Recipe 1 of many in our Coffee Shifu Signature Series
Who said tropical fruit and coffee don’t mix? The Coffee Shifu brings you an experimental summer-worthy fusion – Litchi Espresso – a cooling, fruity, and zingy coffee mocktail that’ll flip everything you knew about espresso-based drinks.
It’s vibrant, aromatic, and shockingly refreshing. And yes, we tested it (multiple times) until perfection brewed.
What Is Litchi Espresso?
Imagine the smooth intensity of a double shot of espresso, the sweetly floral notes of fresh litchi juice, and the effervescent tickle of tonic water, all poured over ice. The result? A caffeinated burst of summer that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and bitter.
This drink celebrates contrast – tropical fruit meets craft coffee, calm meets kick. Each sip starts smooth, turns sparkly, and finishes bold.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Litchi juice – 50 ml (preferably fresh-pressed or cold-pressed)
- Tonic water – 100 ml (chilled)
- Espresso – double shot (about 60 ml)
- Loads of ice (large cubes recommended to prevent dilution)
Optional: Garnish with a sprig of mint or a thin slice of litchi on the rim for presentation flair.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Chill your glass. Use a tall glass or a highball cup. Fill it with ice and set aside.
- Pour the litchi juice. Add 50 ml litchi juice to the base of your glass.
- Add the tonic water gently. Slowly pour 100 ml tonic water over the juice. Don’t stir yet – this layering creates stunning visual contrast.
- Pull a double espresso shot. The espresso should be bold and rich – medium-dark roasted beans work well here, especially something nutty or chocolatey.
- Pour the espresso over the drink. Gently pour over the back of a spoon to maintain separation and create that luxurious layered effect.
- Serve immediately. Watch as the golden coffee cascades down through icy litchi fizz – a moment worth an Instagram Reel.
Sip and stir only when you’re ready to taste the fusion of fruity sweetness, quinine bitterness, and roasted coffee intensity.
The Coffee Shifu Tasting Notes
- Flavor: Fruity, effervescent, and complex with a balanced sweetness that never overpowers the espresso.
- Aroma: Floral and slightly citrusy with roasted undertones.
- Mouthfeel: Crisp at first, creamy after blending; tonic bubbles make it dance on the tongue.
- Best served: Between 2 PM – 5 PM, as a refreshing coffee break or pre-dinner mocktail.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate)
| Component | Amount (per serving) | Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | ~150 mg | From the double espresso shot, offering a lively yet balanced buzz. |
| Sugar | ~10–12 g | Naturally from litchi juice; lower than typical café mocktails. |
| Calories | ~65–80 kcal | Light and refreshing — no guilt, all flavor. |
| Bitterness Index | Mild to medium | The tonic’s quinine complements espresso beautifully. |
Optional variation: use sugar-free tonic water for a lower-calorie, keto-friendly twist.
Why It Works
Litchi’s bright sweetness tempers the bitterness of espresso, while tonic water introduces fizz and depth. Each flavor enhances the other rather than competing – creating harmony between tropical fruit and roasted beans.
This is what Coffee Shifu calls “liquid curiosity.” One sip, and you’ll instantly wonder – what’s next in this series?
The Coffee Shifu Verdict
A wildly refreshing twist that turns espresso into a summer indulgence. Perfect for adventurous palates seeking something lively beyond cold brew.
Shifu Rating: ★★★★☆
Stay tuned for Recipe 2, where we’ll dive deeper into another unexpected union from the Coffee Shifu Experimental Bar. Hint: it might just involve citrus – but not the one you’re thinking of.
Follow our blogs https://thecoffeeshifu.com/blog/