The familiar, comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a ritual for many, whether it’s the rich froth of a latte or the robust simplicity of a percolator brew. But there’s a new contender in the coffee game, one that’s challenging the traditional latte and cold brew: the espresso tonic.
This invigorating drink, a harmonious blend of espresso and tonic water, is more than just a summery twist on coffee. It’s a refreshingly bubbly alternative that’s quickly gaining momentum. While the espresso tonic is believed to have originated in Norway back in 2007, it’s only recently begun to make its mark on American coffee culture.
The allure of the espresso tonic lies in its ability to satisfy both caffeine cravings and a thirst for something unique. Laura Reilly, founder of the newsletter Magasin, describes the espresso tonic as a “sparkly coffee drink” that perfectly caters to a desire for something beyond the usual.
As the trend gains traction, the espresso tonic is positioned to become a significant player in the evolving landscape of coffee consumption. Young adults are embracing healthier choices, turning away from traditional sugary drinks and towards mocktails and adaptogenic beverages. Simultaneously, cold coffee drinks are dominating the market, with Starbucks reporting that over 75% of its sales come from iced beverages. The espresso tonic, with its refreshing qualities and low-sugar profile, fits perfectly into this emerging trend.
Zach Coffey, recognizing the potential of the espresso tonic, launched Spritzi, a canned cold brew tonic that brings the refreshing drink to a wider audience. Coffey, who spent years in the coffee industry, saw the espresso tonic as a way to offer a new, refreshing alternative to the typical coffee indulgence. He and his co-founder, Bianca Smith, have been delighted by the reaction to Spritzi, watching customers discover the unique flavor profile and appreciate the surprising complexity of this bubbly coffee concoction.
The espresso tonic’s appeal extends beyond its refreshing nature. The unique combination of bitterness from the espresso and the effervescence of the tonic water creates a balanced and invigorating taste profile that resonates with a variety of palates. Content creator William Conrad, who has introduced his hundreds of thousands of followers to the espresso tonic, describes it as a perfect balance of a coffee kick and the refreshing fizz of a soda.
The beauty of the espresso tonic is its simplicity. Anyone can recreate this delicious drink at home with just a few ingredients. Pour a glass of tonic water over ice, add a shot of espresso, and garnish with a squeeze of lemon or a twist of orange peel. The result is a refreshing and invigorating beverage that is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
As the espresso tonic continues to gain popularity, it’s clear that this unique and refreshing beverage is more than just a fleeting trend. It’s a taste of the future of coffee, a flavorful and invigorating way to experience the beloved beverage, and a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the coffee industry.
