Espresso Martini

The espresso martini (not even a martini at all according to purists) combines the flavors of bitter coffee, sweet vanilla from Kahlua with the sharp bite and burn from Vodka. The legend of the espresso martini goes: a model in London requested a drink that would “wake me up and then f*** me up” and so, this delicious concoction was created! All of the perpetually tired partiers rejoiced!! There are many other caffeine infused cocktails but none quite capture the sophistication of the espresso martini.

• There are many recipes to choose from when making an espresso martini. Every bartender has their opinion on which recipe is the best but the two ingredients they can all agree on are Espresso and Vodka. Our favorite recipe uses Tito’s, a corn distilled American-made vodka. For the espresso martini you don’t necessarily need an expensive vodka. If you like extra, sweet drinks you could even use a vanilla vodka. We used Delallo Instant Espresso Powder for a quick espresso shot. (Some people might faint after reading that.) Obviously, if you have an espresso machine, fresh made espresso is best. When you are making these martinis at a dive bar outside of Gainesville, Florida, instant works just fine. The last two basic ingredients to add are  Kahlúa and simple syrup. 

• The looks I received while creating these espresso martinis at my bar were not encouraging to say the least. But once that espresso martini touched Billy Joe’s lips the outlook changed. Customers switched from their Jack Daniels and Bud Light to the Espresso Martini that night! Some of them even ate the three coffee beans that are placed on top as the traditional garnish. Maybe they thought it would grant them the health, wealth, and happiness that the three beans stand for.