Recipe: Delicious Espresso Martini at home

By Ayanda Dlamini

When the sun sets and the night takes on a slower pace and whether you're staying in for cozy evenings or out with friends where conversations linger and time seems to pause, it’s the perfect backdrop for an Espresso Martini. There’s a certain romance about Espresso Martinis that fascinated me, a sense of savouring the moment rather than rushing through it.

What better way to celebrate the beauty of summer evenings than with a cocktail that blends the rich allure of coffee, with a refreshing chill of a martini. Known for its velvety texture, rich espresso flavour, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a drink that brings together the boldness of coffee, the smoothness of vodka, and the depth of Kahlua (or similar Coffee Liqueur). 

Today's curated home recipe was formed with Rafar, a talented mixologist at The Station, who equally shares our love for coffee. With his expertise, we've crafted a step-by-step guide to help you recreate the perfect Espresso Martini at home: 

Ingredients:

• 50ml Vodka (double shot)
• 25ml Kahlua or a coffee liqueur of your choice
• 50ml Freshly brewed double espresso (from a bold, full-bodied roast)
• Ice cubes
• 15ml Homemade sugar syrup (recipe below)
• Coffee beans or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

1. Prepare Your Homemade Sugar Syrup: Before you start, whip up a batch of homemade sugar syrup. It’s easy to make and can be stored for future cocktails. What you’ll need is,100g of sugar & 100ml of water. 
2. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring it to medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool before using. You can store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week.
3. Brew a Double Espresso: The espresso is the heart of the cocktail, so choose a bold, full-bodied roast. This adds depth to the final drink.
4. Prepare a double shot of espresso (about 50-60ml). If you don't have an espresso machine, a stovetop Moka pot or a strong shot from an Aeropress will work well. Allow the espresso to cool slightly before mixing it into your drink - it should be warm, not too hot.
5. Chill Your Glass: A simple yet crucial step is to chill your martini glass. Place it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice and water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This ensures your martini is served cold and keeps the flavors crisp.
6. Combine Your Ingredients in a Shaker, add:

• 50ml vodka 
• 25ml coffee liqueur (single shot)
• 50/60ml cooled espresso
• 10-15ml homemade sugar syrup

Tip: The balance of these flavours is key. The vodka provides the backbone, the coffee liqueur adds sweetness and depth, and the espresso gives the drink its rich, coffee-forward flavour.

7.  Add Ice and Shake: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker, enough to fill it halfway. Then, shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. The goal is to create a frothy/crema-like layer on top of the cocktail, which is essential for a perfect Espresso Martini. Shaking hard also ensures the drink is properly chilled and diluted proportionately.

8. Strain into the Chilled Glass: Once shaken, strain the mixture into your pre-chilled martini glass. You can use a fine-mesh strainer to catch any small ice shards, ensuring a smooth and velvety drink.

9. Garnish and Serve: For the final touch, garnish with a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top and enjoy !

Optional: Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolatey and buttery notes in the drink and Enjoy your homemade Espresso Martini. 

Whether you’re hosting friends for a summer evening or simply unwinding after a long day, this cocktail offers a perfect blend of fun and sophistication. The best part is, you don’t have to have expert barista skills, it’s easy to make at home, and an experience that celebrates coffee and the slow, perfect pace of late-night conversations.