This post is sponsored by NESCAFÉ but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
"As much as I’ve tried to be a tea gal, the truth is… espresso will always be far superior in my eyes. Sue me! I’ve bought the ceremonial-grade powder that costs way too much. I try to romanticize it with a mason jar and glass straw. I gaslit myself into thinking the grassy taste was “earthy” and “elevated.” But no matter how hard I committed, I found myself missing that rich, bold hit of espresso. Especially on hot summer mornings when hot coffee feels a bit too heavy and iced tea just isn’t giving me the jolt of energy I desperately need.
Then, one day in our work chat, I saw the phrase “Espresso Lemonade” hit my screen. It felt like a threat—are we just mixing anything these days? Where’s our decorum? But with my coworkers raving about it, I gave in. And thank God I did. Espresso Lemonade is that girl.
Why Espresso Lemonade works
If you’re side-eyeing right now, I get it. Espresso and lemonade sound like they belong on opposite ends of the beverage spectrum. But together? They’re surprisingly balanced. The tangy citrus cuts through the espresso’s boldness in the best way, giving you a drink that’s bright, slightly sweet, and insanely refreshing. It’s like an Arnold Palmer’s cooler, indie older sister.
Unlike your usual milky go-tos, this drink skips the cream and hits different on hot days. It’s light. It’s zippy (this word just feels right; you’ll get it once you try it). It’s thirst-quenching. Compared to the other iced bevs we’ve always known and loved, Espresso Lemonade is kind of the underdog that steals the show. The Addison Rae of the beverage world, if you will. Hot lattes can feel a bit rich. Espresso Lemonade? It hits all the right notes.
The key ingredient: NESCAFÉ Espresso Concentrate
Pulling a shot of espresso at home is… ambitious. I am not in the pay grade to buy a $$$$ machine, so NESCAFÉ’s Espresso Concentrate is the hack that makes this trend way more accessible. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants coffeehouse vibes without the expensive equipment.
Here’s why it’s different: It’s made with real espresso, but you don’t need a machine to use it. Just twist, pour, mix with your drink of choice, and you’ve got a barista-level bev. You get that deep, rich espresso flavor in seconds, and it’s shelf-stable before opening, so you can keep it on hand for whenever the craving hits. No stress, no burnt espresso taste, just you and your little diva drink against the world.
How to make the perfect Espresso Lemonade
OK, girls, here’s how you make the magic happen:
- Fill a glass with ice (duh, but necessary)
- Pour in 6-12 ounces of your favorite lemonade (store-bought or homemade—whatever’s easy)
- Add 2 tablespoons of NESCAFÉ Espresso Concentrate
- Stir gently and garnish with a lemon slice or sprig of mint if you’re feeling a little bougie
And you can customize it however you please:
- Prefer it sweeter? Use their sweet vanilla flavor.
- Want it bubbly? Use sparkling lemonade.
- Need more punch? Go with 2 tablespoons of espresso concentrate.
- Not a fan of pulp? Strain your lemonade before mixing.
Take a peek at NESCAFÉ‘s recipe page for more ideas on how to use my new go-to pantry staple.
More NESCAFÉ Espresso Concentrate recipes I’m trying this summer
Once you’ve fallen in love with Espresso Lemonade (you will), try branching out. With black, vanilla, and caramel flavors, this concentrate is super versatile—here are a few other drinks to whip up.
- Espresso Tonic: Pour 2 tablespoons of your favorite Espresso Concentrate over tonic water and ice for a fizzy, sophisticated twist on your coffee break.
- Iced Espresso with Oat Milk: Smooth, creamy, and endlessly customizable—this classic is perfect for any mood.
- Dirty Iced Matcha: Blend matcha with your milk of choice, then top with 2 tablespoons of Espresso Concentrate (sweet vanilla is a great pick) for a bold, layered sip.
- Espresso Martini: Shake up 2 tablespoons of Espresso Concentrate with vodka and coffee liqueur for a rich cocktail that’s both velvety and buzzy.
All in all, I ride for Espresso Lemonade. With NESCAFÉ’s Espresso Concentrate, it becomes a low-effort, high-reward kind of drink that hits every single time. Light, refreshing, energizing—what more could a gal want? So if tea’s not doing it for you and hot coffee feels like a little too much, give Espresso Lemonade a shot. Feel free to DM me to say thank you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editoral Assistant
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna collaborates with our sales team by creating both written and social media content, collecting and analyzing performance data to report back to our partners, and assisting our editors with their everyday tasks to ensure a smooth and productive process.
This post is sponsored by NESCAFÉ but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
Feature graphic images credited to: Hannah Dempsey | Dupe, Avery Estabanes | Dupe, Rachel Milton | Dupe, Kellie Daniel | Dupe, Vittoria Tomassini | Dupe