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Espresso Fizz
Breakfast

Espresso Fizz

A carefully crafted dish that blends traditional and modern cooking techniques to deliver comforting flavors for every occasion.

⏱️

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Difficulty

Medium

📂

Category

Breakfast

Recipe Details

Espresso Fizz

Recipe by Ryan Clur | Adapted by Oliver Strand

Overview

This innovative espresso-based cocktail, originally crafted by Ryan Clur at New York’s Maialino restaurant, redefines traditional coffee beverages by eliminating ice while preserving the refreshing, chilled profile of iced coffee. The balanced interplay of bold espresso, effervescent tonic water, and subtle orange bitterness creates a sophisticated sipper ideal for coffee enthusiasts seeking a bar-driven twist on classic iced coffee.

Key Ingredients & Rationale

To achieve Clur’s intended flavor profile, prioritize the following premium, specialty-grade components:

  • Hologram Espresso: sourced from Counter Culture Coffee, this blend delivers a rich, nuanced roast (e.g., notes of dark chocolate and red berry) that anchors the drink’s depth.

  • Fever-Tree Tonic Water: Its botanical-forward, low-sugar formula enhances the espresso’s brightness without overwhelming sweetness.

  • Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6: This artisanal bitters adds a layer of dried citrus and spice, harmonizing with the coffee’s acidity and tonic’s effervescence.

Note: While substitutions are possible, using these specific brands ensures the drink’s signature balance; alternative tonic or bitters may yield distinct, non-identical results.

Preparation Protocol

Equipment

  • Stainless steel steam pitcher (for heat absorption)

  • Bar spoon (for precise “floating” technique)

  • Freshly extracted espresso equipment (portafilter, grinder)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Espresso Extraction: Pull a single 30–35ml shot of Hologram espresso directly into the pre-chilled stainless steel pitcher. This metal vessel is critical for temperature modulation (see Pro Tips).

  2. Bitters Integration: Add 2–3 dashes of Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6 to the espresso. Use the bar spoon to gently stir once (or lightly swirl) to distribute the bitters without diluting the espresso.

  3. Tonic Water Addition: Hold the bar spoon horizontally across the pitcher’s rim, with its bowl resting on the rim’s edge. Slowly pour Fever-Tree tonic water down the back of the bar spoon, guiding it to “float” atop the espresso. This technique preserves carbonation and creates a visually striking two-layered effect.

  4. Serve Immediately: The stainless steel’s thermal conductivity cools the espresso to ~45°F (7°C), mimicking the sensation of iced coffee without ice. Present in a chilled coupe or tumbler, optionally garnished with a lemon zest strip or coffee bean.

Pro Tips

  • Temperature Control: The stainless steel pitcher absorbs residual heat from the espresso, ensuring the drink remains refreshingly cool—critical for replicating the “no-ice iced coffee” experience.

  • Rostovski’s Rule: For a more intense flavor, increase bitters to 4 dashes; for milder citrus notes, reduce to 1–2 dashes.

  • Espresso Freshness: Use espresso extracted within 1 minute of preparation to maintain aromatic compounds and prevent staleness from altering the drink’s brightness.

Featured in: Coffee Drinks Stake a Claim at the Bar (exploring modern coffee-centric bar beverages).