If you love a caffeine kick in your cocktail, then the trending Espresso Martini with a Twist, also known as the “Caffeine Buzz,” might just be your next favorite drink. This cocktail combines the rich, deep flavors of coffee with a velvety blend of vanilla and a hint of hazelnut, making it the ideal evening drink for coffee aficionados. Here’s how to make it.
Espresso Martini
Prep Time 7 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 oz espresso freshly brewed and cooled
- 1 oz vodka preferably vanilla-infused for added flavor
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur such as Kahlua or Tia Maria
- 0.25 oz hazelnut liqueur optional, for a nutty twist
- 0.25 oz simple syrup adjust sweetness as needed
- Ice for shaking
- Coffee beans or a pinch of cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
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Brew your espresso first to give it time to cool slightly. This prevents it from melting the ice too quickly when shaken and preserves the cocktail’s texture. A strong, aromatic espresso shot works best to highlight the coffee flavor.
Step 2: Combine in a Shaker
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In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, hazelnut liqueur, simple syrup, and espresso. Fill the shaker with ice for a well-chilled drink. The ice is essential for both cooling and frothing the espresso, which creates the creamy foam layer characteristic of a classic Espresso Martini.
Step 3: Shake It Up
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Give the mixture a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds. Shaking the espresso hard with the ice gives it a foamy texture and aerates the drink, giving it a smooth and frothy top layer.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
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Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. A fine-mesh strainer helps achieve a silky finish, filtering out any small ice shards for a pure, smooth experience.
Step 5: Garnish
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Top off your Espresso Martini with a few whole coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder to add a visual and aromatic appeal.
