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Frequently paired with
The best thing to pair and share with Espresso Martini
Ingredients
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Cocktail
Tequila Variation
Method
Cocktail
Brew espresso
Brew a fresh shot (about 1 oz) of espresso and let it cool slightly (30–60 seconds). Alternatively, use 1 oz of cold-brew concentrate that is strong and well chilled.
Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (or cold-brew), 0.5 oz simple syrup, and a generous scoop of ice (about 1 cup).
Dry shake (optional)
If you want a frothier top, first shake the ingredients without ice for 8–10 seconds to emulsify the espresso and create foam.
Shake with ice
Add ice if you dry-shook, or shake immediately if you didn't. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold to the touch and a thick crema forms.
Double strain and serve
Empty the chilled glass of ice/water. Fine-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass to remove ice shards and achieve a silky texture.
Garnish
Floating three coffee beans on the crema as a traditional garnish. Serve immediately.
Tequila Variation
To make the tequila (carajillo-style) variation, substitute the 2 oz vodka with 2 oz reposado or añejo tequila and consider using Licor 43 or keeping the coffee liqueur. Follow the same steps: chill the glass, combine tequila + coffee liqueur + espresso + simple syrup with ice, dry-shake if desired, shake with ice, double strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with coffee beans.