Hello to all our loyal caffeine and cocktail enthusiasts! One of the most classic and delectable cocktails that combines two of our favourite things – coffee and spirits – is none other than the Espresso Martini. Today, we have a special treat for you. We've refined the classic Espresso Martini recipe using our signature Barrel-Aged Espresso Coffee Concentrate. This concentrate gives your Espresso Martini a depth of flavour, an oak-aged touch, and a hint of magic that you won't find anywhere else.
Ingredients:
- 25ml of You Be The Barista Barrel-Aged Espresso Coffee Concentrate
- 40ml Vodka of choice
- 15ml Coffee Liquor (like Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
- 15ml Simple Syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Coffee beans (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- Chill Your Glass: Before you start preparing the martini, pop your martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill. This ensures your drink stays cold for longer.
- Preparation: Add 2-3 ice cubes to your cocktail shaker. This will help chill and dilute your cocktail to the perfect sipping temperature.
- Mix: Pour in the Barrel-Aged Espresso Coffee Concentrate, vodka, coffee liquor, and simple syrup over the ice.
- Shake, Shake, Shake: Cap your shaker and give it a vigorous shake. The goal here is to make sure all the ingredients are perfectly combined and the mixture is ice cold. You'll know it's ready when the shaker becomes frosty on the outside.
- Serve: Empty your martini glass of any ice water. Strain and pour your shaken mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: For an added touch of elegance, drop a few coffee beans on top. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also give off a delightful aroma with each sip.
The allure of the Barrel-Aged Coffee Concentrate: A deep dive into whiskey-aged delight
Barrel-aging is an age-old method predominantly used in the spirits world, primarily for wines, whiskeys, and certain beers. The magic of this process has recently been introduced to the world of coffee, and the results are truly enchanting.
By aging the coffee concentrate in whiskey barrels for six months, several transformative processes occur:
- Flavour infusion: The coffee concentrate absorbs the residual flavours from the whiskey that once occupied the barrel. This doesn't mean your coffee will taste outright like whiskey. Instead, it will carry subtle notes of the spirit's character – hints of oak, caramel, vanilla, and the smoky undertones that whiskey aficionados rave about.
- Maturation of coffee notes: The aging process also allows the coffee's natural flavours to evolve. Some of the more acidic or brighter notes may mellow out, and deeper, richer flavours can develop. The end result is a more rounded and matured flavour profile.
- Texture and Body: The barrel aging can also impact the mouthfeel of the concentrate. It might become silkier, adding a velvety richness that's not commonly found in traditional coffee concentrates.
Offering the concentrate in this 750ml bottle ensures that coffee enthusiasts get to relish this experience over multiple servings. This is not just a one-off specialty drink but rather a journey that one can embark on repeatedly, discovering new nuances with every pour.
So whether you're hosting a cocktail party, winding down after a long day, or just fancy-treating yourself, this Espresso Martini is the best go-to for sophistication and taste. It's a drink that promises indulgence with every sip.
Raise a glass to the union of coffee and cocktails! Remember, always drink responsibly and savour every moment. Cheers!
