Garnished with a few coffee beans, the espresso martini is a sophisticated little devil – it’s dressed to kill, and this recipe is the best out there.
It’s rich, indulgent and creamy, and the shot of espresso will make sure you keep up with the pack if you find yourself flagging at your office Christmas party.
As a drink it’s deliciously confusing – coffee and vodka simply shouldn’t be allowed to taste this good together, but they do. The liqueur has a wicked sweetness while the coffee gives it a rich depth, whilst the vodka delivers that necessary kick that lets you know you’re doing something naughty. It’s all finished off with the thick, luxurious, creamy froth that sits at the top of the glass. It’s vital that you use a good quality espresso shot – obviously I make mine fresh from the Nespresso® machine.
This drink works well on its own as a party cocktail, but can also be employed effectively at dinner parties as an excessively luxurious digestif after your main meal – both the coffee and the coffee liquor aid digestion. If you’re feeling particularly decadent, you can do away with the coffee course entirely and head straight for this to make sure that you escape that fatal after-dinner lull that so often plagues these events.
Put simply, it’s the best way to perk up your evening (no matter what type of party your throwing) and keep it going into those wee, wee hours. I love making them at home but remember, they will lead you astray!
How to make an espresso martini
Makes one
Ingredients
50ml Grey Goose vodka
35ml coffee liqueur
1 shot (25ml) of espresso
Ice
Method
1. Add all the ingredients into your shaker.
2. Put the other half of the shaker on top and give it a good tap to lock it in, then shake the living daylights out of it. You want the ice to smash up while chilling the liquid down; its what creates the frothy top. Try to use fresh-from-the-freezer ice, as melting ice is too watery and will dilute the martini.
3. Garnish with 3 coffee beans and attempt to contain your delight.
For more tips check out this video about how to make a Classic Espresso Martini with Jamie's Food Team:
Method images by Izy Hozzack
