There’s nothing humble about this sumptuous temptress. With unapologetic flavours and even less humble beginnings, this decadent minx commands attention with every sip. First crafted by bartender Dick Bradsell for a supermodel in the 80’s, who requested for a drink to “wake me up and f*** me up”, the Espresso Martini was born out of glam. Luring you in like the bar’s very own siren, rich freshly brewed coffee meets the invigorating bite of premium vodka, playfully balanced with syrup and Kahlúa to produce irresistible dulcet tones! Refined yet untamed, each sip lingers as a moment with luxurious flirtation. This drink deserves perfect craft, however to achieve its lavish qualities requires excellent skill, precision and a tacit know-how. So switch on the Brewster, shake to your hearts content and let us ensure you with fabulous Espresso Martini making!
Essential Ingredients
To make the perfect Espresso Martini, you’ll need the following key ingredients. For best results, you want to use premium ingredients where possible.
- Espresso: Fresh, high-quality espresso for maximum depth and a rich crema.
- Vodka: A smooth, premium vodka that won’t overpower the coffee.
- Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is typically used, which enhances the espresso’s bold flavour.
- Simple Syrup: Optional, but it adds sweetness and balance to the cocktail.
Premium Vodka Recommendations
Selecting the right vodka is crucial, as it forms the base of the cocktail. Premium brands like Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Absolut Elyx are best, as of their neutral flavours and exceptionally smooth finishes. This blends better with the coffee and will achieve a higher quality taste and mouthfeel.
The Importance of Fresh, Quality Ingredients
Freshly brewed espresso makes a noticeable difference in flavour, as does a high-quality coffee liqueur. Using freshly brewed espresso allows the cocktail to have a strong, aromatic profile.
Ultimate Espresso Martini: The Recipe
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine strainer for silky texture
- Martini glass or coupe
- Coffee making equipment (espresso machine, moka pot, or similar)
- Ice
Ingredients
- 40 ml premium vodka (Grey Goose or Belvedere)
- 30 ml freshly pulled espresso, cooled
- 20 ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa is traditional, but Mr. Black offers a more intense coffee flavour)
- 10 ml simple syrup (start less, then you can always add more)
- Ice for shaking
Instructions
1. Chill your martini glass in the fridge for at least 10 minutes
2. Pull your espresso shot and allow it to cool before using
3. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup
4. The Shake: This is crucial! We believe in a double shake to create that signature foam. There are different schools of thought for what works best, but we preach the reverse shake to achieve an extra frothy texture, whereby you shake with ice, remove ice and then shake again.
- With ice, shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker becomes cool (15 – 20 seconds)
- Strain out the mixture into another shaker or glass to separate from the ice.
- Remove the ice before returning the mix to the original shaker and shake again!
5. Double strain into your chilled glass to ensure a refined and smooth liquid with no bits
6. Traditionally, Espresso Martinis are garnished with 3 coffee beans, representing health, wealth, and happiness!
Top Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
The Perfect Foam
The hallmark of a well-made Espresso Martini is its creamy foam top. Shaking the cocktail well allows the coffee’s natural oils combine with the ice and aerates the mixture to create that perfect foam or ‘crema.’ This is the quality that gives Espresso Matinis that luxurious velvety mouthfeel.
To achieve this:
- Temperature control: Ensure your espresso is cooled before mixing and make sure your glasses are well chilled
- Shaking: Double shake using a reverse shake method and shake harder than you think necessary
- Straining: Use a fine strainer and double strain to achieve a silky texture
- Pouring: Pour in one smooth motion
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Watery drinks: Using hot espresso (it melts the ice too quickly)
- Watery drinks: While shaking for long enough is important, shaking for too can dilute the mixture leaving you with a watery drink. Aim for no longer than 20 seconds.
- Taste: Weak or stale coffee will mean you lose the flavour and richness of the coffee
- Thin foam: Not shaking vigorously enough
- Avoiding Over-Sweetness: Start with a small amount of simple syrup and adjust based on taste.
Classic Variations to Try
The Vanilla Twist
Add a dash of vanilla extract or replace regular simple syrup with vanilla syrup
Mocha Espresso Martini
Add a small splash of crème de cacao for a richer, chocolatey taste
Baileys Espresso Martini
Get rid of the Kahlua dd 50ml Baileys or other Irish Cream to 30ml vodka and 30ml espresso and – voilà!
The Spicy Espresso Martini
Add a dash of chili or cinnamon for a unique spiced twist
Non-Alcoholic Version
Replace vodka with cold brew concentrate and use coffee syrup instead of coffee liqueur
Pairing and Serving
Best Times to Serve
Most commonly the Espresso Martini is seen as an after-dinner drink, dessert replacement, a sophisticated party starter or a late-night pick-me-up. We love to see it on the brunch table, lunch table, or any other table for that matter.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Espresso Martini’s slightly bitter flavours of coffee and chocolate pair beautifully with other rich and chocolatey treats or nutty favours.
- Dark chocolate desserts
- Tiramisu
- Dark chocolate truffles
- Almond biscotti
- Crème brûlée
- Vanilla ice cream
- Amaretto Ice Cream
- Fresh berries
However, we are not believers of confinement! And while the Espresso Martini is often seen at dessert or as a post dinner pick me up, it is also a complementary addition to a bounty of savoury dishes. Recommendations often point in the direction of well-known Italian dishes. Think in the way creamy, cheesy, zesty and nutty pastas that balance out the rich martini. Equally bruschetta or caprese salads offer a lighter option.
Presentation Tips
Classic garnishes include three coffee beans or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Alternatively try adding grated dark chocolate or, for an aromatic and slightly festive twist, add a dusting of cinnamon or an orange rind twist.
FAQs
Q: Can you use instant coffee? A: Using freshly brewed coffee is preferred to attain that rich and complex flavour, however instant coffee powder also works and won’t do that much damage!
Q: Can You Make It Decaf? A: Yes, simply substitute decaf espresso for regular espresso to enjoy the flavours without the caffeine.
Q: What’s the Best Substitute for Coffee Liqueur? A: If you don’t have coffee liqueur, try using a shot of espresso with a splash of rum and a bit of sugar.
Q: Can you make a Non-Alcoholic Version? A: Of course! replace vodka with cold-brewed coffee and coffee liqueur with a dash of vanilla or almond extract. This maintains the depth of flavour and richness without alcohol.
