Espresso Martini

Instructions

1. Chill your Martini glass thoroughly. Fill it with ice and water while you prepare the drink, or place it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.

2. Brew a shot of fresh, hot espresso (approx. 2.5-3 cl) and let it cool slightly for a minute or two. This is crucial for the best flavour and foam.

3. Fill your shaker with plenty of ice cubes.

4. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and simple syrup (if using) to the shaker.

5. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. You want the shaker to become frosted on the outside – this chills the drink and creates the signature foam.

6. Discard the ice from your chilled Martini glass.

7. Double strain the mixture into the chilled glass using both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth texture and catch any small ice shards.

8. Garnish with three coffee beans placed carefully on top of the foam.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy the invigorating experience.

Trivia

• What is an Espresso Martini?

  An Espresso Martini is a popular caffeinated alcoholic drink made with vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and often a touch of simple syrup for sweetness. It's known for its rich coffee flavour, smooth texture, and distinctive frothy top layer, typically garnished with three coffee beans.

• How do you get the foam on an Espresso Martini?

  The signature foam (crema) on an Espresso Martini comes from shaking the drink vigorously with ice. The oils in the freshly brewed espresso emulsify when shaken hard, creating fine bubbles that form a stable, frothy layer on top. Using fresh, hot espresso and shaking for at least 15-20 seconds are key to achieving a good foam.

• What does an Espresso Martini taste like?

  An Espresso Martini has a bold, rich coffee flavour balanced by the clean kick of vodka and the sweetness of coffee liqueur. It's typically bittersweet, smooth, and invigorating. The level of sweetness can be adjusted with simple syrup to suit personal preference.

• What is the best vodka for an Espresso Martini?

  A good quality, neutral vodka is generally preferred for an Espresso Martini to allow the coffee flavours to shine. Mid-range to premium vodkas like Ketel One, Grey Goose, or Tito's Handmade Vodka work well, providing a smooth base without overpowering the other ingredients.

• Can I make an Espresso Martini without an espresso machine?

  Yes, while freshly brewed espresso yields the best results and foam, you can make an Espresso Martini without a machine. Use strong brewed coffee (like Moka pot or Aeropress), cold brew concentrate (note: this might produce less foam), or even high-quality instant espresso powder dissolved in a small amount of hot water.

• Why are there three coffee beans on an Espresso Martini?

  The traditional garnish of three coffee beans on an Espresso Martini represents health, wealth, and happiness. This tradition originates from the Italian way of serving Sambuca ('con la mosca' - with the fly), where three beans are floated in the liqueur for good luck.

• Is an Espresso Martini strong?

  Yes, an Espresso Martini is considered a relatively strong cocktail. It typically contains around 2-2.5 ounces (60-75ml) of spirits (vodka and coffee liqueur) and also includes caffeine from the espresso, providing both an alcoholic and stimulating effect.