Name: Lago by Druthers Espresso Martini Recipe
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 3 oz vodka; 1.5 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa); 2 oz double-strength espresso, cooled; 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water); 1 cup ice; 3 to taste coffee beans for garnish; 1 to taste cocktail shaker (or Boston tin and mixing glass); 1 to taste fine strainer (optional); 2 to taste martini/coupe glass, chilled; 1 to taste espresso machine or strong coffee maker; 1 to taste jigger or measuring tool

Method

Cocktail

Prepare espresso

Brew 2 oz of double-strength espresso (use about double the coffee grounds for the same water volume) and allow it to cool to at least room temperature. If short on time, chill it in the fridge or an ice bath for 5–10 minutes. Using hot espresso will melt ice excessively and dilute the cocktail.

Chill glassware

Place two martini or coupe glasses in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill them with ice water while you prepare the drink to ensure a cold glass.

Combine ingredients

Add ice to the shaker until roughly half full (about 1 cup). Pour in 3 oz vodka, 1.5 oz coffee liqueur, 2 oz cooled double-strength espresso, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. The ratio here gives a balanced, slightly sweet Martini — adjust simple syrup to taste if you prefer less sweetness.

Shake vigorously

Seal the shaker and shake very hard for 15–25 seconds. A vigorous, long shake aerates the mixture and creates the characteristic light foam (crema) on top from the espresso. If using a Boston shaker, use the tin-and-glass friction method until the exterior is very cold.

Double strain and serve

Remove ice/water from the chilled glasses. Strain the contents of the shaker through the shaker’s strainer and then through a fine mesh strainer into two chilled glasses (about 5–6 oz each). Double-straining removes small ice shards and coffee grounds for a smooth finish.

Garnish

Floating three coffee beans on the foam of each cocktail is traditional. Place them gently on top to maintain the crema. Serve immediately.

Notes/variations

For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso to 2.5 oz and reduce vodka by 0.5 oz. For a vegan/less-sweet option, use a lighter simple syrup (0.25 oz) or an alternative sweetener. To make in a larger batch, keep the same ratios and multiply by number of servings, chilling and shaking in batches to preserve foam.

Equipment

Ensure shaker, strainer, and glasses are clean and chilled. Use a jigger to measure precisely. If you want an ultra-smooth pour, use both the shaker’s strainer and a fine-mesh strainer when serving.