No drink starts the night off with a kick more than a Classic Espresso Martini. It’s a great way to start the evening with family and friends and it is a very easy drink to make given its three basic ingredients plus a smidge of simple syrup. You may recall back in June of 2022 we did a Caramel Espresso Martini but I view that drink as a more decadent after dinner cocktail and almost a substitute for desert given its rich and sweet flavors. A Classic Espresso Martini just involves Vodka, Kahlua and Espresso in a 2-1-1 ratio with a smidge of simple syrup to take any bitterness away. Good news is if you don’t like any sweetness stick with the 2-1-1 ratio and omit the simple syrup. For those of you who like the creaminess of Bailey’s go back to the 2022 recipe and swap out regular Bailey’s instead of the salted caramel. Bottom line is the classic is a classic for a reason. It truly exudes espresso and coffee flavors and is not overly sweet. The creamier versions with Bailey’s start to move over to the dessert drink category but also hold a special place in my heart given their silky texture and sweet taste. Espresso Martinis are very versatile and can be tweaked in many ways but start with the classic and see where that leads you. Enjoy!!!!!!!
Ingredients:
- Vanilla Vodka (e.g., Absolute, Stoli)
- Kahlua
- Fresh Brewed Espresso
- Simple Syrup (Turbinado/Sugar in the Raw)
Tools:
Directions:
Simple Syrup
- Depending on how much you need you just combine equal parts sugar (Turbinado) and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil while stirring then let cool. For example, for small dinner parties I usually mix 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and in a small saucepan bring it to a boil while stirring.
- I then remove from heat to cool.
- Once cool use a funnel to transfer the simple syrup to a squeeze bottle and place in fridge until its needed.
Classic Espresso Martini
- First make sure the night before you place martini glasses in freezer to chill.
- Also 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.
- Then in the bottom of the cocktail shaker (no ice yet) place the following amounts of the ingredients
- 2 oz of Vanilla Vodka
- 1 oz of Kahlua
- 1 oz chilled brewed espresso
- ½ oz Simple Syrup (Turbinado/Sugar in the Raw)
- Once all ingredients added shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds (dry shake).
- Add ice and shake vigorously again for 10 to 15 seconds
- Pour liquid contents of shaker into glass through a cocktail strainer if there is not one built in.
- Garnish:
- Three espresso/coffee beans which represent health, happiness and prosperity.First make sure the night before you place martini glasses in freezer to chill.
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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.
