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Iced and Refreshing Coffee

 

# Grapefruit Espresso Tonic

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

 

Category: [Iced and Refreshing Coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/)Tags: Espresso Tonic Grapefruit Sparkling Coffee No Milk

 

Active time: approximately 5 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## Quick answer

Grapefruit juice adds **acidity** and **bitterness** to tonic, while espresso brings a roasted or fruity coffee note. **The balance** depends on the juice and tonic you use. Taste each on its own first; if either is strongly bitter, the combined drink may need a gentler coffee profile.

## Key takeaways

- Grapefruit juice adds acidity and bitterness to tonic, while espresso brings a roasted or fruity coffee note.

- Combine the juice and tonic over ice, then slowly add cooled espresso as the method describes.

- Chilled ingredients and a cold glass slow melting and help the tonic stay lively.

 

![Ground coffee in a portafilter beside coffee beans.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/ground-coffee-in-portafilter.avif)

Ground coffee in a portafilter beside coffee beans.

## Ingredients

 

- 40 ml cooled **espresso**
 
- 120 ml tonic **water**
 
- 30 ml grapefruit juice
 
- 120 g ice.

 

## Method

- Combine juice and tonic over **ice**.

- Slowly add **the espresso** and **stir** once gently.

 

### Pour without losing carbonation

 

Combine the juice and tonic over **ice**, then slowly add cooled espresso as the method describes. Stir once gently so the flavors meet without driving off all **the bubbles**. Fresh juice can vary in **acidity**, so use the listed amount first and adjust only in another **serving**.

 

## Serve the drink cold

 

Chilled ingredients and a cold glass slow melting and help the tonic stay lively. Serve soon after assembly. If the drink is too tart, try a sweeter tonic or less grapefruit juice next time rather than adding **sugar** without measuring. For the simpler base, see [classic **espresso** tonic](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/classic-espresso-tonic/).

## Choose grapefruit juice by taste

 

Grapefruit juice varies in **sweetness** and **bitterness**. Taste it before combining it with tonic and espresso. The listed amount gives the drink a clear citrus presence; if it overwhelms the coffee, reduce the juice in another **serving** rather than changing **the espresso** and tonic together.

 

### Keep the tonic lively

 

Pour slowly and **stir** only once so the carbonation remains noticeable. Use cold ingredients and serve promptly. If the finished drink tastes too **bitter**, try a different tonic or espresso on the next attempt; grapefruit, tonic, and coffee each contribute their own **bitter** notes.

## Keep the drink’s layers distinct

 

**Pouring** the espresso slowly over the juice and tonic gives the glass a layered look. Stirring mixes the flavors but releases some carbonation. Either serving style works; choose based on **the texture** you prefer. Use a chilled glass and serve promptly so **the ice** does not dilute the grapefruit and tonic.

## A tip for serving

**Taste** the grapefruit with the tonic before adding coffee. Both can taste **bitter**; use less juice next time if the combination feels too sharp.

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [tonic **water**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonic_water), see Wikipedia.

[Back to Iced and Refreshing Coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/) 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

## Related recipes

- [Classic Espresso Tonic](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/classic-espresso-tonic/)

- [Greek Freddo Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/greek-freddo-espresso/)

- [Classic Iced Latte](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/classic-iced-latte/)