An Espresso Martini For Whiskey Drinkers

I am a diehard whiskey drinker, but I have always wanted to be a martini drinker.

That is one of the reasons why I have always been partial to an Espresso Martini. As a coffee lover, it’s a drink that I can embrace. It feels as celebratory as a Martini but is flavored with espresso.

And I am not alone, according to the latest data from the drinks industry research agency CGA, Espresso Martinis are so popular this year that they leapt five places to make it into the top 10 cocktails sold on-premise (at restaurants and bars). In the same report, I was surprised to learn that the Manhattan actually dropped four places versus last year, and as a result no longer is in the top 10.

I called Lisa Hawkins, senior vice president of public affairs for DISCUS (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States), to get her take on the resurgence of the Espresso Martini. She told me that “it’s the perfect combination of two major consumer trends; Americans love of premium coffee, and their fascination with cocktails.”

She continued, “today’s bartenders are putting new spins on the classic recipe by incorporating premium craft coffee and liqueurs, and sometimes swapping out vodka for whiskey as the base spirit.”

Her quote is a perfect introduction for my Chocolate Whiskey Espresso Martini. If I know I’m going to have a long night ahead of me, I like to start the evening off with this martini as it gives me both a little pick-me-up from the coffee and a nice warmth from the whiskey. It also makes a dynamite brunch cocktail when you have a lazy day in front of you. The best part for home bartenders is that it is made very simply with a cold-brew coffee liqueur and a chocolate bourbon.

Because I’m using a liqueur that is made with real premium coffee, I don’t need to use a shot of espresso. The chocolate bourbon adds an unexpected twist to the cocktail and the chocolate enhances the cold-brew liqueur as well. They go together seamlessly.

This two-ingredient cocktail tastes as good as any complicated craft espresso martini but it’s much easier to make. Add a special martini glass and you have a beautiful presentation. It’s easy, beautiful and there’s no denying that it’s delicious—what more could you want?

Chocolate Whiskey Espresso Martini

This is the martini for people who love whiskey, chocolate and espresso. If I know that I have a long night ahead of me, I like to start the evening with this martini. It is also a terrific dessert pairing and upgrades the ole coffee and dessert order—try it with your favorite chocolate dessert, even brownies!

2 ounces Cold Brew coffee liqueur such as Mr. Black

2 ounces Ballotin Original Chocolate whiskey

Ice

Shaved Chocolate, for garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the coffee liqueur, chocolate whiskey and make sure the lid is tight. Shake well.

Pour your chocolate espresso martini into the martini glass, leaving the ice in the shaker. Sprinkle on shaved chocolate as a garnish, if desired.