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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Equipment
Method
Cocktail
Chill glass
Put a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to ensure it stays cold.
Measure ingredients
Using a jigger, measure 2 oz vodka, 1 oz cold brew (concentrate preferred), 0.5 oz vanilla liqueur (or vanilla syrup), 0.5 oz freshly brewed espresso (optional for crema), and 0.25 oz simple syrup if you want a touch more sweetness. If using vanilla syrup instead of vanilla liqueur, reduce or omit the simple syrup accordingly.
Combine and salt
Add the vodka, cold brew, vanilla liqueur (or vanilla syrup), espresso (if using), simple syrup, and a pinch (about 1/16 tsp) of coarse flaked sea salt into the cocktail shaker. The salt rounds and enhances the flavors — a little goes a long way.
Add ice and dry shake briefly (optional)
For a frothier crema, add a small handful of ice to the shaker, seal, and give a vigorous dry shake (without ice) for 5–7 seconds first if you included fresh espresso. If not using egg white, you can skip the dry shake and proceed to a regular shake. (Note: dry shake here refers to shaking without ice; if you prefer, you may skip.)
Shake with ice
Add ice to fill the shaker about two-thirds full (approximately 1 cup). Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and the mixture is well aerated.
Double strain and serve
Remove the chilled glass from the freezer or empty the ice water. Strain the cocktail through the shaker's strainer and then through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled martini/coupe glass to remove ice shards and any coffee grounds. This produces a smooth, silky texture and a nice crema on top.
Garnish
Sprinkle a very light pinch (a few flakes) of coarse sea salt across the surface and float 2–3 coffee beans in the center. The salt should enhance the vanilla and coffee notes without making the drink noticeably salty.
Serve
Serve immediately while cold. Sip and note the balance of vodka, bitter coffee, vanilla sweetness, and the subtle briny lift from the salt.
Equipment
Ensure you have a chilled glass, shaker, jigger, and (optionally) a fine mesh strainer available before beginning. Clean and dry equipment after use.