Baba’s Sesame Espresso Martini Recipe
Make Baba’s Sesame Espresso Martini Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Garnish
Method
Prepare Sesame Syrup (make ahead or keep refrigerated)
- 1
Toasted sesame simple syrup
Toast 2 tablespoons sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned (2–3 minutes). Combine the toasted seeds with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a low simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and steep 10 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing to extract liquid. Cool, then refrigerate. Yields about 6–7 oz syrup. Use 0.5 oz per cocktail.
Cocktail Assembly
- 2
Chill glass
Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure a cold serving glass.
- 3
Prepare toasted sesame oil
If using drops of sesame oil, dilute them by stirring the 2 drops into ~1/4 teaspoon cold water (or a few drops of the sesame syrup) on a small spoon so the oil disperses rather than forming a globby drop. This helps the sesame aroma integrate more evenly into the drink.
- 4
Combine ingredients in shaker
Add the chilled espresso (2 oz), vodka (1.5 oz), coffee liqueur (1 oz), sesame syrup (0.5 oz), and the diluted sesame oil to a cocktail shaker. Add a generous amount of ice (about 6 pieces) to the shaker.
- 5
Dry shake (optional)
For a stronger foam, first close the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 10–12 seconds to emulsify the coffee and sesame components. This step helps produce a creamier head.
- 6
Wet shake
Add the ice (if you dry-shook) or proceed directly if you didn't dry-shake. Shake very vigorously for 16–20 seconds until the shaker is well chilled and you feel condensation forming on the outside — this creates a glossy, frothy crema.
- 7
Strain
Discard ice/water from the chilled glass if you pre-chilled it. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove small ice shards and any sesame seed solids.
- 8
Garnish
Sprinkle the 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds in a small line or circle on the foam, and place 3 coffee beans on the surface for the classic look. Optionally, dust a tiny pinch of cacao powder or mist a small spray of espresso crema over the foam for visual contrast.
- 9
Serve
Serve immediately while the foam is fresh and aromatic. Sip and enjoy the interplay of bright espresso, smooth coffee liqueur, vodka warmth, and the nutty toasted-sesame aroma.
