Gin Espresso Martini: A Twist on a Classic - Chisel & Fork (2024)

This gin espresso martini takes a twist on the classic co*cktail by using your favorite gin instead of vodka. It is a great pick-me-up for an after dinner co*cktail.

I'm a big fan of after dinner co*cktails - from a salted caramel martini to a Godiva chocolate martini to a gingerbread martini to a white chocolate martini.

As you can tell, most of them lean sweet. And while this gin espresso martini has a hint of sweetness, it is also strong, smooth, rich and delicious. If you are a fan of Irish coffee, this co*cktail will hit the spot.

By using gin instead of vodka you are actually making a more traditional martini. A martini is a co*cktail made with gin, vermouth, and garnish. You can have it shaken or stirred. It is actually believed that James Bond made the vodka martini more popular.

By using gin, you add a more complex, almost botanical flavor which complements the espresso and Kahlúa. You still get that famous foam when shaking all of the ingredients together.

Ingredient Notes

• Gin -has an herbal flavor marked with citrus and spices which complements the coffee taste well. My go-to isBombay Sapphire.
• Kahlúa - adds a strong coffee flavor with subtle notes of caramel and vanilla. You can also use other coffee liqueurs like Mr. Black or Tia Maria.
• Espresso –use a strong espresso coffee, preferably brewed in a machine so get that noted flavor.
• Simple syrup - adds a slight sweetness and mellows out the flavors of the coffee. You can buy or make your own, which means boiling equal parts sugar and water and then letting cool.
• Coffee beans - just used as a garnish.

Step-by-Step Photos

Mix all of the ingredients in a martini shaker with some ice. Shake very hard for 30 seconds and strain quickly in a martini glass so you get that foam. Top with coffee beans if desired.

FAQs

Types of Gin

There are 4 main types ofgin, and they all vary slightly in their flavor. Just depends on what you are looking for.

• London Dry -the most common type of gin, which has a strong juniper flavor.
• Plymouth -drier than London Dry and a little more citrus forward.
• Old Tom -has more licorice and is richer in flavor than London Dry.
• Genever -almost no citrus flavor and the richest in flavor of all gins.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

• Use a gin you like as some of the flavor comes from it.
• Make sure the espresso is cooled completely or it will melt the ice.
• You can cool the espresso more quickly by placing in the freezer for a few minutes.
• Shake the co*cktail for at least 30 seconds so you get that foam.
• Pour quickly into the glass to ensure there is foam.
• Chill the glass so it remains cold for longer.

Other co*ckails

If you’ve tried thisgin espresso martinior any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! And if you are looking for a slightly different flavor, try this chocolate espresso martini. You can also follow meonFacebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

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