Summer is here and that means enjoying evening cocktails in the light evenings. We might be biased but an espresso martini is the perfect afterwork appertif. Whether you’re serving these up in your hospitality business or getting out the cocktail shaker at home, here is the secret to a great espresso martini.
Secret to a great espresso martini
There are different variations of the espresso martini. You can swap out the vodka for gin, lighten the taste with simple syrup or add a dash or Amaretto but the secret to pulling together all the ingredients together for the best cocktail is to have fresh coffee.
The oils and air in the espresso that bring out the flavours of all the other elements to a great espresso martini. The speed at which the espresso is created allows for more air to move through the espresso. Likewise, the freshness and quality of your wholesale coffee beans also impacts the flavour and texture of the final cocktail in the same way it does with your morning coffee.
Espresso is the signature ingredient of this drink so it’s all hanging on how great your coffee beans are.
Getting that espresso foamy top
The aesthetics of the espresso martini is also part of its appeal. This means you need to get that foamy top just right. This can only be done with a properly brewed espresso. It’s that mix of air and oils again that, when shaken, creates the foam.You really need to give your arms a good workout when shaking the cocktail to get that perfect foamy top. The air reacts with the coffee to create that creamy texture. Much like a caffe crema on your perfect long espresso.
It’s why when you try recreate bar-quality cocktails at home, they can fall a bit flat if you don’t have a good quality espresso machine and the right beans. The answer is to shake it for much longer than you think and serve immediately.
You also need to make sure you’ve got plenty of ice in that shaker to get the right consistency but make sure you strain before you pour.
If you’re really struggling to get the perfect foam consistency, you can always add egg white or aquafaba to the recipe.
Espresso Martini tips
Cold martini glasses
As you’ll be using hot espresso (you can use cold brew but you won’t get the same consistency and look of martini) you want to chill your glasses first.
Top them up with ice before making your drink or pop them in the freezer for a couple of minutes.
Shake it like a polaroid picture
A great espresso martini takes time to create. This is not a fast-serving drink. That’s because it’s all in the shake. You need a good minute of shaking to get the right consistency and flavour-profile to your cocktail.
Serve immediately
For the best espresso martini, you need to serve immediately. The three coffee beans on the top represent health, wealth and prosperity. Don’t forget to add these.
Always use quality, fresh ingredients
Coffee is the star of this drink so make sure it’s good quality and freshly brewed. The quality of your vodka and coffee liquor will also affect the taste.Espresso Martini recipe
Ingredients:100ml vodka
50ml fresh espresso
50ml coffee liquor
50ml simple syrup
Ice
Method:
1. Put your martini glasses in the fridge or freezer to cool
2. Add ice, vodka, espresso, coffee liquor and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker
3. Shake it well
4. Strain into the cooled glasses
5. Add three coffee beans.
Enjoy your cheeky summer cocktail.