Mocha Espresso Martini

Making a Mocha Espresso Martini with coffee-infused vodka, homemade chocolate syrup, and heavy cream is an indulgent craft that combines the bold flavors of coffee and the richness of chocolate with the creaminess of heavy cream. This cocktail is a delightful twist on the classic Espresso Martini, adding a sumptuous chocolatey depth that makes it more than a beverage: a dessert in a glass.

Infusing vodka with coffee beans introduces a more nuanced and complex coffee profile than simply using a coffee-flavored liqueur. Freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee) adds an intense and authentic coffee kick. Its bold flavor and aroma are crucial for achieving that unmistakable espresso martini character.

Adding chocolate syrup gives the martini its mocha character. Homemade syrup allows for customization in terms of sweetness and chocolate intensity, making your cocktail stand out with a personal touch. Heavy cream adds a luxurious texture and balances the potent flavors of coffee and chocolate, softening the drink and making it smooth and velvety.

Infusing vodka with coffee beans will take some time… like days, not hours, so this will be a project in and of itself. If you’re in a pinch for time, go with an unflavored vodka. Otherwise, here’s a recipe for Homemade Coffee-Infused Vodka:

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Mocha Espresso Martini:

• Use fresh coffee grounds for the infusion and high-quality cocoa for the chocolate syrup.
• Ensure the espresso is freshly brewed but not too hot when you add it to the shaker. You don’t want to melt the ice instantly and dilute the drink.
• Adjust the chocolate syrup and cream to taste. While the cocktail should be rich, it should also have a balance between the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the chocolate.
• A well-presented martini can make all the difference. The contrast between the dark coffee and the creamy top layer, garnished with a few coffee beans and chocolate shavings, makes it visually appealing.

Method for the Best Mocha Espresso Martini:

1. Prepare Coffee-Infused Vodka: Infuse vodka with high-quality coffee beans. Let it steep in an airtight container for several days, shaking once a day. This process imbues the vodka with a rich, full-bodied coffee flavor that can be used beyond just espresso martinis.
2. Make Homemade Chocolate Syrup: Combine high-quality cocoa powder, sugar, water, and any other desired flavor additions in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture is smooth. Be sure to let it cool thoroughly before using it in the cocktail.
3. Brew Fresh Espresso: Brew a shot of espresso. The freshness is key – it should be made right before making the cocktail to preserve its flavor. Let is cool to room temperature before adding to the shaker.
4. Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker, pour the coffee-infused vodka, freshly brewed espresso, a generous splash of chocolate syrup, and a dash of heavy cream. Add ice to the shaker.
5. Shake Vigorously: Shake the mixture well. This is not just about mixing; it’s about chilling the drink and creating a frothy top layer from the cream. If in doubt, keep shaking.
6. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. You should see a beautiful layer of frothy cream on top. Garnish with a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
7. Enjoy: Serve immediately to savor the blend of rich flavors and creamy texture.

This Mocha Espresso Martini is more than just a drink; it’s a decadent experience, blending the stimulating flavors of coffee and chocolate with the indulgent texture of cream. It’s perfect for coffee lovers and those who appreciate a cocktail that doubles as a dessert.

Mocha Espresso Martini

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: CocktailsCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

This Mocha Espresso Martini is more than just a drink; it’s a decadent experience, blending the stimulating flavors of coffee and chocolate with the indulgent texture of cream.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces coffee-infused vodka

• 2 ounces brewed strong coffee, room temperature

• 1 1/2 ounce chocolate syrup

• 1 ounce heavy cream

• ice cubes

• chocolate shavings, for garnish

• For the Chocolate Syrup

• 1 cup brewed coffee

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup unsweetened cacao powder

• pinch of salt

Equipment

• Cocktail shakerBuy now
• SaucepanBuy now

Directions

• Prepare the Chocolate Syrup:
  In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of strong brewed coffee and ½ cup of water. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat while stirring constantly. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture has thickened. Let it cool before using in the cocktail.
  
  The remaining chocolate syrup can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for several days.
• Brew the Coffee:
  If you haven’t already, brew your strong coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature. This is essential to prevent the ice from melting too quickly and diluting your cocktail.
• Mix the Cocktail:
  In a shaker, combine the coffee-infused vodka, brewed coffee, chocolate syrup, and heavy cream. Fill the shaker with ice. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
• Strain and Serve:
  Strain the cocktail into your desired glass. The drink should have a nice froth on top from the shaking. Garnish with chocolate shavings.