Get more than one kind of buzz with a Southern bourbon espresso martini.
We’ve used bourbon because, well, that’s what we Southerners enjoy.
What Is a Bourbon Espresso Martini?
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Notably, the espresso martini is not Southern or an actual martini.
It doesn’t contain gin or vermouth like a true martini but instead uses vodka and coffee liqueur.
In this bourbon espresso martini recipe, we take this cocktail and remix it Southern style with bourbon.
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Since we are dressing this one up all Southern-like, let’s walk through what you’ll need.
Can You Make Big Batch Bourbon Espresso Martinis?
The cream is a result of vigorously shaking the freshly brewed espresso.
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
What Makes a Bourbon Espresso Martini Frothy?
There are a couple of factors that go into making this particular cocktail nice and frothy.
First, the freshness and quality of the espresso.
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A freshly brewed coffee is best for producing a rich cream.
Second, it’s all about the shake, shake, shake!
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, lots of ice, and shake that thang like you mean it!
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
The more intensely you shake the drink, the more frothy the cream.
Strain directly into a chilled glass.
Spoon out extra foam from the shaker if desired.
This tradition started with coffee beans as a garnish for sambuca.
The three coffee beans are meant to represent three blessings: wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
While the whole coffee beans are also edible, the simplicity of the traditional garnish is classic and timeless.
However, I decided to try something new.
Use a micro plane or fine zester to grate a coffee bean over the top of a finished drink.
The grated coffee beans creates a dust or powder look, delicately floating on top of the creamy foam.
room temperature espresso (or coffee concentrate)
1/2oz.
Add the bourbon, espresso, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and pinch of salt.
Shake the cocktail:
Shake the cocktail aggressively, and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with grated or whole coffee beans.
