Espresso Martini Recipe
Absolut vanilla vodka, Kahlua, espresso shot, vanilla syrup
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Optional
Method
Prepare
Make espresso
Brew a fresh double shot of espresso (about 1 oz) immediately before mixing. Use hot espresso so the cocktail will achieve a good crema when shaken. If using pre-made espresso, ensure it is very fresh and hot.
Optional rim
If desired, wet the rim of the chilled glass very lightly with a drop of vanilla syrup and dip into demerara sugar for a subtle sweet rim. Set aside.
Mix
Add 2 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz Kahlúa, 1 oz freshly brewed hot espresso, and 0.5 oz vanilla syrup into a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with enough ice to come 2/3 full (about 1 cup).
Secure the shaker lid and first perform a brief 'dry shake' (no ice) for 5–8 seconds if you prefer extra foamy crema from the espresso — optional. Then add ice (if you dry-shook first) and shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and you feel a good weight and froth forming.
Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer and a standard cocktail strainer into the chilled coupe or martini glass to capture ice shards and create a smooth surface with crema.
Garnish with three coffee beans placed on the crema.
Serve immediately.