Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini makes a great digestif if you enjoy coffee flavor.

Some notes before beginning:

• This version assumes you're using less sweet coffee liqueur like Mr. Black Cold Brew.
• If you're using something sweeter, like Kahlúa, you may want to omit the simple syrup entirely.
• Espresso powder can be difficult to find so make your own by drying used espresso grinds in the oven then re-grinding them in a coffee grinder. Used espresso grinds are recommended to give a slightly less potent flavor profile.
• Save the espresso powder for enhancing your favorite chocolate cake recipe.
• After straining this cocktail into the glass a caramel-colored and creamy in texture creama should form.

This drink, a.k.a. Vodka Espresso, was originally created by legendary bar tender Richard 'Dick' Bradsell (1959-2016).

Fun Fact: Dick Bradsell can be briefly seen in the 1998 film Following by Christopher Nolan

While you sip on your Espresso Martini, check out this interview with Dick where he talks about the vodka he chose for this drink and other elements of it's origin.

Some publications claim that the model in the story of the Espresso Martini was Kate Moss. Given that the drink was invented around the mid to late 1980s and Kate Moss was born in 1974, it's highly unlikely she was ordering drinks in a London bar having been around 12 years old.

Ingredients

• 0.5 simple syrup
• 0.5 oz coffee liquer
• 1 oz shot of espresso coffee
• 1.5 oz vodka (2 oz if you want it stiffer)
• Espresso powder (garnish)

Equipment

• Boston shaker
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Martini glass or coupe glass, preferrably chilled

Preparation

1. Combine ingredients in shaker with ice
2. Shake for 10 seconds
3. Strain into a chilled glass neat