Noah Stern (@NoahSternCoffee) is a popular home barista and digital content creator known for his educational coffee tutorials that help everyday people elevate their at-home coffee brewing.
Summer Sips: Orange Tonic Espresso Recipe
Bright, bubbly, and unexpectedly refreshing, Orange Espresso Tonic is the ultimate warm-weather coffee drink. This vibrant recipe combines bold Italian coffee, tonic water, and a splash of citrus for a drink that’s equal parts energizing and refreshing. The rich, roasted notes of espresso balance beautifully with the bittersweet sparkle of tonic, while fresh orange adds a juicy burst of flavor that makes every sip feel like summer in a glass. Whether you’re looking for a new afternoon pick-me-up or an elevated iced coffee recipe to impress guests, this Orange Espresso Tonic delivers bright flavor with a refreshing twist.
What Is an Espresso Tonic?
An Espresso Tonic is a refreshing coffee drink made with espresso, tonic water, and ice. The combination may sound unexpected at first, but the bold richness of espresso pairs surprisingly well with the crisp, slightly bitter bubbles of tonic water. In this recipe, we finish the drink with fresh oranges to deliver a bright, sparkling coffee that’s perfect for summer. It’s bubbly, refreshing, subtly sweet, and perfect for anyone looking to try a new twist on iced coffee.
Choosing the Right Coffee for an Orange Espresso Tonic
The beauty of an Orange Espresso Tonic is how it balances the bold coffee flavor with bright citrus and crisp tonic water, which makes the coffee you choose especially important. For this recipe, we use Italian Roast Ground Coffee brewed at a high concentration in an AeroPress coffee maker, but you can also use coffee or espresso brewed through your espresso machine or in a Moka Pot. Whatever brewing method you choose, we recommend you select a coffee that is bold! Flavor notes of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, or caramelized sweetness work well with the citrus profile without overpowering it.
→ Shop Bold Blends from Caffe Borbone
Whether you choose true espresso or creatively elevate brewed coffee with an aerator, the key is starting with high-quality coffee that delivers smooth, balanced flavor in every sip.
Orange Espresso Tonic Recipe
A refreshing Italian-inspired coffee cocktail perfect for warm weather, with just orange, espresso and tonic water!
by: Noah Stern (@NoahSternCoffee)
Discover the perfect balance of bitter, bright, and bold flavors in this stunning tonic water espresso with orange. Made with Caffè Borbone Italian Roast Ground Coffee, this refreshing drink combines the richness of coffee with the effervescence of tonic and the citrusy sweetness of fresh orange.
INGREDIENTS
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- 2 tablespoons Caffè Borbone Italian Roast Ground Coffee
- 1/4 cup hot water (for AeroPress concentrate)
- Ice cubes
- 4-6 oz tonic water (chilled)
- 1-2 orange slices or wedges
- Fresh orange peel or zest (optional, for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE ESPRESSO TONIC WITH ORANGE
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- Brew the AeroPress concentrate: Using your AeroPress, brew a strong coffee concentrate with a 1:4 ratio of coffee to hot water. Use 2 tablespoons of Caffè Borbone Italian Roast Ground Coffee with 1/4 cup hot water. This creates a rich, espresso-like concentrate that stands up beautifully to the tonic.
- Prepare your glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Squeeze a fresh orange slice over the ice to release the oils and add a few drops of juice, then drop it into the glass.
- Add the tonic: Pour 4-6 oz of chilled tonic water over the ice. The amount depends on how strong you like your coffee flavor—use less for a bolder coffee taste, more for a lighter, more refreshing drink.
- Pour the coffee: Slowly pour your AeroPress coffee concentrate over the tonic and ice. Watch as the coffee cascades through the bubbles, creating beautiful layers.
- Garnish and serve: Add another orange slice to the rim of the glass. For extra flair, twist a piece of orange peel over the drink to release the citrus oils, then add it as garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Brew the AeroPress concentrate: Using your AeroPress, brew a strong coffee concentrate with a 1:4 ratio of coffee to hot water. Use 2 tablespoons of Caffè Borbone Italian Roast Ground Coffee with 1/4 cup hot water. This creates a rich, espresso-like concentrate that stands up beautifully to the tonic.
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Tips for Success
Temperature matters: Make sure your tonic water is well-chilled before mixing. The contrast between the hot coffee concentrate and cold tonic creates an interesting temperature dynamic that adds to the experience.
Fresh is best: Use fresh oranges rather than bottled juice. The oils in fresh orange peel add aromatic complexity that bottled juice can't match.
Adjust to taste: If you prefer a sweeter drink, muddle the orange slices before adding the tonic, or add a small splash of simple syrup. For a stronger coffee flavor, use less tonic water or add an extra shot of espresso.
CHECK OUT MORE RECIPES FROM THE BORBONE BLOG
→ Guinness Espresso Martini Recipe
