June 2022 – Caramel Espresso Martini

I am a big fan of Martini drinks and will share many on theperfectdrink.org.  They come in many varieties and provide a simple yet elegant way to start or finish an evening.  The nice part about making a perfect martini is that you just need the glass, the ingredients, and a shaker in most instances.  One of my favorites, and most decadent martini recipes, is my caramel espresso martini. Whether to start off the party or treating it as after dinner desert (it is that decadent), a martini is great drink that can be enjoyed anytime and made for all occasions.  What started out as the perfect espresso martini, got elevated with a simple switch, substituting Baileys Salted Caramel instead of using the original Bailey’s Irish Crème.  I am a big fan of caramel anything, and when I saw the Salted Caramel Bailey’s on the shelf, I immediately thought how wonderful that might be.  This simple swap turned a perfect expresso martini into a perfect decadent caramel espresso martini.  If you are not a fan of caramel flavor just revert back to the original Bailey’s for a perfect espresso martini but trust me the combination of vanilla vodka and the caramel Bailey’s elevates this martini from wow to spectacular.

Ingredients:

• Absolute Vanilla Vodka
• Kahlua
• Crème de Cacao
• Baileys Salted Caramel
• Fresh Brewed Espresso
• Espresso Beans or Pocky Stick

Tools:

• Oxo two-sided shot glass/jigger
• Cocktail Shaker
• Martini Glass

Directions:

1. First make sure the night before you place martini glasses in freezer to chill.
2. Either brew or purchase fresh espresso and chill. Do not use warm espresso as it will melt the ice to quickly and dilute the drink.
3. Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
4. Then in the bottom of the cocktail shaker place the following amounts of the ingredients
   • 2 oz of Absolute Vanilla Vodka
   • 3/4oz of Kahlua
   • 1/4 oz of Crème de Cacao
   • 1/2 oz Bailey’s Salted Caramel
   • 1 oz chilled brewed espresso
5. Once all ingredients added shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds.
6. Pour liquid contents of shaker into glass through a cocktail strainer if there is not one built in.
7. Once drink in glass garnish with three espresso/coffee beans (see-picture – if so inclined) and enjoy!!!
   • Three espresso/coffee beans represent health, happiness and prosperity.
   • Alternative garnish option: A chocolate covered biscuit stick placed over the glass (e.g., Pocky)

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The items shown above are just suggestions/examples and each consumer should do their own research and choose the proper product that suits their needs the best.