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In Search of the Ultimate Espresso Martini (link here)
The judges, while unanimous in their favorites, were not unanimous in their rankings of those favorites, resulting in a three-way tie. Among the winners was the Espresso Martini of Patrick Smith, senior beverage manager for Union Square Hospitality Group.
His take on the classic was also a favorite in 2019, and might be considered the most archetypal of the bunch. It calls for vodka, fresh espresso, Mr Black coffee liqueur, Demerara syrup and an unorthodox but not uncommon addition of vanilla liqueur.
1 ounce vodka, preferably Ketel One
3/4 ounce espresso
3/4 ounce coffee liqueur, preferably Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
1/2 ounce vanilla liqueur, preferably Giffard Vanille de Madagascar
1/4 ounce Demerara syrup (1:1, Demerara sugar to water)
It was garnished with three coffee beans, which Evans suggested act as a testament to a good head of foam; Tulloch, who prefers no garnish, noted that they often end up clogging the dishwasher. The judges thought this drink had the best texture of the group, and the “dimension” and “balance” they were looking for.
1 1/2 ounces vanilla bean vodka (see Editor’s Note)
3/4 ounce espresso
1/2 ounce coffee liqueur, preferably Kahlúa
1/4 ounce rich Demerara syrup (2:1, sugar to water)
Another favorite was the Espresso Martini of Bar Valentina in New York, which calls for vanilla-infused vodka, Kahlúa, fresh espresso and rich Demerara syrup. As with real espresso, a citrus note on the palate led to a pleasant bitterness. “It finishes like when you bite into a chocolate-covered espresso bean,” said Tulloch.
The third winner was Valentino Longo’s Espresso Martini from ViceVersa in Miami. His recipe likewise leans on fresh espresso in addition to vodka and Borghetti coffee liqueur, while an unexpected splash of amaretto brings another layer of richness to the recipe. “It has a charming ‘burnt cinnamon roll’ thing going on,” said Evans, who noted that while he typically only indulges in one Espresso Martini per sitting, “I would drink two, if not three, of these.”
1 3/4 ounces vodka, preferably Grey Goose
3/4 ounce espresso
1/2 ounce coffee liqueur, preferably Borghetti
1/2 ounce honey syrup (1:1, water to raw millefiori honey)
