A sophisticated drink with coffee added is the espresso martini. This alcoholic coffee drink should not be confused with a traditional martini although it is served in the same kind of glass. The standard martini has been around for more than a century and was a favorite drink during Prohibition when bootleg gin was plentiful. A  traditional martini, is made by pouring gin and sweet, white, vermouth, at a ratio of 1:1, into a mixing glass with ice cubes. The mix is stirred or shaken and then poured through a strainer into a chilled cocktail glass. An espresso martini however, uses Kahlua and vodka along with a shot of espresso served in the same kind of glass.

Espresso Martini

How to Make an Espresso Martini

You will need Kahlua, Absolute Vodka and any of the Colombian brands of organic coffee. A cocktail shaker is a good idea as well as a supply of cracked ice and a strainer. And do not forget martini glasses.

Grind you coffee and make espresso. You will need one ounce to make an espresso martini.

Add an ounce of espresso, an ounce of Absolute Vodka and an ounce and a half of Kahlua to your cocktail maker and add a couple of ounces of ice chips.

Shake vigorously for a minute and pour through the strainer into a martini glass. Enjoy.

The Mystique of the Martini

Although the traditional martini is still made as described there are variations. A dry martini is made with dry, white, vermouth. By the 1920’s it became common to ask for them. Over the course of the century the amount of vermouth steadily dropped. During the 1930s the ratio was 3:1 and during the 1940s the ratio was 4:1. During the latter part of the 20th century, 6:1, 8:1, 12:1, or even 50:1 or 100:1 martinis became considered the norm.

A dirty martini uses a splash of olive brine or olive juice and is typically garnished with an olive and a perfect martini uses equal amounts of sweet and dry vermouth. Some famous martini lovers had their own preferences. For example, Noel coward suggest just forgetting the vermouth or at most “waving the glass in the direction of Italy” where much vermouth is made.

How about the Espresso Martini?

It is not Prohibition and the espresso martini skips both vermouth and in favor or coffee, Kahlua and vodka. But this is the era of the coffee shop, specialty coffee and the rise of healthy organic coffee. It may well be that the espresso martini could become the sophisticated drink of this century. Try one and see how you like it!