Seltzer coffee, tonic espresso, carbonated cold brew, iced coffee soda…. Does it sound familiar? You've probably heard it lately and it's essentially a mix of some kind of coffee and some kind of sparkling drink. It sounds weird but it is delicious.
If you've ever been to a quality coffee shop and had a sip of espresso followed by sparkling water, as is customary in Italy, you know where the inspiration for this new trend comes from. Roasters and baristas love to experiment, and many have created their own unique versions of this drink.
“We created a recipe that's a little vanilla syrup with sparkling water and ice and then we poured a double shot of our espresso on top,” explains T. Martin Higgins, co-owner and head roaster at 2 Queens Coffee in Narrowsburg, New York. "The people went crazy. They love. We also have a number of customers who really love it without the vanilla syrup, which gives it the sweetness that they really enjoy. "
And it's not just the vanilla that makes a lovely accent for espresso. "We have an espresso honey tonic on our menu and a very committed staff who love to experiment, and we obviously allow it because a lot of good things come out of it," says Deena Marlette, general manager of Branch Line in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Like many of our most innovative creations, coffee seltzers offer an opportunity for real experimentation.
"We were toying with the idea of a coffee seltzer, but it was all very bitter," explains Marlette. We knew we wanted to sweeten it a bit, but sugar didn't really seem like our thing. We even tried a little mocha powder and things like that. And we really loved the idea of honey in there and it just worked. It turned into this really nice and fresh coffee drink that I really liked. '
Both experts we spoke to had different techniques for mixing their drinks. “We start with honey, then we pour the espresso, then we top it with tonic water, without ice,” explains Marlette.
"I personally make it seltzer first, then some ice, then espresso on top," Higgins says. “The alternative way is to make ice first, then the seltzer and then the espresso. But the important thing is to put the espresso last. "
Our recommendation is to make a drink of espresso and let it cool. Then take an 8-ounce glass, add ice, pour in lemon or lime seltzer and top it with the espresso shot.
Whatever your method, it's a fun drink to try at home during the warmer months, and even into the fall. The most important thing is to use high-quality ingredients that you like!
Espresso machines
You can easily make espresso at home with an espresso machine, and there are models on the market at all prices.
De'Longhi Original Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine ($ 149; amazon.com)
This simple Nespresso machine gets the job done quickly and there's basically no way to go wrong. Fill with water, drop a capsule and press the start button. Please note that this machine uses capsules.
Espressione Concierge Automatic Bean to Cup Espresso ($ 480.99; amazon.com)
From grinding beans to squeezing to the last drop, this machine does it all. It's super easy to use, fast, and makes a great cup of espresso.
Cuisinart Programmable Espresso Maker ($ 297.99; amazon.com)
This machine is programmable and easy to use. Make sure to buy finely ground espresso coffee.
Cold brew manufacturers
If you prefer to make your coffee seltzer with a cold brew to start, which is equally delicious, try a coffee maker like these, which are essentially a French press that brews the coffee in your fridge.
Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker ($ 17.50, originally $ 21.50; amazon.com)
Our winner for the best cold brew coffee maker of 2020 is slim and elegant.
Takeya 1-Quart Beverage Maker ($ 21.95; amazon.com)
Simply fill the fine mesh filter with your favorite coffee grounds, put it in the fridge and wait an hour or so.
Kitchenaid Cold Brew Maker ($ 129; amazon.com)
Make a lot of cold brew with this coffee maker that critics say is "easy to use," "easy to clean," and "doesn't take up much fridge space."
Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker ($ 19.99; amazon.com)
Another simple cold brew coffee maker.
Grinders
When selecting your coffee for your espresso tonic, you may want to start with beans and grind them yourself.
Bodum Bistro Grinder ($ 9.99; amazon.com)
Our pick for the best inexpensive coffee grinder of 2020 is basic, but has everything you really need in a coffee grinder. He also gets points for being so cute.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro ($ 199.95; amazon.com)
Grinds perfectly and with various size options.
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Coffee Bean Grinder ($ 99; amazon.com)
If you like to grind coffee, consider this commercial-grade grinder that operates with lower noise and lower heat than other models to help maximize both flavor and aroma.
Make your own sparkling water
There are tons of options for buying sparkling water, but if you want to make your own at home and save a lot of money, try this. You can also, of course, always buy some of your favorite bottles or cans.
DrinkMate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker ($ 144.95; amazon.com)
This highly rated raising agent allows you to carbonate any beverage, or simply make healthy sparkling water.
SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker ($ 86; amazon.com)
Loved by all seltzer lovers, this iconic soda maker is so simple.
S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, 24-Pack (starting at $ 14.99; amazon.com)
Like a European vacation in a bottle, you can't get much more classic than S.Pellegrino.
Glassware and more
The next big question is, how do you serve your coffee or tonic seltzer? Like everything else, it is totally up to you.
Marlette says they keep it simple on Branch Line. "It's a small, 5-ounce glass that almost looks like a shot glass, but it's a little bit wider," she says. "Almost like how would you serve a little macchiato or something like that."
Of course, if you want to add ice like 2 Queens, you are going to need a larger glass. Fortunately, there are great options.
Mason Cupvanna Jar Cups, 4-Pack ($ 20.99, originally $ 22.99; amazon.com)
These summery Mason jar-style glasses are perfect for your espresso seltzer, cold beer, and more. Each jar comes with its own lid and straw.
Zwilling JA Henckels, Double Wall Coffee Tumblers, 2-Pack ($ 20.97; amazon.com)
Double-wall insulation keeps these easy mugs cool or warm, without being too hot or cold to the touch.
Culver Officially Licensed Fiesta Stripes 14-Ounce Tapered Glass, 4-Pack ($ 39.99; amazon.com)
This set of glasses is sturdy and elegant and works great with a coffee seltzer or a cocktail.
2-Inch Cube Tovolo King Craft Ice Mold Freezer Tray ($ 16; amazon.com)
Get a super cool look with these giant ice cube trays.
Hiware 12 Pack Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws / Straws (Starting at $ 6.99, originally starting at $ 12; amazon.com)
Savor your sips with these eco-friendly reusable straws that come with a case and cleaners.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.
