Blended espresso, tonic water, and citrus zest
☕ Hey there!
This Espresso Tonic Frappe is a total game changer. It’s cool, zippy, a little bubbly, and gives you that caffeine kick without being too heavy.
Think coffee meets soda—with a fancy citrus twist. It’s one of those drinks that surprises people in the best way.
You’ll love how easy it is to make and how refreshing it tastes on a hot day (or, honestly, any day you need a little pick-me-up).
What You’ll Need
- 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled)
- ¾ cup tonic water (chilled)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, depending on taste)
- Zest of half an orange or lemon
- 1 cup ice cubes
🔥 Why I Love This Recipe
This drink became a weekend ritual for me during a hot summer a few years ago. I first tried it at a small coffee shop and was immediately hooked. The bubbles, the brightness, the smooth hit of espresso—it was totally unexpected and completely addictive.
- It’s refreshing and energizing at the same time.
- Takes 5 minutes to make but feels like a fancy coffeehouse drink.
- Perfect when you’re bored of regular iced coffee.
- The citrus zest adds such a fun flavor twist.
🍹 Servings + Time
Makes: 1 large glass (about 12 oz)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
⚖️ Exact Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 11g
- Sugar: 9g
- Caffeine: ~120mg (from espresso)
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Tonic water’s quinine brings out floral and bright notes in the espresso.
- Citrus zest amplifies those flavors and cuts the bitterness.
- Blending with ice gives it a smooth, slushy texture that’s crazy refreshing.
- Cold espresso avoids melting the ice too fast, keeping the drink from getting watery.
🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas
- Pair with a morning yogurt bowl or protein bar for a light breakfast.
- Enjoy after lunch as a midday pick-me-up.
- Serve at brunch next to avocado toast or a savory frittata.
❗ Common Mistakes
- Using hot espresso – melts the ice and kills the fizz. Let it cool!
- Skipping the citrus zest – trust me, it makes the drink.
- Over-blending – you want icy and slushy, not watery. Pulse just enough.
🍽 What to Serve With
- Almond biscotti
- Lemon poppyseed muffin
- Avocado toast with chili flakes
- Soft scrambled eggs and toast
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Citrus zester or microplane
- Espresso machine or strong coffee maker
- Tall glass
- Spoon
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- No espresso? Use cold brew concentrate or extra strong brewed coffee.
- Swap tonic with sparkling water + a tiny splash of simple syrup.
- Try lime zest for a sharper citrus flavor.
- Make it sweeter with a splash of vanilla syrup.
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
- Brew and chill espresso ahead of time. Store in fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pre-zest citrus and store zest in a sealed container (use within 1 day).
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Brew and cool espresso
Make 2 shots of espresso and let them cool to room temperature.
2. Zest the citrus
Zest half an orange or lemon into a small bowl.
3. Add all ingredients to blender
In a blender, add: cooled espresso, tonic water, sugar (if using), orange zest, and ice.
4. Blend until slushy
Blend for 10-15 seconds, just until slushy. Don’t overdo it!
5. Serve immediately
Pour into a tall glass. Garnish with extra zest if you’d like. Serve right away!
🧊 Leftovers + Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh—tonic goes flat quickly.
- If needed, store blended drink in a sealed cup in the fridge for up to 4 hours, but expect some loss of fizz.
🥄 Conclusion
This Espresso Tonic Frappe is the definition of fun and refreshing. It’s different, it’s easy, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. I’d love to hear what you think when you make it—drop a comment, ask a question, or let me know how you tweaked it!
❓ FAQ
Can I make this without a blender?
Yes! Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into a glass.
Is it super bitter?
Not at all—the citrus and tonic balance it out beautifully. Use a little sugar if needed.
Can I use flavored tonic water?
Definitely! Grapefruit or cucumber tonic adds a fun twist.
Does it have a lot of caffeine?
About the same as a double shot of espresso (~120mg), so it’s got a good kick.
Ready to give it a try? You’re gonna love it!