ESPRESSO MARTINI😍

The cocktail I’ve been drinking all year long and the only reason I’ll make it past midnight this New Years. Save this for your New Year’s plans - it’s a total crowd pleaser and insanely easy - even my grandparents were chugging these all night long (according to my godmother, one of the best cocktails she’s ever had ;) Enjoy! 

A few tips before you start:

• The trick to a good espresso martini is getting the right amount of froth to your cocktail. Froth is created when you shake vigorously the hot espresso, ice, and sugar from the simple syrup. For extra froth, shake longer than you’d think - you want your cocktail shaker to be almost too cold to touch. 

• Another trick to getting good froth is using just enough ice to get your cocktail cold - I use about 5-6 cubes. If you fill your entire cocktail shaker with ice, a lot of the remaining ice will prevent your froth from coming out when you strain it.

• Use this as a base to whatever flavoring you like! A fun festive one we’ve been doing at home is a Peppermint Espresso martini - just add a few dashes of peppermint extract to your simple syrup and rim your glass with chocolate and crushed peppermint for a festive twist! Other favorites are my Salted Espresso Martini, recipe found here.

• You can make the simple syrup a few days ahead as it’ll keep for about a week in the fridge.

• For batch espresso martinis, you can use a blender, but I personally like to make the martinis individually as I feel making them in a big batch messes with the foam a bit, but choose what you prefer!

• If you don’t have an espresso machine, head to your local coffee shop and get espresso shots ahead of time to make this!

• I find using 1 oz of simple syrup is the perfect amount of sweetness for me, as it’s got a touch of sweetness but not too sweet. But be sure to choose the amount based on preference, reducing or adding to personal preference.

• Link to my cocktail glasses

Serves 1.

Ingredients:

For the Espresso Martini:

• 2oz vodka

• 1.5oz Kahlua

• 1 shot espresso

• 1oz simple syrup

• Espresso beans for topping (3 is good luck!)

For the Simple Syrup (makes enough for about 8-10 cocktails):

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup white sugar

Directions:

For the Espresso Martini:

• To make your simple syrup, add the water and sugar to a saucepan and cook on medium heat. Stir often until sugar is fully dissolved, then shut off the heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to a glass jar with a lid to store until ready to use.

• To make the espresso martinis, fill a cocktail shaker just under halfway with ice. Add in the vodka, Kahlua, simple syrup, and espresso. Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds or until your hand is very cold.

• Strain into a glass and garnish with espresso beans. Enjoy!