While there seems to be a food and beverage holiday every day of the week, March 15 celebrates the Espresso Martini. Although the celebration has been on the calendar for years, the surge in popularity for the caffeinated cocktail has many mixologists shaking up twists on the popular libation.
From swapping the liquor to adding a little extra flavor, there are plenty of ways to serve an espresso martini. Some people might take a hard stand on the presence or lack of cream. Others believe the premise that simplicity is best. Only one rule seems to hold true for all options, three espresso beans should be floating on that delicate, frothy crème.
Looking for some creative cocktails to celebrate National Espresso Martini Day?
Across the U.S., various resorts and hotels’ mixologists have offer their take on the coffee forward cocktail. From vodka to tequila and peanut butter to coconut, these concepts revitalize the coffee cocktail with a little extra zing.
Sakura illy Espresso Martini [Lady Madison – Washington, DC]
Anyone who has visited Washington, DC in the springtime has been captivated by the cherry blossoms surrounding the Tidal Basin. This espresso martini is inspired by those colorful blooms. This recipe uses Haku Japanese Vodka to represent the connection to the stunning foliage.
Overall, this cocktail is quite coffee forward. The bold illy Espresso takes center stage. With supporting sweet notes and a touch of cherry blossom syrup, it is a spring-inspired delight that should not be missed.
Ingredients:
1 oz Haku Japanese Vodka
1 oz Caffé Borghetti
1 oz illy Espresso
0.5 oz Cherry Blossom Syrup
0.5 oz Coconut Cream
Instructions:
Brew 1 oz of illy Espresso and allow it to cool slightly.
In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients.
Add ice to the shaker, then shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass rimmed with coconut flakes.
For a final touch, garnish with a few cherry blossoms (in season!) or edible flower petals.
Caribbean Coconut Espresso Martini [Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort – Aruba]
While some people might be dreaming of an island escape this spring, this espresso martini brings a taste of Aruba to any locale. This cocktail infuses coffee into every aspect of the beverage. Although it is best enjoyed while watching the waves roll in at Eagle Beach, sipping one with someone special is equally as enticing.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz espresso-flavored vodka
0.75 oz Kahlúa
1 oz coconut cream
1 oz freshly brewed espresso (chilled)
Chocolate syrup (for garnish)
Coffee beans (for garnish)
Instructions:
Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled martini glass and set aside.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, Kahlúa, coconut cream, and espresso.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into the prepared glass.
Garnish with coffee beans on top.
Espresso No-tini [Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse – Los Angeles, CA]
Non-alcoholic cocktails are vital part to any beverage program. This “no-tini” option proves that a flavorful libation does not necessarily have to be alcohol forward. It has everything that people love about an espresso martini, just without the alcohol.
Ingredients:
2 oz Lyre’s Agave Blanco
1 oz cold espresso (Intelligentsia Black Cat espresso)
0.5 oz agave syrup
Instructions:
Combine and shake all ingredients well.
Double strain into a martini coupe.
Enjoy a bold yet balanced sip, without the proof!
Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini [The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort – Richmond, RI]
S’mores highlight marshmallows and chocolate, but marshmallows and coffee are equally well-paired. This take on the espresso martini feels more like a dessert. Skip the fork and raise a glass.
Ingredients:
1 oz of home-made Vanilla infused vodka
1 oz fresh espresso
¾ oz chocolate liquor
¾ oz Baileys
¾ oz Kahlua
Instructions:
Place all spirits into a shaker with fresh espresso and shake without ice to build foam, then shake again with ice and pour into a rimmed coupe glass
Garnish- Place the corner of ½ a chocolate bar in whipped marshmallow fluff and place on graham cracker and toast with a blow torch, then add golden espresso beans to marshmallow
Rim a Coupe glass with whipped marshmallow then toast till golden brown
Use Cinnamon to dust over an open flame from the torch to create a spark and add a toasted cinnamon flavor and aroma to the cocktail and enjoy
Irish Breakfast [The Kimpton Brice – Savannah, GA]
While many people love an Irish coffee to end a meal, this cocktail brings together that concept with the espresso martini. The unusual aspect to this recipe is the touch of Guinness. It adds a hint of malty notes which balances the honey syrup perfectly. Although it is not necessarily the first beverage of the day, it would be great at a brunch.
Ingredients:
1.5oz Slane Irish Whiskey
1oz Espresso
.75oz Honey Syrup
2oz Guinness
3 Coffee Beans for Garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the honey syrup: If you haven’t already, mix equal parts honey and warm water until fully dissolved. Let it cool.
Brew and cool the espresso: Freshly brewed espresso is best, but make sure it’s cool before mixing.
Shake the cocktail: Fill a shaker with ice, then add Slane Irish Whiskey, espresso, and honey syrup. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
Add the Guinness: Strain the shaken mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass, then gently pour the Guinness over the top.
Garnish: Float three coffee beans on the surface for a classic espresso martini touch.
Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with 3 espresso beans on the foam as a stylish finishing touch.
Peanut Butter Espresso Martini [Wyvern Hotel – Punta Gorda, FL]
Peanut butter and coffee is not necessarily the most common pairing. This recipe uses Chica Cheetah Tequila, which has a peanut butter flavor. That slightly salty, nutty note balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. The flavor is one that deserves a moment to contemplate.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Chica Cheetah Tequila
0.5 oz Kahlúa
0.5 oz Licor 43
1 shot Espresso
Orange zest
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice.
Pour over a large rock in a rocks glass and garnish with orange zest.
Thirsty to celebrate National Espresso Day? With that caffeinated boost, there is plenty of energy to enjoy all the options.