Move over cold brew, there's a new kid in town.
Looking for a sparkly new way to get your caffeine fix? Espresso tonic is the hot new way to enjoy cold coffee, adding a refreshing, spritzy vibe to your first drink of the day.
The mix may sound unusual, but the result is a tart, citrusy blend that gets the synapses firing and taste buds tingling. A juicy slice of orange or lemon is all that’s needed to balance out the bitter notes and let the warm caramel and vanilla flavours of the coffee shine through.
The history of the espresso tonic is murky, with sources suggesting the coffee order was popularised in Sweden in the mid 2000s, after appearing on the menu at Koppi Roasters in Helsingborg. It then spread through Scandinavia, before splashing across to Europe, Asia and the Americas where it has become a cult favourite at boutique coffee shops.

A super stimulating alternative to an iced latte or even a cold brew, we reckon this tasty import is set to be the next big thing to shake up the coffee world.
If you’re not a fan of tonic, you can sub in sparkling water for make a lighter, fresher drink.
Ingredients
60ml espresso
120ml tonic water
Ice
Orange slice to garnish
Method
- Fill a tall glass with ice
- Pour over espresso and tonic water
- Garnish with a slice of orange
Related story: If you’re not adding Coke to your red wine, you should be
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