Espresso Martini

It’s espresso, Kahlua, vodka — what’s not to like about an ESPRESSO MARTINI? If you’re looking for a post-dinner pick-me-up or a drink to extend the night, this cocktail has become a classic choice for those occasions. Its popularity stems from the perfect balance of coffee flavor, sweetness and alcohol.

Requirements: vodka, coffee liqueur (Kahlua), espresso (freshly brewed or cold brew concentrate), demerara or simple syrup, coffee beans for garnish, cocoa bitters (optional)

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1/2 oz. coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
• 1 oz. espresso
• 1 to 1.5 tsp. simple syrup (or demerara syrup)
• 1 dash Angostura cocoa bitters (optional)
• 3 coffee beans for garnish

Brew the espresso, then pour it into a bowl or refrigerate it to cool. Add the cooled espresso, vodka, Kahlua and simple syrup to an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain quickly into a chilled martini glass to maintain the foam. Garnish with 3-4 coffee beans.

Comments: Ideally, the Espresso Martini pictured above should have more foam. The foam increases when the espresso is freshly made, quickly chilled, and poured immediately after shaking. I refrigerated the espresso overnight. As an unconventional addition, I included a dash of Angostura cocoa bitters for extra flavor and depth. Adjust the sweetness to your personal preference.

History: The Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by British bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club in London. The story goes that a famous model asked Mr. Bradsell for a drink that would, “pick me up and f..k me up.” He initially called it a Vodka Espresso, as the drink is not particularly martini-like. The public eventually rebranded it as the Espresso Martini. It has been reported that the Espresso Martini is the most ordered drink in Australia.

Similar Cocktails:

Chocolate Martini— https://keetscocktails.com/chocolate-martini/

Black Russian — https://keetscocktails.com/black-russian/

White Russian — https://keetscocktails.com/white-russian/

Brandy Alexander — https://keetscocktails.com/brandy-alexander-2/

Kingston — https://keetscocktails.com/kingston-2/

Brave Bull — https://keetscocktails.com/brave-bull-2/