Understanding the Allure of the Espresso Martini

Most folks believe the world operates in two places. The world at large focuses on caffeine, work, energy, production, and output. And then the night world typically relaxes with music, socializing, spirits, well into the dark hours of the night. The espresso martini combines both as a drink, taking the best of the caffeinated experience and mixing it with the classic power of the martini.

There is no question that the espresso martini is going to have a kick; the drink recipe includes three-fourths of an authentic espresso mixed in along with a few natural coffee beans for an accent. Add in some additional Kahlua and proper vodka for the base and you have an Absolut Espresso Martini on your hands for good measure, chilled with ice cubes as a last touch.

Blame it on a Supermodel

The original recipe was probably an attempt to crack the earlier part of the day’s market in terms of daytime vodka lovers. A London bartender’s surprise became a crowd favorite, hands down. Somewhere in the 1980s, a supermodel’s request for a drink with both a serious bang as well as a spirit-style hit turned into the concoction we know now as the espresso martini. Whether truth or fiction, the combination of quality vodka with Kahlua and a rich espresso clearly smacks the palette with both a hammer of taste impact as well the “knock off my feet and put me in a chair” strength of Absolut vodka as well. No surprise, the mix easily grabs the mindset of those on the go and looking to get their energy back versus slouching with a margarita instead. Add in a few coffee beans on top, floating and smiling, the drink literally beckons one to engage with abandon, drinking it asap.

Balance Strong With Strong

Remember, coffee in general doesn’t mix well. It’s not an easy taste to match up and many flavors simply end up clashing with the strong, rooty flavor that the coffee bean generates, especially in a strong form like an espresso. Matching it with Kahlua as well as a high-quality vodka balances the flavor of the coffee. It will still be present, but the flavors of the other two recipe ingredients will stand out just as well. That combination provides an amazing circus of tastes on the tongue as well as the warmth in the throat and stomach as the drink is imbibed.

Fortunately, one doesn’t need to be an expert barista to enjoy a solid espresso martini, even at home. Just have the means to generate a decent espresso, add in some Absolut vodka and Kahlua with a proper recipe, and your espresso martini is ready to be enjoyed with the evening TV or cable show and a friend. In fact, it’s even worth experimenting a bit. Try different coffee flavors and see the differences from one to the next. After all, it was experimenting that created the espresso martini in the first place.