Espresso Martini Recipe: Best Coffee & Vodka Combinations

 To celebrate our exclusive giveaway with Bournemouth-based Barista & Co we invited their artisan roasters to pen a guest post on their favourite coffee-infused cocktail, the decadent espresso martini. Here Bethany Jenkinson highlights the best coffee bean and vodka combinations to make this recipe sing.

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Need a drink that'll perk you up and put a smile on your face?

Look no further than the espresso martini. This delicious concoction combines the rich, bold flavour of espresso with the smooth, silky texture of vodka to create a cocktail that will make you feel like a million bucks (or at least a few hundred).

Best Coffee Beans to Use in an Espresso Martini

The espresso martini is like the Batman and Robin of cocktails. Espresso is the dark, brooding hero and vodka is the smooth, suave sidekick. It's a dream team, but to make this dynamic duo shine, you need to use the best coffee beans possible.

Here are some of the top contenders:

Arabica Beans

Arabica beans are like the fairy godmothers of the coffee world – they're delicate, low in acidity, and add a magical touch to any espresso-based drink. Plus, they pair perfectly with vodka and coffee liqueur to create a smooth and mellow cocktail. Find your perfect Arabica whole bean coffee here.

Brazilian Beans

Brazilian beans are like the Wonder Woman of coffee beans – they're strong, bold, and pack a punch of flavour. Their nutty, chocolatey taste is the perfect complement to an espresso martini, creating a rich and full-bodied flavour that will have you feeling like a superhero.

Ethiopian Beans

Ethiopian beans are like the rebels of the coffee world – they're bright, fruity, and march to the beat of their own drum. While they may not be the most traditional choice for an espresso martini, they can add a unique twist to the cocktail and create a flavour profile that's out of this world.

No matter which coffee beans you choose, just make sure they're freshly roasted and ground for the best flavour. And don't be afraid to mix and match different blends and roasts to find the perfect combo for your espresso martini.

Best Vodka to Use in Your Espresso Martini

Ah, the age-old question: what's the best vodka to use in your espresso martini? The answer is simple - the one you like the most! But if you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, here are some suggestions:

Grey Goose

This premium vodka is made in France and is known for its smooth and velvety texture. It's a favourite among many bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, and it pairs perfectly with the strong flavour of espresso.

Ketel One

This Dutch vodka is distilled from wheat and is known for its crisp and clean taste. It's a great choice if you prefer your espresso martini to have a subtle vodka flavour.

Absolut

This Swedish vodka is a classic choice for any cocktail, and it's no exception when it comes to the espresso martini. It's made from winter wheat and is distilled multiple times to create a smooth and pure taste.

Tito's Handmade Vodka

This American-made vodka is crafted in small batches using corn, and it has a slightly sweet and smooth taste. It's a great choice for those who prefer a milder vodka flavour in their espresso martini.

Remember, the best vodka to use in your espresso martini is ultimately up to you and your taste preferences. Don't be afraid to try different vodkas and find the one that's perfect for you. And who knows, you might just discover a new favourite cocktail along the way.

Best Espresso Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

1 shot of espresso
1 1/2 oz vodka
1 oz Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
1/2 oz simple syrup
Ice
3 coffee beans, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew a shot of espresso and allow to cool.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the cooled espresso, vodka, Kahlua, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with three coffee beans.

The decadent espresso martini is the perfect cocktail for anyone who loves coffee and having a good time. It's easy to make, tastes amazing, and works equally well before or after dinner. ). Cheers to coffee and cocktails!

Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini Recipe

Who says you need to be a rebel without a cause to enjoy a classic espresso martini? Not us! This non-alcoholic version of the beloved cocktail is perfect for those who want to indulge in the rich and bold flavour of an espresso martini without the hangover.

Ingredients:

1 shot of espresso (or 1/4 cup of strong coffee)
1/4 cup of cold water
1/4 cup of simple syrup
1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
1/4 tsp of almond extract
1/4 tsp of cocoa powder
Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Brew a shot of espresso (or make 1/4 cup of strong coffee if you don't have an espresso machine).
2. Pour the espresso or coffee into a cocktail shaker.
3. Add the cold water, simple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cocoa powder.
4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few coffee beans.

Cheers to delicious drinks that won't leave you with a headache the next day!

Alternative Cocktails to an Espresso Martini

As much as we love the espresso martini, sometimes it's good to switch things up and try something new. Here are some alternative cocktails that will give the espresso martini a run for its money.

Irish Coffee

This is like the espresso martini's long-lost cousin from Ireland. Instead of vodka, it's made with Irish whiskey, coffee, and a dollop of whipped cream. It's the perfect drink for a cosy night in or a chilly evening out.

White Russian

This cocktail is like the espresso martini's laid-back cousin who's always up for a good time. It's made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, and it's the perfect drink for those who love a creamy and sweet cocktail.

Cold Brew Martini

This cocktail is like the espresso martini's hipster cousin who's always on trend. It's made with cold brew coffee, vodka, and a touch of honey or simple syrup. It's the perfect drink for those who love a smooth and refreshing cocktail.

Mocha Martini

This cocktail is like an espresso martini with a chocolatey twist. It's made with chocolate liqueur, espresso, vodka, and a splash of cream. Perfect for those who love a rich and decadent dessert of a cocktail.

No matter which cocktails you choose, try experimenting with different ingredients and ratios to find your perfect match. It's like going on a blind date with your taste buds – you never know who you might fall in love with.

Cheers to trying new things!