A dark, decadent twist on a classic—fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and Heart of Scotland Vodka (or Navy Strength Gin) shaken hard for a silky micro-foam.Rich, invigorating, and perfect after dinner.Espresso Martini—named after the once-mysterious River Devon, known for running as black as night. Rich, invigorating, and perfect as a digestif or cosy winter pick-me-up.
50mlFreshly brewed, espresso-strength coffee e.g. Fever-Tree, or to taste
50mlKahlúa coffee liqueur (or your preferred coffee liqueur)
2Handful Ice
Garnish
3BeansCoffee
Instructions
Brew the coffee:Grind and brew a strong espresso (e.g., using a Bialetti stovetop maker over gentle heat).
Build:Fill the shaker with ice. Add the vodka (or gin), Kahlúa, and the warm (but not piping hot) coffee over the ice.
Shake:Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds—until the shaker feels cold to the touch
Strain & serve:Crack the shaker and strain the cocktail into your chilled martini glass, discarding the used ice.
Notes :
Vodka = classic & clean; Navy Strength Gin = botanical backbone with spice and citrus.Pull espresso fresh and let it cool 1–2 min before shaking to reduce melt and boost foam stability.Dial sweetness with your coffee liqueur choice; add 5 ml demerara if using a drier liqueur.For a rounder taste, a tiny pinch of sea salt can soften bitterness (optional).
Garnish:
Float 3 roasted coffee beans on top (traditional health, wealth & happiness).Optional: a light cocoa dust or a few freshly ground coffee specks for aroma.Serve immediately for peak aroma and foam.
Tips:
Shake hard for 20–30 seconds to build that rich, silky micro-foam.Use plenty of fresh ice; if foam is thin, shake longer.Fine-strain for a smooth, polished surface; skip it if you prefer more crema-like texture.Pre-chill the martini glass to keep the foam glossy and long-lasting.
☕ Why You’ll Love It
Deep, bold, indulgent—perfect for a luxurious nightcap.
Seamless balance of bitter espresso, sweet liqueur, and spirited warmth.
Texture-rich finish thanks to vigorous shaking and an ice-cold build.
Beautiful garnish & aroma make it as sensory as it is flavourful.