Espresso Martini

How we make it.

By the drink (serves 1)
1 ounce espresso, cooled
2 ounces vodka (I like Tito's)
1 ounce Kahlua
Splash half-and-half
Dash cinnamon

Make sure before you begin that the espresso is cool, not hot. Combine espresso, vodka, Kahlua and half-and-half in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake for around 30 seconds until ice cold and strain into a coupe or martini glass, garnishing with a dash of cinnamon. Serve ice cold.

By the pitcher (serves 4)
1/2 cup espresso, cooled
1 cup vodka (I like Tito's)
1/2 cup Kahlua
2 Tablespoons half-and-half
Dash cinnamon per drink

Combine all ingredients into a small pitcher. When ready to serve, pour over ice in a cocktail shaker, drink by drink, shake and strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon. Serve ice cold.

Why we make it.

I love dirty martinis. but I have never met a next morning that wasn't upside down after having one. Especially with my bad little tennis friends. This espresso martini is two-fold wonderful. First, it doesn't have the straight alcohol of a dirty martini so that's a touch of a reprieve for the bloodstream. Second, it's a multipurpose delight. You can enjoy it as a pre-dinner cocktail to supercharge your night with an extra energy zip. Or, you can slowly sip after dinner as a one-two punch. Both dessert and night cap. Choose your adventure. Richly flavored with a splash of half-and-half and a pinch of cinnamon to round out the bite of espresso and vodka, this Kahlua-sweetened martini is a creamy little treat that will keep you on your feet. That's why we make it.