Some things in life are just meant to be together. Mac and cheese, bacon and eggs, Chandler and Joey, the list goes on. For us at The Mobile Mixer, coffee and alcohol belong in this category, and no drink combines the two more effortlessly than the Espresso Martini.
The Espresso Martini was born some 37 years ago in a famous Soho, London bar after the bartender there received a request for a drink that would “wake me up and f*ck me up”.
However, it didn’t enter our consciousness until many years later whilst prowling the streets of our (second) hometown Melbourne. From the moment it touched our lips, we knew we had found a favourite.
Few drinks pack the punch that this one does, and even fewer deliver this in such a delicious, drinkable package. The alcohol is delivered in the form of vodka, for which we like to use Tito’s. Extra alcohol is injected via a coffee liqueur, which also lends sweetness and flavour to the drink. We like to use a local offering, Bolivar from 40 Creek Distillery.
The final ingredient is the espresso. A traditional rendition requires a freshly pulled shot straight from the machine, which provides the richest flavours. But we like to be a bit different and prefer to use a cold brew concentrate. We find using a cold brew concentrate still offers a really nice sweetness without the added acidity that a traditional espresso shot would contain, meaning no added sugar is required for balance, and we avoid dilution in the shaker that occurs when a hot espresso shot mixes with the ice (it’s also difficult to pull 100 shots in a mobile bar when everyone at the wedding wants one!)
The Espresso Martini is best drunk as a transitional drink – from work to knock-off drinks or from dinner to evening starter. We have performed several after dinner cocktails hours at weddings where this cocktail is the star of the show. The presence of both alcohol & caffeine mean you shouldn’t drink more than one in a session, but when made properly, you may find yourself wanting another!
Recipe:
1oz Titos Vodka
1oz Bolivar Coffee Liqueur
2oz Cold Brew Concentrate
3 whole coffee beans for garnish
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass, placing the coffee beans on top of the formed froth.
Cold Brew Concentrate Recipe:
0.5lb coarsely ground fresh coffee
1L cold filtered water
Place coffee and water in a French Press. Gently stir and place in fridge to steep for 12-24 hours. Once steeped, push down plunger only ¼ of the way, then pour over drip filter to remove any small grinds. This cold brew can be also be enjoyed by adding equal parts concentrate and water.
Give this recipe a try, and if you do, be sure to take a pic and tag us so we can cheers you!
Are you following us yet? @mobile.mixer Cheers Stefan & Amanda The Mobile Mixer