Espresso Martini Recipe
Vodka, Owen's espresso martini with Meletti chocolate liqueur
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
- 1
Prepare Espresso
Brew a fresh shot (about 1 oz) of espresso and let it rest 30–60 seconds to cool slightly. If using cold-brew concentrate, measure 1 oz chilled. The espresso should be hot-ish when added to the shaker to help create a good foam during shaking; allow it to cool just enough to not melt the ice immediately.
- 2
- 3
Combine Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, 0.75 oz Meletti chocolate liqueur, 0.25 oz coffee liqueur (optional), and 0.25 oz simple syrup. Add the measured cup of ice to the shaker.
- 4
Dry Shake (optional, for extra foam)
If you want a thicker crema on top, first shake the ingredients without ice (dry shake) for 10–12 seconds. This aerates the espresso and helps build foam.
- 5
Wet Shake
Add ice (if you performed a dry shake, now add ice) and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. Aim for a vigorous, fast shake until the shaker is very cold to the touch and you see a frothy texture developing from the espresso.
- 6
Strain and Serve
Empty the chilled glass of any ice/water. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to ensure a silky texture and a clean surface.
- 7
Garnish
Gently place three coffee beans on top of the foam in a triangular pattern as a classic garnish. Optionally, grate a light dusting of dark chocolate or cocoa over the foam for extra aroma.
- 8
Serve
Serve immediately while cold. The ideal Espresso Martini has a glossy crema and balanced chocolate-coffee-vodka flavors.