Espresso Tonic - From Scratch

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[@jameshoffmann]

A few people have raised some very valid concerns about the risks for yourself and others with homemade tonic syrup. I've added some links to the recipe page, and would strongly recommend people do some research on the cinchona bark they're using as well as be very careful about their preparations. I generally trust Dave Arnold's recipe and research, which was what this was based on, but I'll be going back through this recipe to triple check its overall safety.

[@pendchode]

I watched this video. I got tired just watching the detail of preparing the tonic? So I ....uh.... used 7-up. Its not bad at all actually LOL.

[@Camdavis11]

@@pendchode oh dear

[@matthewfroese3889]

I’ve done espresso tonic with fairly standard tonics, and played around wit adding a citrus syrup to it, but ended up getting a delicious flavour profile with San Pellegrino. Much less involved. But. I’m definitively intrigued enough to try tonic from scratch at some point!

[@thevilifyingforce]

I use soda water (just carbonated water), a simple syrup of water and sugar, and lemon juice.

[@AndrewRasmussenRides]

@Apple Pear AFAIR it reduces perception of bitterness. James has a really good video on the subject.

[@chriswatts9227]

James literally making his own tonic water from scratch but worries that saying "a suggestion of vanilla" is pretentious 😂

[@deadfr0g]

Tasting notes: - an ephemeral whisper _de la vanille_

[@jameshoffmann]

I have no rebuttal to this excellent point.

[@androo4519]

If James starts worrying about sounding pretentious he'll probably just have to do away with himself, perhaps with an overdose of cinchona bark and some pretty aromatics.

[@toinebles]

Obviously the suggestion of vanilla should have triggered adding some actual vanilla to the test. Just to be more pretentious..

[@RoraighPrice]

the effervescence of the crema is giving off notes of Eastern madagascarian Vanilla in the nose of the aroma that reminds me of that one summer years ago.

[@arareg]

The world is crumbling before my eyes and yet here I am, listening to a man talk about home-made tonic for 14 minutes. Life is amazing.

[@miteamihai1132]

wassup ?

[@gtking6]

LMAOOOO same.

[@LogicalQ]

This mans voice: goosefraba.

[@GuilhermeSSSilva]

I felt this comment

[@aloevera7422]

Propose solutions instead. Pessimism is for suckers

[@ClemensAlive]

Me: "interesting idea..I have some Schweppes left ov...." James: "DO NOT USE SCHWEPPES TONIC WATER - THIS IS A NATIONAL SECURITY WARNING!!!"

[@Max-ec3xi]

Ha, wo man Clemens so überall trifft :D

[@Lashrath]

If he doesnt like Schweppes... don't let him anywhere near a bottle of Kinley's lul

[@JayveeFlorendo_]

I literally had the same dilemma

[@pukbobo1423]

Unpretentious opinion, but regular Schweppes tonic is a decent tonic. They also make some "premium" tonics that are more interesting and they even have a sugarfree tonic, though it's not available where I live.

[@jmiquelmb]

@@pukbobo1423 Agree. Regular Schweppes is a fairly good tonic, specially for the price. Many premium tonics are too shy on the bitterness, it's almost they try to cater to people who don't like tonic. Other large brands like Nordic Myst are just bad.

[@Frantixj]

I asked my wife to add a suggestion of lemon to my tea just now, the look on her face was priceless, thank you for that.

[@dimitrijemiletic957]

x) this cracked me!

[@fluffica]

I wish I could make this request without laughing.

[@markhathaway8431]

Cause for divorce, or manslaghter?

[@lilledrum]

Actually made me laugh out loud

[@mooboo6603]

When a drug dealer of the very highest quality knows his calling but has to stay legal

[@lilbatz]

Nailed it!🤣☕

[@peter-subramanian]

I think you mean manufacturer

[@natski4288]

You're god-damned right

[@why6212]

At this point I don't even care what the videos are about. I just want to listen to James talking. He even does the best Squarespace ads.

[@mikeyman49601]

One year ago on a rainy afternoon I finished a video and was left confused on how I managed to be entertained by a 20 minute video on coffee... one year later and I continue to enjoy James’ videos in a way I never imagined and boy that also translates to my coffee drinking. I never knew I could enjoy the complexities of Coffee but I love it more than ever. Thank you James!

[@jairo.cabello]

I always order a espresso, and a tonic, and do the mix myself. The face of the waiter seen my mixing it it's always worth it!

[@Am-Not-Jarvis]

I once had the opposite happen, I was at a cafe cart and grabbed a Coke because I was thirsty but also ordered an espresso because I needed an energy boost, and the barista said "Damn, you're gonna mix that??"

[@joshboitnott]

Jarvis Grazio I’ve heard that called a drop kick Murphy. Never been brave enough to do it.

[@octpod3923]

@@Am-Not-Jarvis then he made $100,000 from a go fund me.

[@notthisbutthat]

Jarvis Grazio Try it with Dr. Pepper or a Root Beer, it’s delicious.

[@simmilica]

I tried a canned mix of espresso and Coca Cola that I found in a supermarket in Rome. It was exceptionally vile. I’ve since seen the concoction referred to as "Ameri-cola" and "Fat-Americano".

[@canakn8685]

James: "I'm not going to try to enter the tonic business anytime soon. It's a bit crowded these days." Also James: In the *specialty coffee* business.

[@benjamincottle8500]

Can Akın fair point..... but he’s smashing it!!

[@jameshoffmann]

I got into that game a long time ago though!

[@libertyts]

@@jameshoffmann Before it was cool huh? :P

[@jeremychristian5409]

The man won his WBC title when people still watched youtube on 480p bruh.

[@libertyts]

@@jeremychristian5409 I know mate, all good. Was a joke relating to his hipster references.

[@masonwilde1464]

I had a variation on the espresso tonic a couple years ago at Phil and Sebastian coffee roasters up in Calgary. They added cherry juice to the espresso and Fever Tree tonic water, and to this day it's one of the best espresso cocktails I've ever had.

[@novembermember]

Wake up, still dark out, house is quiet, make myself a cup of coffee and watch your lovely video: perfect start to the day. Delightful.

[@RoraighPrice]

me - my tonic costs 30p a Ltr James - I'll take nothing less than my own handcrafted Tonic

[@Geigenbert]

James Hoffmann talking about Dave Arnold - this makes me happy

[@henry3435]

James gave probably the best description of Dave Arnold I've heard

[@MacChew008]

Not as Happy as to receive a Coffee maker from James.

[@RyanReynolds1]

James: “It’s a bit crowded these days” Subscribers: We know James would dominate the market

[@kristianskoczek2269]

I've only ever wanted tonic twice in my life that I can remember: Aged 7 finding a can of Schweppes in the cupboard when we ran out of lemonade, quickly followed by me spitting it into the sink. And immediately after watching this video. I'll be keeping an eye out for any local cafes offering espresso tonic in the future.

[@oliverwhimstermartinsen7214]

James’ idea of an “easy cocktail” differs vastly from mine. Making us all look lazy out here 😍

[@jameshoffmann]

Well, I mean - once you've got your ingredients the assembly is pretty easy!

[@oliverwhimstermartinsen7214]

James Hoffmann Especially if you have a machine that can make real espresso and a home carbonation device ;) No but in all seriousness I do agree that for what you get this is very doable and you could easily find workaround for missing equipment. Really I just wanted to acknowledge the work you put into this. I love the content you put out and the new style with more b-roll makes it even more enjoyable to me. So just a happy Patreon supporter saying: Keep it up!

[@doc8125]

@@oliverwhimstermartinsen7214 I mean, you could just use pre bottles tonic water or mix the syrup with pre carbonated water from the store. And for the coffee coffee concentrate or cold brew is always also and option. Might not be the exact same result and not as good but will still probably be fairly nice

[@nicknick6788]

@@doc8125 or you could mix Nescafe with Schweppes 🤔

[@doc8125]

@@nicknick6788 yeah, if you have a pod machine you could also do that yes

[@BigRoo14]

I’m so glad other people actually like this. I’ve loved tonic espresso, but every time I bring it up people instantly say disgusting and never try it!

[@Call-me-Al]

I've managed to never hear of it before. My first thought was indeed that it sounds weird, but my second was that I must try it.

[@gregsullivan7408]

James is like a nuclear physicist whose career went slightly off course. 🤣

[@davidf2244]

Whose*

[@henlolneh]

this has been on Verve coffee roasters menu for a long, long time now. their ratio is a full bottle of fever tree tonic (200ml) , 150g ice , and a ~20g shot of espresso. all you do is make sure you layer the espresso atop of the ice and tonic water. the selling point of this drink (imo), is the evolution of the flavor profile as the drink sits. viscosity of the tonic and espresso differ. so the drink does not homogenize organically. i always tell folks to be cognizant as you sip on your espresso tonic. it'll evolve as the ratios start to change and as the ice starts to melt. the flavor profile will definitely not be for everyone (bitters on bitters, if you're into gin and tonics, this is the coffee version for you) so take it with a grain of salt folks! even amongst coffee professionals, you either LOVE espresso tonic or you hate it.

[@TakiMoore]

And it drops through like a lava lamp when you pour it over the ice. My local place takes a thin slice of orange peel, rubs it around the lip of the glass, squeezes it and drops it on top of the tonic before pouring the espresso. It’s summer magic

[@frogstock2597]

Absolute Hipster twats

[@Hilly092]

We need "a suggestion of Vanilla" shirt please. Then in small print "god that's a pretentious sentence isn't it" Haha

[@adamwilson2345]

I would actually buy this one

[@johnbuckleydesigns]

@@adamwilson2345 Me too

[@yvetterobertson2770]

In the very early 90's I worked in a small coffee trailer on the weekends. Afternoons were slow and I experimented quite a bit with coffee, carbonated water and syrups. Even with limited (cheap) options the end result was quite refreshing. Not a lot of enthusiasm from others though.

[@navyencinias7831]

Can't imagine a compliment better than "complex and fun"

[@markhathaway8431]

With just a hint of vanilla. God, that's pretentious.

[@SwatBeatsOfficial]

Fever Tree is awesome but in a recent blind tasting I was in about 17 out of 20 people preferred the new formulation from Q. The bottle doesn't look as fancy but their new mixers are what I would prefer to use and serve to my guests.

[@colinmattson589]

I’m intrigued, but can’t find anything on the Q site about a new formula. Do you know if it’s hit (US) shelves yet?

[@jameshoffmann]

Nice tip - I will check it out!

[@ewiken5529]

If you’re in the Wisconsin, USA area or order online, Top Note from Milwaukee is a solid artisan tonic.

[@JohnsDrams]

"Journalists who don't do good journalism" *fetches popcorn*

[@dimman77]

That's an awful lot of extra words to just say 'journalist'.

[@magikmoonmark]

dimman77 he’s being precise, James is all about precise

[@dimman77]

@@magikmoonmark Good point. Lol

[@xr6lad]

Pretty much like this guy - smug and pretentious because ultimately his aim is to convince you to buy a product and thus make money.

[@ianlittle1653]

@@xr6lad What is he trying to get you to buy by teaching you to make something yourself. lol

[@deluxgaming6742]

Welcome back James! I hope the break was enough! I just wanted to say that I am very thankful for your videos and that I think you really have one of the best coffee channels out there.

[@siwy1382]

Editor: James, how many slow mo shots do you want? James: yes

[@eigenlaut]

there was a healthy bit of Peter McKinnon‘s Style in this

[@kylehamlin610]

The shop I work at in the U.S. keeps tonic on tap at all times, carbonated in a keg, and we top it with espresso and angostura bitters after it's ordered. In addition to Cinchona and citrus, our syrup base has a little bit of juniper, gentian root, cardamom, and allspice added to it. Of course, we have been taking tips from Dave Arnold's resources and this channel along the way! This video is incredibly helpful.

[@Lady-Lilith]

First impression: this video is DEFINITELY not sponsored by Schweppes. And I felt a tinge of pride when James mentioned my favorite tonic as the preferred tonic for this drink.

[@richardvenable2877]

I do find it all a bit over the top. I am a Barman and a mixup but I do have a rum and espresso mix. I use orange bitters and the syrup. It also works quite well with builders,bitters,rum and cognac. It is good enough to send one toward "Recovery".-r-

[@Kazdy]

I just tried this (using fever tree, I figured making my own tonic was just a little beyond me), and it's amazing! Absolutely gobsmacked. Once again, thank you, the amazing James Hoffman.

[@Kiwi_DeFruit]

James ”I think I might go oranges and lemons " Me: (flashback to Pfanner Cold Brew & Orange/Lemon Review) OH NO Watching you making your own fantastic drink in such creative way is so great!

[@johnmalin4933]

Hahaha, I had the same thought.

[@lalakitty_xo]

I mixed a rose syrup with my espresso shot, it was soooo good and cut through the bitterness. Don't be afraid to experiment, people. 🖤

[@indubitablyzara]

Ooooh I've been making cold brew tonics (I don't have an espresso machine) with orange bitters, and I also have some rose syrup... 🤔

[@KevinKos]

Awesome video, which is not a surprise when James is using a recipe from Dale DeGroff. I made a tonic syrup for my G&T episode, adding grated grapefruit, lemon, and lime peels. Proud to say it turned out wonderful.

[@aldantefax]

Used to be a place near my office pre-lockdown that made a fantastic one with some honey-cured lemon wedges to go with it. Thanks for this!

[@geetarguy777]

down the “honey cured lemon wedges” KZbin rabbit hole I go

[@Sliderx1]

This video just smacks you with the bruh moment of the future of coffee as it slowly gets married to mixology. Interesting times ahead.

[@cillian_scott]

Bruh moments lie before us

[@hifihiker]

Espresso tonic has to be an all-time favorite of mine. I regularly have people try it with maybe 1 in 10 having something positive to say. It’s weird! And that’s why I love it… so unique and extremely easy in its simplest form. I really love the crema “head” that develops like a nitro stout. Great stuff!

[@satosiwu148]

omg seeing u experimenting with drink is just so enjoyable and fascinating!!! your thoughts are smart and insightful, comments are to the point, and presentation is fancy but clean!!! please make more experiments-around-recipes vids!!

[@Reynevan100]

I just realized. By combining coffee, tonic and carbonation, you created one of the very few good coffee sodas on existence! And most likely gave some company an idea to realize this in mass market fashion. Terribly.

[@teabagfc]

"I've got a load of CO2 here" Best chat-up line ever.

[@UltaPowderfinger]

I use Fever Tree a lot. I also do mine with the espresso like liquid from my Aeropress. Cold Brew concentrate is also an easy and fast way to make a tonic. No matter how I make it, it is always better with just a splash of gin. I can't always do that but enjoy it when I can. I will have to try home carbonation as there are botanicals that I'd like to try that are not offered commercially. I am always amazed at the foam that is created when I add the tonic to the coffee. Such a refreshing drink. Thank you, James for delving into this. Peace!

[@JoeFrogz]

James: I've had quite a lot of coffee so far.... Also James: Speed of speech rapidly increasing throughout video.

[@george_taylor]

Nice "crema" on the top too. It looks so good. We're all drooling watching you necking that final carbonated mix down.

[@jononthejourney]

The final drink with no ice, increased carbonation and foam just looks delicious. I’d definitely order that at a cafe.

[@jameshoffmann]

It was really good

[@casperlohman]

I ordered an espresso tonic from a Street vendor in Stettin, Poland, last summer. She pulled out a bottle of bitter lemon. I was about to complain, but realised...why not. It turns out it’s an amazing mix. There’s something about the citrus in the soda complementing the citrus notes in a light roasted coffee. Absolutely delicious.

[@GregoryRobertsLx]

The title of this made me go "Ewww, gross". Watching you make them makes me want to try it. Thanks, James.

[@jameshoffmann]

I was really hesitant to try this the first time for much the same reason. I was very pleasantly surprised.

[@manveruppd]

@@jameshoffmann So this could've just as easily ended up in the weird coffee drinks series? Truly, there are times when the fate of the universe rests upon the edge of a coin...

[@commcrab3871]

Honestly super refreshing. I've done it with Schweppes as other tonic waters are often harder to find. Wonderful to enjoy it on a hot day.

[@mommachupacabra]

@@jameshoffmann Here's an odd thing I learned on my own - gin, used 2x in place of vanilla extract in baked chocolate cakes, can be brownies or other baked goods, makes the chocolate more intense. So now I'm wondering if a dash of gin will enhance the chocolatey notes of an espresso?

[@jumpingxships]

I finally had the balls to try this with Fever Tree tonic water and White Horse Coffee Organic Blend (it's lighter than the house blend). Absolutely delicious. I slurped it down. Mr Hoffman you've done it again, you beautiful bastard.

[@kimorsa]

This is on the same level of “I’m making this from scratch” as on Binging with Babish, which is great in all possible ways

[@vjculture]

I've been trying to perfect the espresso tonic for years. First discovered it in 2015 in Santiago. I only use large ice cubes, I pour the coffee over the ice and then add the tonic for a creamy head. Then I finish it with a lemon twist around the rim of the glass.

[@JohnFrazier]

Oh, Cinchona Bark chips, let me just pop down to the corner shop...

[@corneliousism]

Don’t for get to wear your face nappy

[@corriesutton8720]

You will find it in the isle right next to dehydrated crocodile skin! It’s amazing what the Asian supermarkets stock these days 😂

[@joecarney9482]

I think it's interesting that in the years since this, using orange bitters and/or expressed citrus peels has become the norm for an espresso tonic. James was really onto something.

[@pieter_kok]

I've never had espresso tonic, because I never knew it was a thing, but I want to try it now. Time to get out the Schweppes and House of Coffees decaf blend...

[@larrygonzalez4375]

In our cafe, this summer we are offering Spresso-tonic, in the region old people call it " Suau". I was sceptical but changed my mind after trying it. Your description was spot on. Simple and delicious.

[@afrahhassan741]

Your photography skills are showing, James. Very nice editing, as always

[@brimmedHat]

your videos fill me (someone who can barely get passable results from a french press) with the hubris that I could operate a successful cafe

[@miguelcontreras5782]

Everyone: “asks for aeropress video” Hoffmann: hmmm. how abaout later Absolutely no one: Espresso tonic!! Hoffmann: oh here you go!

[@rickastley885]

Miguel Contreras hey, it's a Hoffmann video. They're always interesting, so don't complain

[@miguelcontreras5782]

Rick Astley shut up it’s a joke

[@koitsuga]

Consider the also substantial group of us who want a video about literally anything other than aeropress

[@andrewfleming611]

I've made coffee soda before (sweetened coffee, pitched with champagne yeast, let sit out for 1-3 hours before sealing in a bottle and putting in the refrigerator, should serve over ice), but it never occurred to me to add citrus or botanicals. It is hot enough where I live that this seems to be a great idea.

[@MrHarlequin2316]

Hmm, the one ingredient that I can't find on Amazon is the Vanilla-flavoured pretentiousness. I don't even like Tonic that much and I want to try this though!

[@niichuuko1095]

Have you checked the suggestions?

[@Call-me-Al]

I adore tonic, I adore coffee. Yet I never considered combining the two. This is exciting

[@jbradleymusic]

James is so excited through this entire thing, this is peak coffee culture.

[@G11Marksman]

James! Your coffee videos are amazing! You've got me weighing coffee on a scale...

[@Morticia147]

I made a Tonic Syrup yesterday and now put it into my Waterkefir for the 2nd fermentation. So in a few days I will have a very special Tonicwater - I'm really excited about the taste.

[@aanmaaklimonade]

It’s so fun that you call it “really easy to make” when the rest of the channel is in search of the perfect espresso that is never ending :P a man gotta have a hobby i guess!

[@floriana6659]

just watched „Stop puttinc coffee into everything“ 🤣🤣

[@Zangetsu95pl]

James you’re golden! I was just looking for it over YT

[@RamHornBeast]

I can't believe I dismissed this as an idea when this video came out. Had one at a local coffee shop and now I'm making them at home multiple times a day.

[@stormbob]

Interesting! My local coffee place just launched a lemon coffee seltzer (which turned out to just be espresso and lemon LaCroix, kind of a low-rent version of what you're doing), and while it's not going to be my new go-to drink it was very refreshing and I can see how there's potential to really turn it into something great.

[@lillithdv8]

I love these mad scientist videos where I discover blends of flavours I would never in my life thought of mixing! Thank you

[@wingedtoast7495]

i've been waiting for this video since it was mentioned like last year

[@FernandoGros]

Fascinating video. One of my local cafes in Tokyo used to make a coffee tonic, with a slice of orange in it. Pretty sure it also had vanilla. Very nice on a hot and humid day.

[@b4804514]

James This is delicious. I had one of these 2 years ago and was shocked how good it was. The flavors were much brighter and smoother. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream - heavenly good

[@jeroenvanbroekhoven7325]

Hi James, I only discovered your channel last week. This was the first video I watched as the title stunned me! Never, ever would I have thought that mixing a cold fresh espresso with tonic water and ice cubes (I made the basic version) would become my favourite hot summer's drink. Thank you for that! Keep it up, you have a new subscriber. Kind regards, Jeroen NLD

[@potatotr33]

I want to see the comparison of this drink to the budget version - delonghi espresso something or other, Schweppes, and grocery store coffee

[@IcedCoffeeLifestyle]

Lol I use Schweppes. Didn't realize I was so "budget" :(

[@potatotr33]

@@IcedCoffeeLifestyle I'm not dissing Schweppes, but they fall into the "reasonably accessable" category in a way that a niche zero and a linea 2 group doesn't.

[@tomholton235]

I can do delonghi espresso, lavazza pre ground coffee and Morrison’s diet tonic water 😂 I’ll report back but can’t compare it to the good one

[@DaveJ188]

@@tomholton235 Ha, I've got the Delonghi, Lavazza and Schweppes, I should give this a try too.

[@craigroberts5965]

Schweppes is readily available and less expensive therefore it must be worse than the more expensive niche tonics?

[@chantellelovesgreen]

Your voice + your editing =magic😍

[@benlohxiangwei9170]

take a shot of gin whenever it’s “INTERESTING”

[@larred3338]

i like my liver too much for that

[@StephenBoyd21]

Ben Loh Xiang Wei hick

[@tofu4634]

i love how this is kinda an instruction for companies to take this recipe, scale this up and sell ready to go expresso tonic in cans all over the world^^

[@opalyankaBG]

"Don't drink Schweppes tonic" But James, that's all I can afford....

[@infinitetrails]

Schweppes does the worst tonic and actually really good tonic, is it blasphemy to say I prefer their specialty mixer to fever tree? 😬

[@Nicosh1471]

If you're having good Gin, you certainly have a very strong argument to buying cheap tonic! Cheap tonic allows the gin to shine. Buy a fancy, flavoured tonic and you may as well pour lemonade in there! Save your tonic money and spend it on tasty gin!

[@odinogle]

Nicosh1471 I can understand your argument, but cheap tonic has artificial sweeteners in it which would utterly demolish any flavour in the gin. I can’t stand it hahaha.

[@Nicosh1471]

@@odinogle i guess it comes down to personal preference. Higher quality tonic may give a smoother drink but for me, i find it overpowers the gin too much and i like being able to taste the gin or maybe i have just got used to the taste of cheap tonic hahaha

[@odinogle]

Nicosh1471 I totally get you about it overpowering the drink. Sweeteners just really put me off.

[@LegitimateCK4120]

This feels like a fantastic drink for those who may not want to drink alcohol but still want a more cocktail-like drink. I may have to try it sometime

[@doc8125]

You know it's pretentious when James Hoffman says "That is almost a bit too pretentious" LMAO

[@kingleon5359]

Just in time ,a couple of days ago i was thinking about making espresso and tonic and here you're doing it from scratch😍👌💙💙. Thank you 🙏

[@yorktown99]

James' favourite question: "Can we do better?"

[@polkadotalvs]

I never thought I would like Espresso Tonic, so thank you for that.

[@kristoffernilsen6926]

Looks delicious, now I wonder how it would taste if you put nitrogen rather than CO2

[@flippy9133]

creamy

[@arareg]

James I would love to learn about your carbonation set up.

[@Teee6]

Looks like he has the same setup as me. That goofy cap on the plastic bottle is designed to attach to a quick disconnect, which presumably connects to a regulator, attached to a co2 tank. Carbonation caps are super handy if you already have a kegging setup, but depending on availability of a 5lb co2 tank, it's also cheaper in the long run than operating a sodastream/home selzer gadget. www.amazon.com/dp/B00V334SME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JduEFbPP5HFT3

[@thegooch90]

Haven’t seen the whole video yet, but thank you for actually mentioning Koppi, that was my regular café a few years back before they closed down their café. Now I go to their roastery now and then when I’m out of beans and some Saturdays when they do a popup café. Now on to your video... 😍

[@Charles_Fryer]

When do you pour the gin in? I seem to have missed this point in the video somehow? Before or after the malic acid?

[@DUDEINBLACK111]

It's a espresso tonic, not a gin and tonic

[@headoverbars8750]

I will have to try this. Because of you I'm now a coffee guy... I have only bought coffee 'out' a couple of times, and have been dissatisfied compared to the espressos I make at home. As a side note I've become an espresso geek and only ever making it at home. Due to layoffs I've more time so ... I have 'upgraded' to the cheap De'Longhi that you reviewed in your budget setup as well a modified cheap conical burr grinder. I modified the delonghi to run a regular wand and can do art quality foam no problem now. I am on point most of the time, but very inconsistent with my equipment ... I love the ritual of espresso and cannot wait to get back to work to afford nicer stuff. I do have a nice set of tools, tamper, bottomless portafilter mod (and have developed my pallet over the last 6 months...) I have tasted some very exquisite beans and blends that I now want to try to roast myself and maybe developing a little bit further than the local roaster does. I mean I have always loved coffee but after having a "proper" cup thanks to you I nearly cried. My first proper V60 pour over when the power went out was amazing!! Thank you for making this a part of my life James and making it through my comment!

[@sebastianb.3341]

Interesting video James! How do you think this compares to cold brew tonic, which might be more approachable for more people?

[@jameshoffmann]

I think this is a super easy, fun way to drink a good espresso. The bitter and sweet from the tonic really push down the acidic and bitter aspects of the espresso. I could see cold brew also being fun, but the fact that it isn't as concentrated would make it a bit trickier to balance.

[@UltaPowderfinger]

@@jameshoffmann I use cold brew concentrate and that seems to work well. It is fast as so easy. Even so, it is always better when I use the espresso-like liquid from my Aeropress. I actually am able to get some long lasting pseudo-crema from my efforts. I know I don't reach 9 bars but I get at least 2 or 3 when I put my whole body weight into it. :)

[@koshey245]

I had never heard about this up until a few months ago, despite watching this channel for the last 2 years. Local place made a blackberry espresso tonic and it was one of the weirdest, but not unpleasant, tasting things Ive had.

[@laughing7848]

When I want to find him, I just search google "the coffee guy on youtube" :D very unique xd

[@Yumirix]

I've never heard of Coffee Tonic until now! Currently I have been experimenting on spice syrup flavors for my espressos. Now this recipe! got me thinking and I have to try it for my next experiment!

[@mikhailberastau948]

"I think I might go oranges and lemons" - how about blood oranges? I found that sipping S.Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa along with coffee gives an interesting combination

[@natoliver]

As someone who loves iced coffee as a guilty pleasure, this sounds like a lot of fun to explore and play around with. Something different to an iced Starbucks latte to introduce to friends.

[@no-trick-pony]

Could this work with filter coffee/Aeropress or mocca pot too? I wish I had an Espresso machine but I don't ^^

[@rainamorse4052]

I like doing it with my prismo attachment on the aeropress, but a moka pot would be my second choice

[@oakwoo-d]

moka pot works just fine for me :) but if you've never tried the combination of coffee and tonic then maybe get the drink somewhere and have a taste, it's probably easier to mess the ratio and the general taste with different brews and therefore get very discouraged

[@PovlKvols]

Just made a simple espresso tonic with a Fevertree tonic. Wow! That is sooo good!!!

[@dragonmares59110]

>don't drink schwepps tonic Well, maybe if the other were available and not overpriced we would drink them...

[@lm1991]

There I was thinking that WAS the fancy stuff

[@nazsakar3411]

i am LIVING for the cinematography

[@that_which_is_not]

Don’t use Schweppes, use Fever Tree 😂 I was expecting something a little more niche than that

[@jameshoffmann]

I was benchmarking fever tree and making my own tonic, which feels reasonably niche

[@ralfplatanenblatt2461]

@@jameshoffmann ❤️

[@that_which_is_not]

James Hoffmann no shade intended my man, just tickled me! ✌️+ ❤️

[@MissSunTonic]

@@jameshoffmann can you make your own tonic? How? Tonic water is lit the only thing I drink besides water ever since I was a child. Help a gal!

[@fwizzybee42]

MissSunTonic watch the video, he does it

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Never tried espresso tonic--but I wil lnow!As usual, you are both interesting and instructive. Thank you

[@heretobrew]

Will you send Cinchona Bark to 10 people who have lost their jobs and can't afford Cinchona Bark right now?

[@azzarooni8532]

My withdrawal symptoms from lack of Hoffman videos have vanished. Love your work James! Could we have more videos about your Roastery and coffee blends?

[@mattmers]

Comments from a gin and tonic drinker: Is it really a tonic without quinine? Also, I think generally you should start with a neutral tonic, not one with all the aromatics. Gin usually has a lot of aromatics like coffee, thats why you want a tonic that is more neutral in flavor. I also consider most tonics to be overly sweetened, which again starts to effect the flavor profile of what is added to it.

[@amartini51]

The quinine comes from the chinchona bark.

[@mattmers]

@@amartini51 Good to know. thanks

[@mattmers]

I made this drink using a moka pot. I used two shots of moka pot coffee since I don't have an espresso maker. The sugars from the tonic appear to cancel any bitterness from the coffee which only leaves a slight bitterness from the quinine. I added 3 drops of lime juice as well which comes through slightly. over all, I finding this interesting, refreshing but still not balanced quite right.

[@BillyAbbottCowfish]

There are a few tonics out there without quinine, using different bittering agents with different levels of success. Japan's an interesting place to look for them, as locally produced tonic isn't allowed to contain quinine, and imported ones have restrictions on PPM. They are available all over the place, and are definitely worth a look.