Name: Orange Espresso Tonic Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 double shot (2.7 oz) espresso; 1 cup ice; 1 tbsp fresh orange juice; 8 oz tonic water

If you’re searching for a vibrant pick-me-up that tastes like summer in a glass, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite afternoon refresher: Orange Espresso Tonic. This zesty, bubbly drink marries deep, aromatic espresso with tangy orange and crisp tonic water. It’s as irresistible to look at as it is to sip—think gorgeous layers, sunny citrus brightness, and a surprising harmony that’ll have you coming back for just one more glass.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unexpected Flavor Fusion: The combination of rich espresso, citrusy orange, and sparkling tonic is refreshingly unique—trust me, it’ll wake up your tastebuds!
Looks as Gorgeous as It Tastes: The beautiful layers make this Orange Espresso Tonic a show-stopper for brunches, garden parties, or whenever you want to impress.
Ready in Five Minutes: With just a handful of easy ingredients, you’ll be sipping cafe-level goodness faster than you can scroll through your social feed.
Naturally Customizable: Whether you prefer more citrus, a different tonic, or even decaf espresso, it’s simple to tweak until it’s perfect for you.

Orange Espresso Tonic Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Orange Espresso Tonic is intentionally short and sweet, but each item plays an important role in building that crisp, refreshing flavor and eye-catching look. With just a little fresh juice, sparkling tonic, and your favorite shot of espresso, you’ve got everything you need to make café-quality magic at home.

Double shot espresso: A robust espresso is the heart of this drink—bolder than regular coffee. Use your favorite beans for maximum flavor and a beautiful crema.
Ice: Ice not only chills your drink, but helps create those picture-perfect layers and keeps each sip extra refreshing.
Fresh orange juice: Just a tablespoon is all you need for a zing of brightness that lifts the bitter notes of espresso and adds sunshine to every sip.
Tonic water: The bubbles and botanical notes of tonic make this a grown-up, sophisticated soda—go for a high-quality tonic for the most delicious results.
Orange wedge (for garnish): An optional but highly recommended finishing touch! The zest boosts aroma and gives your glass serious curb appeal.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of making Orange Espresso Tonic at home is how easily you can adapt it to your cravings or pantry—the recipe is flexible and forgiving, so feel free to play and discover your own favorite spin.

Blood orange espresso tonic: Swap out regular orange juice for blood orange juice for a hint of berry sweetness and an even more dramatic color.
Herbal infusion: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or basil to the glass before pouring in the espresso for an extra aromatic twist.
Caffeine-free option: Use decaf espresso or even cold brew concentrate if you want to enjoy the sparkle and flavor without the buzz.
Sweetened version: Stir in a dash of simple syrup, honey, or agave if you prefer your drinks with a sweeter edge.

How to Make Orange Espresso Tonic

Step 1: Fill Your Glass with Ice and Orange

Start with a tall glass and fill it generously with ice—this keeps everything perfectly chilled and helps those layers shine. Squeeze a tablespoon of fresh orange juice right over the ice for a pop of tart-sweet citrus that brightens every sip from the very first taste.

Step 2: Add Tonic Water

Next, pour in the tonic water. Let it bubble and fizz around the ice and orange juice; the effervescence is such a delight to watch (and so fun to drink!). Aim for a gentle pour to help keep the layers and not lose too much carbonation.

Step 3: Pour the Espresso

Finally, prepare your fresh double shot of espresso. Carefully pour it over the tonic—if you go slowly, you’ll see a gorgeous ombré effect form, and the crema will float on top like the crowning glory. If you like, add a pretty orange wedge on the rim and admire your creation for a second before sipping.

Pro Tips for Making Orange Espresso Tonic

Crema Layer Magic: Brew your espresso fresh and pour it gently over the back of a spoon onto the tonic water for ultra-defined, Instagram-worthy layers.
Fresh Juice Makes a Difference: Squeeze your orange juice right before making the drink—the flavor and aroma are so much brighter than bottled!
Glassware Counts: Choose a clear, tall glass to show off those beautiful, sunset-like stripes and let every bubbly layer shine.
Play with Tonic Types: Experiment with classic tonic, Mediterranean, or even floral-infused versions to see how each one makes your Orange Espresso Tonic unique.

How to Serve Orange Espresso Tonic

Garnishes

An artful orange wedge is the classic companion for your Orange Espresso Tonic, but you can also add a twist of orange peel, a fresh sprig of mint, or even a few edible flowers for a playful touch. A fragrant zest or a candied orange slice elevates the look (and aroma!) beautifully.

Side Dishes

This effervescent drink pairs especially well with light, citrusy breakfast pastries, buttery scones, or almond biscotti—anything that lets the orange and coffee notes shine. For a brunch crowd, it’s a fabulous non-alcoholic alternative to a mimosa or refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really impress? Serve Orange Espresso Tonic in chilled coupe glasses for a retro-cocktail vibe, or opt for mason jars for a brunch picnic aesthetic. Smaller glasses work well for tasting flights—try different tonics or citrus to make a fun DIY bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While Orange Espresso Tonic is best enjoyed right after making to keep those bubbles and bright citrus flavors, you can prepare your espresso and squeeze orange juice in advance. Just keep everything chilled separately and assemble right before serving for maximum fizz and freshness.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe, as ice and carbonation are key to the perfect texture. However, you can freeze fresh orange juice or even coffee cubes ahead of time, then use them to amp up flavor and chill factor when making your Orange Espresso Tonic later!

Reheating

This is a cold drink meant to refresh, so there’s no reheating needed. If your tonic or espresso have sat a while and lost their spark, just make a fresh round—the result is absolutely worth the tiny effort.

FAQs

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso in an Orange Espresso Tonic?

Absolutely! Cold brew makes a fantastic swap if you prefer a less intense coffee flavor or don’t have an espresso machine handy. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit smoother and lighter, and you may lose some of that signature crema layer.
What kind of tonic water is best for Orange Espresso Tonic?

A high-quality classic tonic is perfect, but you can also use Mediterranean or botanical-style tonics for extra flavor complexity. Avoid overly sweet or syrupy tonics so the coffee and citrus can really shine through.
Is Orange Espresso Tonic very sweet?

No, it’s actually quite balanced and more on the refreshing, bitter-citrus side! If you prefer your drinks a little sweeter, just add a touch of simple syrup, honey, or your favorite liquid sweetener to taste.
Can I make this for a crowd?

You can! Instead of assembling each glass individually, prep your espresso and orange juice, and chill your tonic and glasses ahead of time. Let guests build their own Orange Espresso Tonic for a fun, interactive brunch or party bar experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried an Orange Espresso Tonic, now’s the moment to give it a whirl! It’s vibrant, surprising, and so easy to fall in love with. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own—so grab your orange, pull a shot of espresso, and treat yourself to a glass of sunshine. Cheers!