweeteners to maintain a balance of flavor.

It is important to serve the drink immediately after preparation, when the ingredients taste as harmonious as possible.

Variations

Espresso tonic can be adapted to your taste and season.

One option is to replace espresso with cold brew. Cold brew is ground coffee that is poured with cold water and infused for 12 to 24 hours. The coffee turns out to be mild, with almost no bitterness or acidity. Accordingly, the finished drink also acquires a milder and sweeter taste.

Recipe:

  • Fill the glass with ice.
  • Pour in 100 ml of cold brew coffee
  • Add 150 ml of carbonated drink
  • You can add a slice of lemon or lime

Experimental versions may include fruit additives, such as lemon or orange juice.

In some regions, such as Sweden, various spices, such as cardamom or cinnamon, are added for a more pronounced flavor.

Seasonal modifications include adding spices or syrups, such as ginger or maple syrup, which make the taste warm and the aroma spicy and cozy during the cold season.

Some bartenders prepare alcoholic versions by adding bitters and liqueurs.

The science of taste

The chemistry of the interaction of espresso and tonic creates a unique flavor composition, where the acidity of the tonic gently balances the richness and bitterness of the coffee.

It is important that the ingredients are at the right temperature. The espresso should be hot, but not too hot, otherwise it can lose its aroma and become too bitter. The carbonated drink should be cooled to room temperature.

The art of cooking lies in accurately measuring ingredients and mixing them properly.

Professional bartenders advise starting with a ratio of 1:3 (espresso to tonic) and adjusting according to your own preferences.

Tips and life hacks

To achieve the perfect taste, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. Start with an espresso with a well-balanced flavor and without excessive bitterness. The choice of carbonated drink also matters – use sugar-free and natural ones.

The balance of flavors is achieved by the correct ratio of coffee and tonic. The ideal ratio is 1 part espresso to 3 parts carbonated drink, but you can adjust it to your individual taste. Too much coffee will make the drink bitter.

A common mistake is adding too much tonic, which overpowers the coffee flavor, or stirring too hard, which blurs the layering of the ingredients.

Professional bartenders recommend using freshly roasted coffee and chilling the tonic before use to keep the drink fresh. Using ice further mellows the taste.

Serving a cocktail should be aesthetic. Layers of the drink in a clear glass with a slice of lemon will look very elegant. The drink should be served immediately after preparation to preserve the aroma, taste and texture.

Useful properties and features

The drink has a moderate energy potential due to the caffeine content in coffee, which stimulates the nervous system. All the beneficial properties of coffee beans are present in this cocktail.

In general, the drink is low in calories. But a carbonated drink with sugar can be a real calorie bomb.

Like any coffee-based beverage, espresso tonic is best drunk in the morning for alertness and concentration. In the evening, caffeine can negatively affect sleep quality.

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