Rich, indulgent and downright delicious, everyone loves a well-made espresso martini. A combination of vodka, coffee liquor, espresso and an optional component of a cream-based spirit, the perfect espresso martini requires a mastery of technique with the right combination of ingredients for the perfect taste.
Origin Story
According to TasteWise, the Espresso Martini has grown 56% in consumption over the past year. But, how did the espresso martini fully come to be? Well, we can all thank Dick Bradsell, according to the New York Times he is known as the creator of the espresso martini. Bradsell spearheaded the cocktail revival trend that spread across the world. By 1994 he was a global celebrity mixologist.
The story goes that in Soho London in the 1980’s supermodel Kate Moss entered Dick’s bar and asked him to make her a drink that would “wake me up and then mess me up”. From that request, Bradsell invented the Espresso Martini.
Tips & Tools
Over the past few months, I’ve been expanding my inner mixologist to get the espresso martini cocktail to perfection. As a lover of both fine espresso and a well-made martini, this has been a wonderful way to explore and shine on my own terms minus the $18+ tax + tip at a fancy downtown cocktail bar.
To work on my technique and to put together my ideal recipe, I started by making sure my coffee was on-point. So I added a new KitchenAid Espresso Collection to my kitchen, mostly for research on my espresso martinis concoctions. The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine can be used to create great-tasting espresso and can also be used for any cocktails that involve espresso. My job was to create, perfect and enjoy an espresso martini at home as good – if not better – than those at five-star hotels and perfected bartenders.
After months of research, and many trials with friends. I created a recipe that was just perfect for my palate. Now, I know that there are multiple ways to make an espresso martini and maybe this recipe won’t be perfect for everyone. However, it is now my tried and true recipe to use anytime I’m craving a little pick-me-up treat.
Recipe
Ingredients & Directions
Makes 2 Martinis (because whoever makes just one!)
- Four (4) shots of espresso (I used my KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine)
- I freshly grind the espresso beans for this martini, freshly grind espresso makes all the difference in taste. so pick your espresso beans carefully.
- Two (2) ounces of vodka (I use Kettle One)
- Two (2) ounces of coffee liquor (I use Kahlua )
- Coffee bean for garnish
- Put all liquid into a large shaker filled with ice, shake for 30 counts, strain into martini glasses and add 3 coffee beans as a garnish, serve immediately.
