Ingredients
Honey Vanilla Bean Vanilla Sugar Vodka Kahlua Espresso
What you need in the kitchen:
Medium pot martini glass (best as a chilled cocktail glass or chilled martini glass) cocktail shaker ice coffee beans (as garnish)
When I was dreaming up the last cocktail Saturday before Thanksgiving, I knew I wanted it to be the perfect after-dinner drink to officially welcome the start of the holiday season. Funny enough, I really do like playing bartender when my family is in town. My first thought was a new twist on a White Russian. I love a White Russian more than you know. It’s been a favorite cocktail ever since I created my The North Pole Cocktail a few years back. It’s a holiday favorite. But, I was bored. Yes, White Russians are great, but I’ve shared a few, and I wanted to try something new. Maybe something I wasn’t even thinking of. So, I put the feelers out to my family. My cousin Maggie came back immediately with an espresso martini. And then within seconds, my sister-in-law Lynds said the very same thing. I took that as a sign and ran with the idea, adding only a small twist, but one that really makes all the difference. Lynds was against any major twist, so I settled on a homemade vanilla honey syrup that adds that special touch I was really looking for. Normally, I’m not one for a martini, but this espresso martini has changed everything for me. It’s similar to a White Russian, just minus the cream.
Here is how to make a vanilla espresso martini.
It’s EASY. Start with the honey syrup, which is literally just honey and a vanilla bean simmered together until the vanilla infuses the honey with flavor. Two simple ingredients that make all the difference. Shake the honey syrup with vodka, Kahlúa, and a shot of bold espresso. You’ll get a sweet martini, with just the right amount of espresso, and hints of vanilla. Simple to mix up, but oh so GOOD. The key to a good espresso martini is all in that frothy top. I know it might seem like a hard thing to achieve, but it’s actually very easy. You just need to really shake the drink together with ice for a good minute to create the froth. The harder you shake, the more froth you’ll get. If you’ve got some anger to work out, this is a great task. Afterward, hold back the ice with a fine mesh strainer and pour the cocktail into your chilled martini glass. I wanted to make the drink sparkle and shine, so I rimmed the glass with a sweet vanilla sugar (simply sugar mixed with vanilla bean seeds). It’s so simple to make, but creates an extra-special drink that’s really fitting for a holiday night. Cue the Christmas playlists! And that’s pretty much it. It’s a classic, but with a small twist that makes it even better. This frothy espresso martini is perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Enjoy guys!!
Looking for other easy after-dinner holiday drinks? Here are my favorites: Spicy Pomegranate Moscow Mule Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned Spiced Cranberry Rosé Spritzers Lastly, if you make this Vanilla Espresso Martini, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
