Espresso, tonic water, and lemon zest mixed together
Hey there!
This Espresso Tonic Frappe will revolutionize the way you play the game. It’s cool, fast, and a touch fizzy, and it offers you a caffeine boost without being too hefty.
Imagine coffee and soda together, but with a nice citrus touch. People are pleasantly surprised by this drink.
You will enjoy how easy it is to make and how refreshing it tastes on a hot day (or any day you need a little pick-me-up).
Makes one big glass (approximately 12 ounces).
Time to get ready: 5 minutes
Time to cook: 0 minutes
Five minutes total time
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee that has cooled down
- ¾ cup of tonic water that has been chilled
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, based on taste)
- The peel of half an orange or lemon
- 1 cup of ice cubes
Tools
- Blender
- Microplane or citrus zester
- Strong coffee maker or espresso machine
- A tall glass
- Spoon
Make espresso ahead of time and chill it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
Pre-zest citrus and keep the zest in a tight jar for up to a day.
Instructions
- Make espresso and let it cool.
Make two shots of espresso and let them cool down to room temperature. - Zest the fruit
Put the zest of ½ an orange or lemon in a small bowl. - Put everything in the blender.
Put cooled espresso, tonic water, sugar (if using), orange zest, and ice in a blender. - Mix until it becomes slushy
Mix for 10 to 15 seconds, or until it gets slushy. Don’t go too far! - Serve right away
Fill a big glass with it. If you want, you can add more zest to the dish. Serve immediately away!
Suggested pairings
- Biscotti with almonds
- Muffin with lemon and poppy seeds
- Avocado toast with chili powder
- Scrambled eggs and bread that are soft
Nutritional Info
- Calories: 45
- No protein
- 0g of fat
- 11 grams of carbs
- 9 grams of sugar
- About 120mg of caffeine (from espresso)
Tips & Variations
- No espresso? You can use cold brew concentrate or coffee that has been brewed very strongly.
- Change tonic to sparkling water with a little bit of simple syrup.
- For a stronger citrus flavor, use lime zest.
- Add a little vanilla syrup to make it sweeter.
- Using hot espresso melts the ice and makes the fizz go away. Let it cool down!
- Don’t skip the citrus zest; it really makes the drink.
- Too much blending will make it liquid instead of frozen and slushy. Pulse just the right amount.
Flavor Insights
- Quinine with tonic water makes the espresso taste more flowery and vibrant.
- Citrus zest makes their flavors stronger and less bitter.
- When you mix it with ice, it becomes a smooth, slushy drink that is quite pleasant.
- Cold espresso keeps the drink from turning watery by not melting the ice too quickly.
- Fresh is best; tonic becomes flat soon.
- You can keep the mixed drink in a covered cup in the fridge for up to four hours if you need to, but it will lose some of its fizz.
Serving Suggestions
- Have a light breakfast with a yogurt bowl or protein bar in the morning.
- Enjoy as a midday pick-me-up after lunch.
- Serve it with avocado toast or a savory frittata at brunch.
Personal Notes
A few years ago, during a sweltering summer, this drink became a weekend habit for me. I first tried it in a little coffee shop and was hooked right away. The bubbles, the brightness, and the smooth hit of espresso were all things I didn’t expect and couldn’t get enough of.
It gives you energy and makes you feel good at the same time.
It just takes five minutes to create, but it tastes like a sophisticated café drink.
Great when you want something different from standard iced coffee.
The citrus zest gives it a delightful flavor variation.
FAQ
- Is it possible to do this without a blender?
Yes! Put all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake them up. Then, pour the drink into a glass. - Is it really bitter?
Not at all; the citrus and tonic make it taste great together. If you need to, add a little sugar. - Is it okay to use flavored tonic water?
For sure! Adding grapefruit or cucumber tonic makes it more fun. - Is there a lot of caffeine in it?
It’s about the same as a double shot of espresso (around 120 mg), so it packs a punch.
Conclusion
The Espresso Tonic Frappe is the most exciting and refreshing drink ever. It’s unique, simple, and once you give it a try, you’ll be hooked. I’d love to hear what you think after you make it. Please leave a comment, ask a question, or tell me how you changed it!
Are you ready to give it a shot? You’re going to adore it!