Cooking Lesson #1163: DC-3’s Mocha Tequila Espresso Martini

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’? It’s been a cold winter for almost two-thirds of Americans and now it’s cocktail time. I was looking to share a perfect pick-me-up with a playful twist. My Mocha Tequila Espresso Martini is a sassy cocktail blending the best of café vibes with a touch of fiesta flair. It's ready to wake up your taste buds and is sure to be a hit!
 
I realize there are a lot of flavors wrapped up in one strange cocktail but believe me (I wouldn’t steer you wrong) it all comes together and tastes great.
 
The exact origin of the martini is unclear, but it is widely believed to have evolved from a cocktail called the Martinez, which was created in the 1860s. The modern martini became popular in the early 20th century, particularly with the use of dry vermouth and gin. I developed this recipe for one of our client’s restaurants—DC-3 at the Santa Monica Airport. It was one of exotic drinks on the Martini Menu.
 
Prep time:  5 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail
 
Ingredients 
2 teaspoons cinnamon-sugar (50/50)
1 part Blanco Tequila
1 part Chocolate Tequila Cream (I prefer El Padrino)
1 part Coffee Liqueur (I prefer Kahlua)
1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon or shaved chocolate for garnish
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Freeze a martini or coupe glass.
3. When ready to mix the cocktail, dip the rim of the glass in a soft drink (whatever you have on hand, i.e. Coke or Sprite) and then into the cinnamon-sugar.
4. Add the remaining ingredients to a shaker tin, add ice and shake it like you mean it.
5. Strain into the well chilled, rimmed glass.
6. Dust the top of the cocktail with powdered cinnamon or shaved chocolate.

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ChefSecret:  This is a cocktail that you can serve blended with ice as a frosty.
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Quip of the Day:  A Californian, a Texan and a local are drinking at a bar in Big Sky, Montana. After a little bit, The Californian finishes his martini, turns and throws his glass against the wall.
The Bartender, shocked, asks him why the hell he did that.
Californian replies that where he's from, they make so much money they don't have to drink out of the same glass twice.

The Texan then finishes his whiskey, turns and throws his glass against the wall as well.
Bartender looks at him and asks why he did that.
Texan replies that where he's from they have so much oil they don't have to drink out of the same glass twice.

About this time the local Montanan finishes his beer, turns to the other patrons, draws his gun and shoots them both dead. Without waiting he tells the Bartender that around here there's so many Californians and Texans he doesn't have to drink with the same ones twice.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.

#Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #MochaTequilaEspressoMartini #EspressoMartini #Tequila #ChocolateTequilaCream #ElPadrino #Kahlua #Chocolate #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup
 
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