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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Equipment
Method
Prepare
- 1
Chill glass
Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink is served cold.
- 2
Brew espresso
Brew approximately 1–1.5 oz of espresso. Allow it to rest for 10–20 seconds so it is hot but not boiling; this short rest helps create a better crema when shaken.
Mixing
- 3
Add ice to the cocktail shaker until about two-thirds full.
- 4
Pour 2 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz Kahlúa, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, and 0.25 oz simple syrup into the shaker. The simple syrup is optional — adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your Kahlúa and vodka.
- 5
Securely cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 15–25 seconds. A long, hard shake both chills the cocktail and aerates the espresso, producing a thick, silky crema on top.
- 6
If desired, double-strain the cocktail through a fine strainer into the chilled glass to remove small ice shards and any large bubbles for a cleaner presentation.
Finish
- 7
Garnish with 3 whole coffee beans placed on the crema.
- 8
Serve immediately. Enjoy responsibly.
