If you’re a fan of strong tastes, then an espresso martini would be an ideal choice of beverage. The cocktail is easy to make with essential ingredients that you have on hand.
The luxurious espresso martini combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso. Who would have thought that espresso and vodka would pair so well? If you’re feeling drained after a hectic day, the shot of espresso will offer you an energy boost. It’s rich, decadent, and creamy.
To start, you need some good vodka (or another spirit), cold brewed coffee, and a bit of a liqueur. Then add some ice and vigorously shake the mixture.
Freshly Brewed Espresso
As with any cocktail, it’s all about the ingredients. To make the best espresso martini, you’ll need a high-quality vodka or other coffee liqueur and freshly brewed coffee or espresso. This recipe calls for cold brew concentrate, but you could also use regular coffee or instant espresso powder.
The key to a perfect espresso martini is coffee with a crema on top – the foam layer created when espresso is made correctly. You can get a good crema using a traditional espresso machine, or you can make your own by filling a jar with hot water, adding a scoop of espresso, and swirling it around to create a nice layer of foam on the top.
Once you’ve got your coffee, add it to a cocktail shaker with the vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup or sugar and shake vigorously. The shaking not only helps aerate the drink and create that signature frothy top, but it also helps to dilute the alcohol and make for a smooth cocktail. After shaking, pour the mixture into a martini glass. Add three coffee beans to the top for a classic touch of the symbolism of health, wealth, and happiness.
Vodka
Espresso martinis are made with vodka, freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. The recipe is simple enough to make it at home, resulting in a smooth, flavorful cocktail. It is a great drink to serve at a party because it will give everyone energy and prepare them to dance.
It would be best to use high-quality vodka for the best espresso martini, but you can also experiment with other brands and varieties to see which you like the best.
The most important thing to remember when making an espresso martini is to shake the ingredients vigorously to chill everything and create that beautiful froth on top of the drink. You will need a cocktail shaker with one big block of ice (not crushed ice) and a filter to pour the cocktail into your glass.
Simple Syrup
It would be best to use a good vodka and a quality coffee liqueur to make a perfect espresso martini. To sweeten the cocktail, you will need simple syrup and ice.
You can buy bottled simple syrup or make it at home by boiling equal parts of sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Once it cools, you can store it in a jar and use it to make cocktails or to sweeten coffee.
To add flavor to the simple syrup, add citrus peel or mint leaves while simulating. You can include whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise pods, loose-leaf tea, or herbs such as lavender or hibiscus flowers. Flavored simple syrups are great for cocktails and a great way to add sweetness to drinks such as iced tea and lemonade or fresh fruit salads. You can even use it to keep cakes moist.
Ice
The espresso martini cocktail will awaken your senses with its strong coffee and vodka. It’s a perfect drink for after dinner or as a little pick-me-up before New Year’s Eve festivities.
The key to a perfect espresso martini is real, freshly brewed espresso. Instant coffee granules or even freshly brewed coffee made with a French press will have a different rich crema (the velvety layer of foam on top of the espresso).
Ensure the ice used is fresh from the freezer. Otherwise, it will melt and water down the drink. This also helps create the frothy top.
Mix vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso in a cocktail shaker with ice to make this delicious drink. Shake it vigorously for about 15-30 seconds, and your drink will be ready to enjoy! Once the drink is properly chilled, strain it into a cocktail glass. Garnish with three coffee beans and serve.
Garnish
The espresso martini is a great choice if you’re a fan of coffee and cocktails. To ensure the best taste, it’s recommended to use freshly brewed espresso. However, only some have an espresso machine or the time to make it, and if you’re short on time, a cold brew will also work. Just let the coffee cool completely before adding it to the cocktail so that it doesn’t melt the ice.
Try variations on the espresso martini with other ingredients, like a dash of cinnamon syrup for an autumnal twist or vanilla vodka to create a more decadent beverage.
