Espresso Martini

Espresso & Alcohol = A perfect cocktail mix! One sip and you’ll see what all the hype is about this trending cocktail. An espresso martini is the perfect blend of a sweet, creamy coffee flavor with just a little bit of an added kick.

Admittedly I am one to jump on a ‘trendy’ cocktail any time of the year. Originally the espresso martini was popular back in the ’90s and in the early 2010s. But with the pandemic and quarantine, it started to gain popularity again. Restaurants were even selling them as homemade ‘kits’ and even as plastic pouches to enjoy at home. You could say the espresso martini is buzzing in popularity once again.

You better believe I had to try it! I’m not one for a drink that tastes too much like alcohol. I know, I know, that may sound odd. But it’s the truth. The magic happens when you’re not able to tell it has alcohol in it – at least for me! So I began the search online for different ratios of the 4 ingredients (yep, just 4 ingredients!) and I landed on what works for me. This drink has the kick of caffeine but also the relaxing kick from the alcohol – not a normal ‘pick’ for me, but strange enough as it may sound, it works!

Espresso Martini

1. Espresso – This really is the key ingredient. Strong espresso is the recommended ‘coffee’ to use. You could make it with a cold brew. Instant coffee will not work. Part of the beauty of this recipe is that froth. I have the Vertuo Nespresso machine. I treated myself a couple years back and actually end up saving $ on coffee since I rarely buy my coffee out now. This works for me. You can always buy espresso out if you don’t have a machine!
2. Vodka – A martini isn’t a martini without Vodka. Use whatever your favorite Vodka is here.
3. Kahlua– The many recipes I searched at online use a coffee liquor in this recipe. I opted for Kahlua as I know I’ll be able to use it in other recipes. The other coffee liquors I’m sure I could’ve used…but they were quite expensive.
4. Simple Syrup – This is my go-to to add in when I make any specialty drinks. Yes, it will be a sugary drink. But the benefit is that you get to have control over how much you add in.

How To Make An Espresso Martini

4 ingredients. That’s it. I started stocking my ‘bar’ this quarantine so I’d have all the different alcohols ready to go and make different drinks. But I also love buying the little bottles to make for drinks here and there. What I do need? A cocktail shaker!

1. Brew the coffee: I brewed the espresso ahead of time and let it cool. You want your cocktail cold, not hot. That’s the hardest part of this recipe, remembering to brew the espresso ahead of time.
2. Grab Your Ingredients: Fill the cocktail shaker or mason jar with the vodka, Kahlua, simple syrup, and ice. Don’t add the espresso yet. The multiple times I made this cocktail the froth clung to the ice cubes. This will save you from making the mistake I made. Now, this may work in an actual cocktail shaker, but truth be told I don’t own one yet. & this is what I found to work to make sure you get all the froth! One extra step, but I’ll take it!
3. Shake It Up: Shake all the ingredients together to cool them down with the ice. Scoop the ice out. Add the espresso & give it another good shake to mix all the ingredients together!
4. Strain: Strain the espresso into martini glasses. Top with 3 espresso beans as garnish. The three coffee beans represent health, wealth, and happiness! Serve and enjoy!

HERE ARE A FEW MORE ‘DRINKS’ – COFFEE OR ALCOHOL

• Simple Syrup
• Bourbon Smash
• Pistachio Latte
• Peppermint Mocha

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