DISH OF THE WEEK: Deconstructed Espresso Tonic at FELIX ROASTING CO.

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

To save money, I have gotten into the habit of brewing my own coffee and bringing it into the city with me. But every once in a while, I like to splurge on a coffee in order to discover something new.

And Felix Roasting Co. was definitely a splurge.

I had been wanting to try it out since they first opened, but I have had a hard time convincing myself to drop $10 or more on one of their coffee creations.

But one fateful day, I left my coffee mug at home and decided to bite the bullet.

Their Instagram-ready Hickory Smoked S’Mores Latte has certainly garnered the most attention. It’s presented under a glass enclosure full of smoke and released like a cloche at a fancy restaurant. It also costs almost $15.

I could have taken out a second mortgage, but I was actually worried it would be too much like a dessert and I wanted more of a refreshing pick-me-up so I went for something a little more modest.

The Deconstructed Espresso Tonic was similarly all about the presentation but went a bit deeper. It was as complex as most apertif cocktails and super delicious.

In a wine glass, the baristas mix a heady combination of tonic water, hibiscus-amaro reduction, lemon juice, and a touch of rosewater and then float a garden-full of botanicals like basil and lemon balm on top. The espresso is served on the side and meant to be mixed in as desired.

I felt like the roast biter coffee played very nicely with herbal sweet bitter notes of the base. It reminded me of the excellent Coffee Negroni I had at the similarly themed Kobrick Coffee Co. years ago.

These are not every day coffee drinks (although they do sell those as well). This is a special occasion or afternoon date spot. Until the three martini lunch comes back into fashion (and I earn a comparable wage), I’ll stick with my homemade coffee. Price: $10