Alerto Gli Occhi (eyeopener) Recipe
A TRUE ESPRESSO MARTINI, MADE WITH ESPRESSO LIQUEUR, VODKA AND A HINT OF IRISH LIQUEUR
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
- 1
Chill glass
Place a martini/coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold and retains crema.
- 2
Brew and cool espresso
If you haven't already, brew a single shot (about 1 oz) of espresso or a very strong small-batch coffee. Allow it to cool for 1–2 minutes so it is warm, not steaming; using hot espresso will melt too much ice and dilute the drink.
- 3
Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add 1 cup of ice, 2 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso liqueur, 1 oz cooled espresso, 0.5 oz Irish cream liqueur, and 0.25 oz simple syrup. The ice quantity should be enough to chill and create good agitation but not so much that the shaker is cramped.
- 4
Dry shake (optional)
For a richer, frothier crema, first secure the shaker (without ice) and shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds to emulsify the Irish cream and espresso. This step is optional but recommended for a classic espresso martini texture.
- 5
Wet shake
If you did a dry shake, open the shaker, add the ice, then shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds. If you skipped the dry shake, combine all ingredients with ice and shake vigorously for 18–20 seconds. The goal is to get the mixture very cold and to create a foamy crema on top from the espresso and Irish cream.
- 6
Strain and serve
Discard ice/water from the chilled glass if you used ice water. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled martini/coupe glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh (to remove tiny ice shards and ensure a silky texture). Pour gently to preserve the crema.
- 7
Garnish
Float three coffee beans on top of the crema (traditionally representing health, wealth and happiness). Serve immediately while cold and frothy.
- 8
Notes
Adjust sweetness with simple syrup to taste — up to 0.5 oz if you prefer sweeter. If you want a stronger Irish-liqueur presence, increase Irish cream to 0.75 oz and reduce vodka by the same amount. Use freshly brewed espresso for best crema and flavor.