Looking for a new cocktail to try out this weekend? Want to wind down with a fresh new drink? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should drink this weekend.
The espresso martini was arguably the drink of 2021. I had been tracking its rise in popularity and in an all too predictable way there were the think pieces claiming bartenders were “over” the espresso martini. And then the push-back that actually they aren’t isn’t as trendy or as annoying as people make them out to be. Our advice? Don’t order this drink at a bar. Just make it at home!
The espresso martini isn’t a particularly difficult drink to make. It’s comprised of just a few simple ingredients that most bars have. But, it can be time-consuming. The espresso martini truly deserves a freshly made espresso which pulls a bartender away from the bar. Plus, if you have ordered an espresso martini, you’ll see how intensely it needs to be shaken. The time and effort involved for such a simple drink make it an easy cocktail to hate for bartenders.
But, at home, you have all the time in the world! So, we’re going to give you two recipes to make this relatively easy albeit slightly annoying cocktail.
Espresso Martini Ingredients
Espresso — Obviously you’re going to need some coffee for this coffee drink. You can sub in coffee concentrate/cold brew, but true espresso is so much better for this boozy, buzzy cocktail. Some bars will batch their espresso ahead of time but if you’re at home, we’d recommend pulling a shot for yourself or putting on a stovetop Moka pot. Use freshly ground coffee from your favorite coffee roasters. And if you’re looking for a quality espresso machine we’d suggest this one from Breville or this one from Smeg.
Coffee Liqueur — Another necessity in the espresso martini is a quality coffee liqueur. Kahlua is typically the industry standard but we’d suggest Mr Black or even Galliano Ristretto.
Vodka — You can make do with just espresso and a coffee liqueur (more on that later), but the traditional espresso martini cocktail also calls for some vodka. Absolut is an easy option but anything you can get your hands on should be fine. We’d just steer clear from any flavored vodka here.
Coffee Beans — In case you needed another reminder that you’re drinking an espresso martini, most bartenders garnish this cocktail with two or three coffee beans. It’s a nice touch but if you want to add a little more flair try a citrus twist, a mint leaf, or even a cinnamon stick.
Espresso Martini Recipe #1
Combine 1 ounce of fresh espresso, 3/4 ounce coffee liqueur, and 1 1/2 ounce vodka in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake hard for at least fifteen seconds. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with coffee beans or your garnish of choice. Enjoy!
Espresso Martini Recipe #2
For the lazy folks out there (including yours truly), here’s a recipe for you. Combine 2 ounces of Mr Black coffee liqueur and 1 ounce of fresh espresso in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake hard for at least fifteen seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with three coffee beans. Enjoy!
