Isla’s Insights
Isla’s Insights
The best (and only) way to make the perfect Espresso Martini
Author: Tom Rowse | March 1, 2024
Category: Best Espresso Martini Recipe
In honor of Espresso Martini Month, we're sharing a slice of our trade secrets to celebrate what we believe is the world's best drink. The quest for the perfect nightcap (or night starter) has always led us to the Espresso Martini. A true beacon of sophistication with a dash of indulgence, it's like that impeccably dressed friend of yours who's always the life of the party. And for those in the know, whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a curious flavor adventurer, the key to an exceptional Espresso Martini lies in more than just technique—it's all about the quality of ingredients.
Take it from Jeremy Ortiz, mixologist and beverage director at Isla & Co., who swears by the magic conjured by top-notch components. It’s like building a masterpiece; you don’t start with watercolors if you’re aiming for a Van Gogh. The foundation of our star cocktail? Espresso. But not just any espresso – we're talking about a rich, aromatic shot of Espresso like what we use from Hole In The Wall Coffee Co. Not your average, run-of-the-mill brew; it's the kind of coffee that awakens your senses while whispering sweet nothings about quality and depth of flavor.
Then comes the co-star, Mr Black coffee liqueur. Which isn't just a liqueur; it's the life of the party, bringing a depth and complexity that elevates the cocktail from good to “Can I have another, please?” It brings the richness of freshly roasted coffee, a hint of bitterness, and a velvety sweetness, all coming together in a beautiful, harmonious blend.
When you shake a cocktail like an Espresso Martini, it's not just about mixing; it's about infusing your personal flair into the drink. You need to shake it with a sense of purpose, vigorous enough to marry the boldness of the coffee with the smoothness of the vodka and the richness of the liqueur. As you pour it into your (pre-chilled) coupe, bask in the beauty of the perfectly rising froth that settles purposefully at the top of your glass—a sign of a well-made Espresso Martini.
You haven't just created a cocktail; you’ve created a moment.
The first sip? It’s a revelation. The robust coffee, the sultry sweetness of the liqueur, the clean hit of vodka – it’s like a symphony, each note perfectly in place, each sip a testament to the power of those quality driven ingredients.
Follow the recipe below and send through your creations to hello@isla-co.com - I’d love to share them on our pages.
Equipment Needed
Martini or Coupe Glass: Serve your cocktail in style.
Jigger: Precise measurements create a perfect blend.
Cocktail Shaker: This is along with your enthusiastic shaking not only blend the ingredients, it’ll create that iconic frothy top.
Fine Strainer: Strains the cocktail mix to achieve a smooth, foam texture.
Espresso Machine: For brewing fresh espresso. Alternatively, you can pop down to your local Isla & Co. barista for a few shots of espresso or use a strong brewed cold brew concentrate.
Ingredients
1 oz Mr Black Coffee Liqueur
1 oz Ketel One Vodka
1 oz freshly brewed Hole In The Wall Coffee Co. espresso or a cold brew concentrate
Teaspoon of sugar syrup
Ice cubes
Coffee beans for garnish
Method
Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine Hole In The Wall Coffee Co. Espresso, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, premium vodka and sugar
Shake with Ice: Add ice to the shaker and give it a robust shake until the mixture is ice-cold.
Strain into Glass: Elegantly strain the mixture into a martini glass, ensuring a smooth pour.
Garnish: Finalize the drink with a trio of coffee beans as garnish for an authentic touch.
So there you have it, your guide to creating the quintessential Espresso Martini at home. Remember, like any great culinary endeavor, it’s all about the ingredients and the passion you pour into it.
And if all else fails, you can pop down to your local Isla & Co. for an Espresso Martini that just requires a few lifts to the lips to enjoy.
Cheers!
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