How to Make an Espresso Spritz

Espresso Spritz is a summer alternative to the popular espresso martini. This refreshing mixture of espresso and tonic will kickstart your day, and prepare your mind for the challenges ahead.

Using Nespresso

For our Espresso Spritz, we use Nespresso pods for our shot of good energy. Their premium selections range to fit any type of coffee drinker. You can choose from light, velvety blends to strong, dark varieties. Plus, you can recycle each espresso capsule after using the easy brewing feature with the touch of a button.

Espresso Spritz [With Tonic and Orange Juice] Recipe

Espresso Spritz Ingredients

• 4 ounces tonic water

• 1 shot of espresso

• 3/4 ounce Amaro Montenegro

• Splash of fresh orange juice

• Garnish with fresh Basil and a brûléed orange slice

Coffee Spritz Preparation Instructions

1. Pour 4 ounces of tonic water into a glass filled with ice

2. Add 1 shot of espresso and a squeeze of fresh orange juice

3. Garnish with basil and a brûléed orange slice

A cup of this soothing beverage contains less than 70 calories, with lots of vitamin C from the orange juice.

Note that you can add a bit of simple syrup if you want your coffee spritz to be sweeter.

Also, keep in mind that this recipe has a lot of variations. The only two ingredients that are required are tonic water and espresso.

From thereon, there are a lot of spritzes that use bourbon, vodka or other liquors, flavored ice, lemon juice, etc.

Espresso Spritz: Origins

The spritz was created in the late 1800s, in the Veneto region of Italy (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire).

The word spritz means ‘splash’ in German, and comes from the way Austrian soldiers prepared the Italian wine they were drinking. They added a splash (or spritz) of still water into the wine to make the drink lighter.

Over time, the drink evolved from using still water to sparkling water, and eventually liqueurs like Aperol.

The espresso spritz, or the combination of espresso and tonic water, originated in Oslo. It was allegedly created by a barista at Koppi Roasters in 2007.

The drink grew in popularity in the Scandinavian region, and eventually found its way into the rest of Europe, even in the World Barista Championship.

Wrap Up

We hope you enjoyed our espresso spritz recipe. Make sure to try it out in the hot summer months for maximum delight.

For a perfect presentation of the espresso spritz, we recommend using an elegant Harcourt Proost Beer Glass from Baccarat, designed by Marcel Wanders.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce

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