The Grind Recipe

Prepare espresso and vanilla

Brew 120 ml of very strong espresso (two concentrated shots). Let it cool to room temperature. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape the seeds into a clean glass jar; add the scraped pods as well.

Dissolve sugar into espresso

While the espresso is still slightly warm (not hot), stir in 40 g granulated sugar until fully dissolved to make a lightly sweetened espresso concentrate. Allow to cool completely.

Combine with vodka

Pour the 750 ml vodka into the jar with vanilla seeds and pods. Add the cooled sweetened espresso to the vodka. Seal the jar tightly, give it a gentle shake to combine, and label with the date.

Infusion time

Let the mixture steep at room temperature for 48 hours, shaking the jar gently once every 8–12 hours. After 48 hours taste: if the vanilla or coffee character is not strong enough, continue infusing up to 72 hours, checking every 12 hours. Do not exceed 96 hours to avoid excessive bitterness.

Filter

When the infusion reaches the desired balance, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth into a clean bottle to remove grounds, sediment and vanilla pod pieces. Discard solids. Store the infused vodka chilled or at room temperature; it keeps for months.

Chill glass

If serving straight up, place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.

Mix

In a cocktail shaker, add plenty of ice, then pour 60 ml vanilla-espresso infused vodka, 15 ml coffee liqueur, 7.5 ml simple syrup, and 15 ml fresh cooled espresso or cold brew concentrate. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to achieve a light foam and chill the mixture.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or a rocks glass over fresh ice (if serving on the rocks) using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards and give a clean surface for garnish.

Garnish the cocktail with 3 coffee beans placed on the foam or surface for aroma. Optionally tuck a small piece of the split vanilla bean at the rim or float it gently on the drink for visual appeal. Serve immediately.