Category: Barista

Espresso Tonic

The espresso tonic is a refreshing bubbly drink starring the unlikely combination of tonic water and coffee! Here at A…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

The espresso tonic is a refreshing bubbly drink starring the unlikely combination of tonic water and coffee!

Espresso tonic

Here at A Couple Cooks we’re avid followers of drink trends, and this one recently caught our eye: the Espresso Tonic! This unlikely combination of tonic water and espresso comes from Scandinavia, and it’s the perfect summer drink for coffee lovers. The sweet and bitter notes of tonic water accentuate the rich, bitter coffee, and the effervescent bubbles and hint of citrus add bright, refreshing notes. This one is a big favorite around here and a must-try for any coffee lover!

What is an espresso tonic?

The Espresso Tonic is a drink that pairs tonic water and a double shot of espresso. It originated in 2007 in Oslo, then spread to Sweden and became popular in the mid-2010s in the US in barista competitions. The drink is simple and you’ll need only a few ingredients to whip it up at home. It tastes like a true marriage of the two liquids: rich, bitter coffee that’s diluted by the sweet and bubbly notes of tonic (versus the coffee soda, which tastes like bubbly coffee). Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Espresso (doubleshot)
  • Tonic water (½ cup or 4 ounces)
  • Lemon or orange wedge
Espresso tonic

Ways to make espresso

The most important part of an espresso tonic? A great espresso! There are several methods for homemade espresso: our favorite is using a high quality espresso machine. But there are a few other ways to make a high quality espresso shot. Here are the top methods:

  • Espresso machine: The best way to make espresso at home is with an espresso machine (here’s how).
  • Portable espresso maker: A portable espresso maker is a cheaper way to make great espresso at home.
  • Moka Pot (aka Bialetti): Moka Pot Coffee is very strong coffee, not technically espresso. But it works great for an espresso tonic if you have one!
  • French press: This French Press espresso is very good, and a nice tool for espresso if you have one.

What is tonic water?

Tonic water is a carbonated water that contains quinine and is lightly sweetened. Its flavor is bubbly, bitter, sweet and sour, making it an excellent mixer for drinks. Quinine was historically prescribed as a medicine to fight malaria, and mixing it with carbonated water and sugar helped to mask its bitter flavor. It first sold commercially in 1858.

Today the level of quinine is much lower than historical tonic water, and is safe to consume. It’s used in many classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic and Vodka Tonic.

Espresso tonic

How to make an espresso tonic

An espresso tonic is as simple as pouring together two ingredients, but there a few things to note:

  • Add the tonic water first, then pour the espresso on top. This avoids the foam that occurs if they’re added the other way around.
  • Run a lemon or orange slice around the rim of the glass. The citrus adds another dimension to the rich, bitter coffee.

And that’s it! The espresso tonic is primed to be the perfect drink for summer. It’s the ideal afternoon pick me up or non-alcoholic cocktail. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

More coffee drinks

Are you a coffee lover like we are? Our Barista Series shows you how to make every type of coffee drink. Here are a few favorites to try:

This espresso tonic recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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Espresso tonic

Espresso Tonic

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
Print Recipe

Description

The espresso tonic is a refreshing bubbly drink starring the unlikely combination of tonic water and coffee!

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces expresso (double shot), cooled slightly
  • 4 ounces (½ cup) tonic water
  • Lemon or orange wedge, for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the espresso, using your favorite method.
  2. Add ice to an 8-ounce glass. Add the tonic water and gently pour the espresso on the top.
  3. Run the lemon slice around the edge of the glass, then add it to the glass as a garnish.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Coffee Drink
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Espresso tonic

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Iced White Chocolate Mocha

This iced white chocolate mocha is a revelation! It’s the perfect pairing of white chocolate, bitter espresso and creamy milk.…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This iced white chocolate mocha is a revelation! It’s the perfect pairing of white chocolate, bitter espresso and creamy milk.

Iced white chocolate mocha

Here’s a coffee drink you absolutely must try making at home: the Iced White Chocolate Mocha! This homemade version is loads better than Starbucks, in our opinion. Something about the sweet earthy white chocolate combined with bitter espresso and creamy milk is a revelation. Take one sip and you’ll raise your eyebrows in appreciation (we did!). It’s even better than the classic iced mocha with chocolate…but we’ll let you be the judge. Here’s how to make this easy drink at home, using a covered jar and your favorite espresso method!

What’s in an iced white chocolate mocha?

The iced white chocolate mocha is a Starbucks coffee drink made with espresso, milk and white chocolate, served over ice. It’s a variation on the hot mocha or mocha latte, made with espresso, steamed milk and chocolate.

A Starbucks white chocolate mocha uses a white chocolate sauce to sweeten. But when you’re making it homemade, try real white chocolate mixed in with the espresso! It results in a beautifully rich, nuanced flavor that’s much better than Starbucks. You can top an iced white mocha with whipped cream or cold foam (we prefer cold foam). Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up an iced white mocha at home:

  • Espresso
  • Milk (use oat milk for vegan or dairy-free; it’s the best non-dairy milk for frothing)
  • Simple syrup
  • White chocolate chips
  • Cold foam or whipped cream
Iced white mocha

Espresso methods

The only part of making an iced white chocolate mocha that requires some technique? Making the espresso. The best option for flavor is an espresso machine, but they are expensive and not accessible to everyone. Luckily, there are lots of alternative methods for making espresso without a machine! Here are our top

  1. Espresso machine: The flavor of the espresso with a countertop espresso machine is top quality! Go to How to Make Espresso for instructions.
  2. Manual espresso maker: The next best option? A small manual espresso maker: it’s cheaper and portable.
  3. French press: French press espresso has great flavor using this cheap and accessible coffee maker.
  4. Moka Pot (Bialetti): Moka Pot coffee is like a mix between drip coffee and espresso, and works well here.

How to make an iced white chocolate mocha

All you need to make an iced white chocolate mocha at home, outside the espresso? A covered jar! You’ll shake up the hot espresso with white chocolate and the heat melts the chocolate. Here’s an outline of what to do (or jump to the recipe below):

  • Shake the hot espresso and white chocolate chips in a covered jar. This melts the chocolate into the coffee. Add milk and pour it into the ice-filled glass.
  • Make the cold foam or whipped cream. We prefer cold foam; see below!
Cold foam

How to make cold foam

Traditionally a Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha is topped with whipped cream, but you can also request it with cold foam. Cold foam is lighter and frothier, only lightly sweet and low in calories. We prefer it to whipped cream, which is rich and heavy. But you can use whatever you like! Here are a few notes on making cold foam at home:

  • Cold foam is frothed nonfat milk used for topping cold coffee drinks like iced coffee, cold brew, and more. This Starbucks invention simulates the frothy topping of the steamed milk in a latte, but at a cold temperature so it doesn’t melt when hitting the drink.
  • What do you need to make cold foam? Skim milk and a milk frother. You can also use a French press, but the milk frother works best. At $12, it’s absolutely worth the purchase in our book.
  • How to do it? Go to How to Make Cold Foam.

And that’s it! We hope you love this iced white chocolate mocha as much as we do: it’s a favorite iced coffee drink over here. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Iced white chocolate mocha

More iced coffee drinks

Love a great iced coffee drink? They’re great in any season, though they’re particularly refreshing in the summer. Here are some favorite iced coffee drinks we love:

This iced white chocolate mocha recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based and dairy-free, use oat milk and vegan whipped cream.

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Iced white chocolate mocha

Iced White Chocolate Mocha (Better than Starbucks!)

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
Print Recipe

Description

This iced white chocolate mocha is a revelation! It’s the perfect pairing of white chocolate, bitter espresso and creamy milk.

Ingredients

  • 2 shots espresso or strong coffee (2 ounces or ¼ cup)
  • 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips (or purchased white chocolate sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or oat milk for vegan)
  • 1 recipe cold foam or whipped cream (optional; use vegan whipped cream for vegan)
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Make the espresso:  Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Moka Pot. Go to How to Make Espresso for instructions.
  2. Shake: Place the hot espresso and white chocolate chips in a covered jar: vigorously shake until melted. Stir in the milk and pour into an ice filled glass.
  3. Top with cold foam: Make the Cold Foam and top the glass with cold foam.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Espresso
  • Cuisine: Coffee
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Iced white chocolate mocha, iced white mocha

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Step into the season with an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte! It’s easy to make at home and has a refreshingly…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Step into the season with an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte! It’s easy to make at home and has a refreshingly cozy flavor.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

If there’s one drink that’s perfect for ushering in the cool weather, it’s the Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte! This Starbucks special might be a little basic, but honestly: we’re here for it. Make it at home and it’s even better than at a coffeeshop: creamy and cozy-spiced, with a hint of vanilla and real pumpkin puree. It’s easy to whip up this pumpkin drink and when you take the first sip: you’ll want to make it on repeat.

What’s in an iced pumpkin spice latte?

The iced pumpkin spice latte is a chilled spin on the hot latte of the same name, first launched by Starbucks in 2003. An iced latte is made with espresso, milk, and ice. The pumpkin spin on it uses real pumpkin puree, pumpkin spices and maple syrup to make a cozy, autumnal spin on the classic. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this iced latte at home:

  • Espresso (or strong coffee)
  • Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • Maple syrup
  • Milk of any type
  • Pumpkin pie spice blend
  • Ice
Iced pumpkin spice lattee

How to make an iced pumpkin spice latte: basic steps

Here’s the outline of how to make an iced pumpkin spice latte at home:

  • Step 1: Make a double shot of espresso.
  • Step 2: Froth ¼ cup whole milk with ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spices by shaking it in a covered jar or whisking until frothy.
  • Step 3: Stir the espresso with 1 tablespoon each pumpkin puree and maple syrup.
  • Step 4: Add the milk and serve with ice.
Pumpkin pie spice

Use purchased or homemade pumpkin pie spices

Many pumpkin recipes use pumpkin pie spice blend, a mix of warming spices that are typically used in pumpkin pie. You can use a purchased blend, or if you can’t find it make it homemade. To make it homemade, mix together the following:

  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Espresso making methods (or use strong coffee

The hardest part of an iced pumpkin spice latte? Making the espresso! There are several methods for homemade espresso. You can also substitute very strong coffee. Make sure to use espresso roast coffee: it’s important to get the right dark, bitter flavor. Some brands we recommend: Illy, Starbucks or Intelligentsia. Then, use one of the following espresso methods:

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Use any type of milk

This iced pumpkin spice latte works with any type of milk you like! The best dairy milks are whole milk and 2%. For a non-dairy option, we like oat milk: it has just the right creamy texture and lightly sweet flavor. Almond milk also works, but it has a sharper, nutty flavor.

Step it up: add whipped cream!

If you like, you can top this iced pumpkin spice latte with whipped cream or dairy free whipped cream! But honestly: it doesn’t need it (especially if you’d like to keep the calories down). We usually drink it without, but of course we had to do it for the photo!

More iced lattes and coffee drinks

Love a good iced latte? There are so many tasty lattes and iced lattes to try: and we’ve got homemade versions of all your Starbucks favorites! Try these lattes:

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Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Step into the season with an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte! It’s easy to make at home and has a refreshingly cozy flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 shots espresso (2 ounces or ¼ cup strong coffee)
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup whole milk, 2% milk or oat milk
  • ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spices (purchased or homemade)
  • Ice
  • Whipped cream or dairy-free whipped cream, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the espresso: Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Moka Pot. (Or, substitute strong coffee.)
  2. Froth the milk: Place the milk and pumpkin spice blend in a covered jar and shake until foamy.
  3. Serve: Add the espresso, pumpkin puree and maple syrup to a glass and stir until combined. Top with the frothed milk. If desired, top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin spice.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Espresso
  • Cuisine: Coffee

Keywords: Iced pumpkin spice latte

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

How to Make Cold Foam

Here’s how to make cold foam: the Starbucks recipe for a frothy topping fit for iced coffee and cold brew!…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Here’s how to make cold foam: the Starbucks recipe for a frothy topping fit for iced coffee and cold brew!

How to make cold foam

What’s the deal with cold foam? It’s just that good. You’ve probably seen this trend at Starbucks lately, and let me tell you: we’re generally wary of any food trend. But this one absolutely holds up! Cold foam is the answer to a whipped topping for iced coffee drinks, and man is delicious. The creamy topping adds just the right frothy charm, without added calories. Even better: you can make it at home! Here’s how to make cold foam: a DIY Starbucks recipe so you can enjoy this treat at home.

What is cold foam?

Cold foam is frothed nonfat milk that makes a frothy topping for cold coffee drinks like iced coffee, cold brew, iced cappuccinos and nitro coffee. It simulates the frothy topping of the steamed milk in a latte or cappuccino, but at a cold temperature so it doesn’t melt when hitting the drink.

Cold foam sits atop a drink with a thick, frothy texture, and gradually settles in as you sip it. Because it’s made with nonfat milk, it adds only a handful of calories to the drink: but the lightly sweet crema topping has a major pay-off in texture! Over here we’re wary of most trends: but this one is absolutely delicious.

Starbucks Cold Foam

Best milk for cold foam

You might think that a full fat milk would make the creamiest, richest cold foam. Some homemade recipes even call for whole milk or heavy cream. But guess what? Skim milk makes the thickest, sturdiest cold foam. That’s because it has a larger percentage of protein when compared to whole milk or 2%.

In contrast, whole milk makes the best steamed milk for a latte! Why? The lipids keep the bubbles small, making the best microfoam texture for latte art. So if you see a cold foam recipe using heavy cream or whole milk: run the other way! Skim milk is your best bet.

Starbucks cold foam

Starbucks launched cold foam in 2014 with the opening of its Reserve Roastery in Seattle. It was first served atop the Americano Con Crema drink, which had a thick dollop of coffee-spiced foam. Today, Starbucks offers cold foam as a topping that you can add to many drinks for an extra 50 cents. Starbucks cold foam drinks include the following:

  • Cold brews
  • Nitro cold brews
  • Iced lattes
  • Iced mochas
  • Iced cappuccinos
  • Iced espresso
  • Iced London Fog tea latte, Iced matcha tea latte, or Iced chai tea latte
  • Violet drink, pink drink, or dragon drink
Frothing milk

How to make cold foam (DIY Starbucks recipe)

How to make cold foam at home? It’s very simple to make this treat to top all your homemade iced coffees and cold brews: and an incredibly impressive! Here’s what you’ll need to do (or jump to the recipe below):

  • Grab a milk frother. The absolute best way to make Starbucks cold foam at home is using a special tool: a handheld milk frother. At only $10.90, it’s the best tool for making thick, fluffy foam and absolutely worth the purchase. (Hey, that’s just 22 Starbucks orders of the stuff!).
  • Consider other tools. If you prefer not using a milk frother, a French press is your next best bet, if you have one. Head to How to Froth Milk for more. Keep in mind: we don’t recommend using a whisk for cold foam, because the bubbles get very large and the texture is too loose.
  • Froth for 15 to 20 seconds. Add skim milk and simple syrup to a tall cup and froth until very fluffy. It takes only about 15 seconds, and it’s amazing how quickly it whips up! (For the French press instructions, click here.)

Variation: add vanilla!

Want to step up your cold foam? You can add a hint of vanilla extract to add a delicious nuance to the flavor. At first we wondered whether this would turn the topping a light brown color. But after testing it, it doesn’t make a perceptible difference in whiteness versus the original. Add a very small dash and you’re in business!

Cold Foam recipe | What is cold foam

Drinks that use cold foam

You can use cold foam on any type of chilled tea or coffee drink! Try a dollop of thick, lightly sweet foam on a glass of:

This cold foam recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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How to make cold foam

How to Make Cold Foam (DIY Starbucks Recipe)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Here’s how to make cold foam: the Starbucks recipe for a frothy topping fit for iced coffee and cold brew!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add milk and simple syrup (and vanilla extract, if using) to a pitcher or narrow jar. Fully submerge the milk frother.
  2. Turn on the frother and froth until the milk starts to thicken, slowly pulling the wand towards the top of the milk. Froth about 15 to 20 seconds total, until the foam is thick and stabilized. Add to the top of cold brew, iced coffee, or an iced latte.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Frothed
  • Cuisine: Coffee

Keywords: How to make cold foam, cold foam

Hot drinks that use frothed milk

There are so many coffee and tea drinks that use frothed milk! Once you’ve mastered this method, you can play barista with these drinks:

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.