Fashionably Late Recipe

Prepare espresso

Brew a fresh shot of espresso (about 1 oz). Allow it to rest 30–60 seconds so it is just off boiling but still warm; this helps bloom aromatics but avoids melting too much ice when shaken.

Chill glass

Place a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you build the cocktail.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add the Don Julio Reposado (2 oz), Amaro Averna (0.75 oz), the freshly brewed espresso (1 oz), Mediterranean citrus liqueur (0.5 oz), simple syrup (0.25 oz), and optional cold brew or cold water (0.25 oz) if you prefer a touch more dilution for balance.

Add ice and shake

Add a full handful of ice (about 6 cubes) to the shaker. Seal and shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and you see good froth from the espresso.

Fine strain

Dump the ice water from your chilled glass if used. Double-strain the mixture through a Hawthorne or fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to remove small ice shards and espresso crema solids, producing a silky texture.

Express the citrus: hold the citrus peel about 3–4 inches above the cocktail and give it a good firm twist, skin-side down, to release oils over the surface. Rub the peel briefly around the rim of the glass, then drop it gently into the drink.

Top with one espresso bean placed on the crema for a classic, aromatic finishing touch.