Summer has gone by in a blink of an eye. It has been a busy summer but a relaxing one. It was also a time to try some nice refreshing summer drinks. I made a post many years ago about Tonic and coffee. It wasn’t my favorite drink but I had to try again. This time I now know this drink is called Espresso Tonic and there are so many variations of it. Now that I have a new espresso machine, it’s time to try this drink again. (and maybe some of the other versions)

Espresso Tonic

This drink is a bitter bubbly, slightly sweet drink. Refreshing and light. This is a perfect base for adding unique flavors.

• double shot of espresso
• ice
• Tonic water (~1 cup adjust to taste)

Fill a glass with ice, pour in about a cup of tonic water (adjust to your liking). Slowly pour in the espresso. Stir and enjoy.

Vanilla Black Pepper Espresso Tonic

This is a variation of a Espresso Tonic that I thought would be an easy version to try. The vanilla adds some natural sweetness and the pepper adds a nice punch. Inspiration https://www.tastycoffeetales.com/recipes/vanilla-bean-and-black-pepper-espresso-tonic I think I am starting to like adding Espresso Tonic to my coffee routine.

• double shot espresso
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup Tonic water
• ice
• black pepper

Fill a glass with ice, pour in about a cup of tonic water. Add vanilla and slowly pour in the espresso. Stir and enjoy.

Black Vinegar Drink (Cu Bing Tang)

This drink sounded interesting. Sweet, tangy and malty. It uses Chinese black vinegar. I saw it on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvqn7k-pMwQ and I had to try it. https://www.beryl.nyc/index.php/2025/08/20/cu-bing-tang/

• 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• ice
• 1/2 cup water

In a cup, add vinegar, sugar and water. Stir to dissolve and add ice. You can adjust the ratios to your liking. Enjoy

Rooh Afza Lemonade

If you like Rose Lassi then you will like this lemonade twist. It is refreshing and the Rooh Afza syrup adds a nice floral flavor. Typically this drink uses basil seeds but I could not find any so I replaced it with chia seeds. I have tried Rooh Afza with just water and I like the addition of the lemon. Most drinks add mint to it but I didn’t have any. Rooh Afza can also be added to milk and is another drink I need to try. Would you try this variation? Inspired by https://poonambachhav.blogspot.com/2021/03/rose-sabja-lemonade-recipe.html?spref=pi

• 1 tbsp basil seeds (or substitute with chia seeds) – soaked in water
• 4 tbsp Rooh Afza
• 4 tbsp lemon juice
• ice
• ~ 1 cup of water
• pinch of salt
• mint (optional)

In a cup soak some basil or chia seeds in some water for about 10 minutes. In another cup, mix together Rooh Afza and lemon juice. Add the basil/chia seeds to the cup. Add ice and about 1 cup of water. Adjust the water to your liking. Enjoy

Enjoyed these summer recipes? Try some of our other recipes. Recipe List