There’s an espresso martini for every occasion

Any bartender will tell you: an espresso martini is That cocktail of the season. As the winter holidays approach, he strikes the perfect note between playfulness and sophistication and brings his signature energy to any occasion.

What might you not know? How easy it is to make an espresso martini at home. That is, as long as you have a bottle of Kahlua on hand. The world’s number one coffee liqueur is the heart and soul of the espresso martini. Add Kahlua and vodka to a shaker, pour in the espresso, shake it the way you want, and you’ll get a silky espresso martini with a velvety crema, just like you’d order at a bar.

This is the best cocktail to showcase Kahlua’s character. Born in Mexico in 1936, Kahlua is made from the finest 100% Arabica coffee beans, roasted and infused with a rum base. It has long been an integral part of classic cocktails, including the White Russian and Mudslide. But for your purposes? This should be the hero of your holiday bar cart. Holiday parties, cool fall nights, or just a cozy evening by the fire, there’s an espresso martini to suit every taste.

Autumn mood in a glass: pumpkin spice espresso martini

What’s not to like? Warm notes of Kahlua toffee pair beautifully with pumpkin spice syrup, all set against a rich coffee flavor. Think about Thanksgiving, a much-needed post-dinner pick-me-up, or, if you can’t wait that long, the first cozy, crisp night of fall.

Pro tip: For any espresso martini you make, shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds—and shake just the way you want it! – to really get that velvety foam on top.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Kahlua
• 1 part Absolut vodka
• 1 part espresso
• 0.5 part pumpkin spice syrup (I recommend Monin)
• 3 whole coffee beans for garnish