The Ghost of the Espresso Martini
Espresso martinis are having a moment right now. I get it, mixing your uppers and your downers sounds like a perfectly safe decision. Well, at the very least, it’s a bit classier than a vodka redbull (#judgementfreezone). This drink is not an espresso martini, but it does have the essence of one. Or if you’re a bartender who’s sick of the OG, this stirred drink can conjure fantasies of no longer shaking up martinis all night.
I built the drink to be a vodka old fashioned. Wait, hear me out. @neftvodkaus gifted me a bottle of their grain-based vodka and it has a bit more character compared to many vodkas I’ve tried— I actually enjoyed it neat or on ice. The OF template is a great way to allow a quality spirit to shine, particularly when I’m trying not to overpower delicate flavors.
So OF it is. Spirit? Check. Sweet? Here’s where the coffee comes in. I brought back a cold brew syrup I’ve used before, which packs a lot of coffee flavor and a little cinnamon. Seasoning? Instead of bitters, I used rye whiskey to amp up the spice (and the proof) a bit and to bring out the subtle grain notes from the vodka. With each sip, notes of coffee and cinnamon come first, transitioning to hints of oak and vanilla and rye, then finishing with the clean, nuanced sweetness of the vodka. If you have access to a quality vodka, I recommend giving this one a stir!
Recipe
1.75oz Vodka (@neftvodkaus, gifted)
0.25oz Rye (@heavenhilldistillery)
1tsp cold brew syrup
Stir all ingredients with ice briefly until just chilled. Strain over OF glass over large #clearice (@truecubes, gifted), garnish with coffee beans.
