The espresso bomb, a viral TikTok creation combining espresso, tonic water, lemon or lime juice, and a pinch of salt, is gaining popularity as an unlikely but effective coffee drink. Despite its bizarre ingredient list, the beverage has won over skeptics, including drinks columnist Robertson Buckhaven, who rated it 8 out of 10.
What is an espresso bomb?
An espresso bomb is an alcohol-free drink made by dropping a shot of espresso into a glass of tonic water with ice, lemon, and salt. The concept originated on TikTok and has since spread across social media. According to Buckhaven, it sounds like something you'd consume on a dare, but it actually tastes good.
How it works
The science behind the espresso bomb involves balancing bitterness. Coffee contains bitter flavour compounds, which salt suppresses. A small pinch of salt takes the edge off without being noticeable. Lemon, meanwhile, matches coffee's natural acidity and brings out hidden fruity notes. Tonic water, despite its bitter quinine, provides bubbles and subtle sweetness that bridge the espresso and lemon.
Buckhaven explains: "Salt suppresses bitterness... No more than a small pinch, as too much salt creates a nucleation point for the soda, causing it to froth up and quickly go flat." He adds that lemon "coaxes out some of its hidden fruity notes," comparing it to how lemon transforms turbot.
How to make an espresso bomb
To make one, you need a double shot of espresso (light roast), salt flakes, one lemon wedge, full-fat tonic water, and ice. Fill a large glass halfway with tonic and ice. Draw off a double espresso shot into a shot glass. Rub the lemon wedge around the bottom of the shot glass, dip it in salt flakes, lower it into the tonic, and drop it in. Drink immediately. Alternatively, pour the espresso directly over the tonic.
A key tip from Buckhaven: allow the espresso to cool before adding it to the tonic, otherwise it will curdle. Also, don't forget the ice.
What does it taste like?
Buckhaven tested the drink with Sainsbury's Espresso Wholebean Coffee 'Robust and Powerful', noting that lighter roasts work better for a floral profile. His first attempt used Double Dutch Soda Water by mistake, which was too dry. The second attempt with Sainsbury's Zero Sugar Indian Tonic succeeded, providing sweetness that merged with the bitter coffee notes. He added lemon and lime, which freshened the drink. The final score: 8 out of 10, especially recommended for hangovers due to the sugar spike, bubbles, caffeine, and electrolyte-like citrus-salt combination.
