My Famous Herbal Espresso Tonic
Ok, this is my favorite coffee drink. If you’ve ever spent a morning with me, you have heard me talk about it or perhaps I’ve even made one for you. I requested it so many times at my local coffee shop that the owner actually named it after me and it put it in her system (shoutout to you Shona!) But my favorite way to make it is with whatever herbal syrup I have on hand at home.
So preferably you have leftover espresso from a stovetop espresso maker (moka pot, etc.) See note*. You pour this over ice in a highball glass, add your favourite herbal syrup, and then top with tonic water or seltzer. Tonic will add that bitter sweet flavor that I love. Seltzer will make it lighter and can help hilight a really aromatic syrup.
Some of my favorite syrups (for simple syrup recipe click here):
- Lavender
- Bee Balm (Monarda spp. The fuschia one is the best.)
- Orange
- Spruce or fir tip
- Rose
- Calamansi lime or lime leaf
Honestly, the possibilities are endless.
You can dress up the tonic water like a negroni and add bitters. Or add a spritz of rose water on top for an aromatic delight. It’s like bartending but for coffee.
I know tonic water and espresso can sound at odds with each other, but if you are someone who like the bite of a gin and tonic, or enjoys funky unusual flavours, they really go well together. And a plain or grapefruit seltzer can really take this drink far.
*note: If you are making it fresh, just pour it into a glass and pop it in the freezer until it’s at least room temperature and won’t melt your ice too much. A fun addition if you are making it hot is to pour the espresso over an orange or lemon peel for added flavor. I’ve never tried it with drip coffee. I think it would be too watery. If all you have is drip, try making a small, very strong cup.
Espresso, spruce tip syrup, seltzer, and rosewater
RECIPE:
- 3 oz espresso, room temperature or colder
- 1-2 tbsp. Simple syrup (or to taste. Less if you choose tonic.)
- 2-3 oz tonic or seltzer
- Bitters, citrus peel, floral waters, fresh herbs (Optional)
Fill your highball glass with ice. Add espresso and syrup. Stir to combine. Top with your fizz of choice. Tonic will react with your coffee and foam heavily. Give a quick stir and add any acoutrements.
