Yields: 1 serving

Prep time: 2-5 minutes

Ingredients:

Coffee: 2-4 oz (60-120 ml) chilled strong coffee or cold brew concentrate. Espresso (1-2 shots, chilled) also works wonderfully for a more intense coffee flavor. Tip: Using cold brew concentrate will give a smoother, less acidic base.

Sparkling Water: 4-6 oz (120-180 ml) plain or lightly flavored sparkling water/club soda/seltzer, chilled. Citrus-flavored sparkling waters (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit) often pair exceptionally well.

Sweetener (Optional & to taste): 1-2 teaspoons simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled). Maple syrup, agave nectar, or flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or fruit-infused syrups like orange or raspberry) can also be used.

Citrus (Highly Recommended): A squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon). A twist or slice of lemon, orange, or grapefruit for garnish.

Ice: Plenty of ice cubes.

Optional Flavor Enhancers/Garnishes: A dash of orange bitters or aromatic bitters. Fresh mint sprig. A few fresh berries (e.g., raspberries, blueberries).

Equipment:

Tall glass (e.g., Collins glass, highball glass)

Jigger or measuring spoons

Spoon for stirring (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare Your Coffee Base: Ensure your coffee or cold brew concentrate is well-chilled. If using espresso, allow it to cool down or brew it over a small amount of ice to flash chill it.

Add Ice and Coffee: Fill your serving glass about 2/3 full with ice cubes. Pour the chilled coffee or cold brew concentrate over the ice.

Add Sweetener & Citrus Juice (if using): If you're using a sweetener, add it now. Simple syrup will incorporate the easiest. Add a small squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice if desired for brightness.

Top with Sparkling Water: Slowly pour the chilled sparkling water into the glass, leaving a little space at the top. Pouring slowly helps preserve the carbonation.

Gentle Stir (Optional): If you added sweetener, you might give it a very gentle stir to combine, being careful not to stir out too many bubbles. Often, the act of pouring the sparkling water is enough to mix it.

Garnish: Add your chosen garnish. A twist of citrus peel expressed over the drink before dropping it in can add a lovely aroma. A slice of lemon or orange on the rim, or a mint sprig, also looks great.

Serve Immediately: Enjoy your sparkling coffee spritzer while it's cold and bubbly!

Tips & Variations:

Choosing Your Coffee: Cold Brew Concentrate: Ideal for its smoothness and low acidity, which pairs well with the brightness of citrus and sparkle. Chilled Espresso: Provides a robust, intense coffee kick. Strong Brewed Coffee (chilled): Make sure it's brewed strong so the coffee flavor isn't lost.

Sparkling Water Choices: Plain: A classic choice that lets the coffee and citrus shine. Citrus Flavored: Lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit sparkling water can enhance the fruity notes. Berry Flavored: Raspberry or cherry sparkling water could create interesting combinations.

Make it a Mocktail: This drink is already a fantastic non-alcoholic option. You can make it feel even more like a special occasion mocktail by using fancier glassware and elaborate garnishes.

Bitters for Complexity: A dash of Angostura, orange, or even chocolate bitters can add an interesting layer of flavor complexity.

Flavor Pairings:

Coffee + Orange + Sparkling Water: A very popular and delightful combination.

Coffee + Lemon + Mint + Sparkling Water: Bright and refreshing.

Coffee + Vanilla Syrup + Sparkling Water: A sweeter, creamier profile (though this drink isn't creamy in texture).

Coffee + Cherry Syrup/Sparkling Water: A playful twist.

Adjust Ratios: Feel free to adjust the coffee-to-sparkling water ratio based on your preference for coffee strength and bubbliness.

Enjoy experimenting to find your perfect Sparkling Coffee Spritzer!