Cooking Lesson #724: The Ultimate Espresso Martini

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’? I promise you’ll be doing just fine with The Ultimate Espresso Martini. Don’t you just love Happy Hour Friday?
 
Even before the Negroni and the Spritz took center stage, the Espresso Martini was the drink of the moment. Most popular with coffee lovers and tired pre-gamers alike, this classic cocktail was born in the 1980s but saw a resurgence in popularity in the last few years. Whether you’re searching for the perfect brunch cocktail, an after-dinner treat or simply need some extra caffeine before your night out, the Espresso Martini is the perfect way to get a little buzzed while also getting a bit perked up. Follow my directions and make it the best it can be.
 
If you can't get a fresh shot of espresso, no need to fear! While a freshly pulled shot really pulls this drink together, we have found we get similar results with 1-ounce cold brew coffee concentrate. No espresso machine but craving that signature taste? Visit your local coffee shop and pick up a couple of shots.
 
Along with the coffee component and simple syrup, you need coffee liqueur and vodka to complete your martini. We recommend Kahlúa—a recurring liquor in many of my coffee cocktails—but you can also use any coffee liqueur on hand. Choose your favorite vodka from any of the popular vodka brands.
 
The key to that signature frothy Espresso Martini is to use a fresh shot of espresso, shaking it along with your other ingredients in a shaker vigorously for long enough to chill it all and create a foamy top. Once strained, you’re going to want to double-strain it into your martini glass. That’s it… now you got it… a chilled, frothy Ultimate Espresso Martini.
 
I like to give this drink a bit of a fancy garnish… it's way easier than it looks. Simply cover half the glass with a napkin or paper towel, then dust the rest with either cocoa or espresso powder. Top the other side with coffee beans, and you’re ready to serve.
 
Prep Time:  5 minutes
Total Time:  10 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail
 
Ingredients
1-1/2 ounces vodka
1 ounce coffee liqueur (I prefer Kahlúa)
1 ounce or 1 shot espresso or cold brew concentrate
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Espresso powder or cocoa powder and coffee beans, for garnish
 
Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup. Cover and vigorously shake until the outside of shaker is frosty and foam forms, about 20 seconds.
2. Double strain into a coupe glass.
3. Cover half of the top of glass with a paper towel. Dust the exposed half with espresso or cocoa powder.
4. Garnish plain side with coffee beans.
5. Smile and serve.

ChefSecret:  While this classic recipe deserves all the hype, you can experiment to make this Espresso Martini especially yours. If you like your coffee sans the sugar, remove that simple syrup! If you like cream in your coffee add a 1/2 ounce Baileys and make it creamy. Heck, you’re now ready for a job at Starbucks as a barista!

Quip of the Day:  I am prepared to believe that an Espresso Martini slightly impairs the palate but think what it does for the soul.
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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                                                                           ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2024

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