The Espresso Tonic Hot Take
Espresso tonic is the drink that convinces people we have our lives together. It is bright, sparkly, and just serious enough to feel intentional. Start with a light, citrus-forward espresso. Dark roasts can taste harsh with tonic, like two strong personalities arguing in public.
Build it like you mean it: ice first, tonic second, espresso last. Pull a short shot and pour it gently over the back of a spoon if you want the layers to look dramatic. If it mixes, it still tastes good. The coffee is not mad at you. It just loses a little theater.
Garnish with citrus. Grapefruit is my favorite because it leans into the bitterness in a clean way, but orange works too. I like one twist, not a fruit salad. This is a drink, not a scented candle. The goal is balance: sweet from the espresso, crisp from the tonic, bright from the peel.
And yes, it is a hot take: espresso tonic is not a gimmick when it is dialed. When it is wrong, it is punishment. When it is right, it is a five-minute vacation that fits in your hand. I will happily make you one and then pretend I am also on vacation.