Cold Brew Tonic Orange Zest (Printable)

Chilled cold brew and tonic brightened by orange zest for a sparkling summer drink.

# What you'll need:

→ Base

01 - 6.8 fl oz cold brew coffee, chilled
02 - 6.8 fl oz tonic water, chilled

→ Garnish

03 - Zest of 1 orange (reserve 1 wedge optional)
04 - Ice cubes, as needed

# How to make it:

01 - Fill two serving glasses with ice to chill while assembling ingredients.
02 - Divide the chilled cold brew coffee evenly between the two glasses (about 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml per glass).
03 - Gently top each glass with chilled tonic water (about 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml per glass) to preserve carbonation.
04 - Stir each glass once or twice with a spoon, using a gentle motion to integrate without flattening the tonic.
05 - Express the orange zest over each drink, drop the zest into the glass and add an optional orange wedge to the rim.
06 - Present the drinks cold and sparkling, consuming promptly for best effervescence.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • A splash of tonic transforms cold brew into something impossibly refreshing and unexpected.
  • The orange zest adds just enough brightness to make even the laziest afternoon feel special.
02 -
  • If you pour the tonic in too quickly, it can foam over—patience saves the presentation.
  • Tonic water straight from the fridge makes all the difference in keeping it cold and effervescent longer.
03 -
  • Pre-chill the glasses for a drink that stays frosty longer.
  • For a dramatic look, pour the tonic slowly over the back of a spoon to keep defined layers before stirring.
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