Cherry Espresso Martini Recipe
Introduction
The Cherry Espresso Martini is a delightful twist on the classic espresso cocktail, adding a luscious cherry flavor that balances the rich coffee and smooth vodka. This elegant drink is perfect for an after-dinner treat or a special occasion toast.
Ingredients
- 10 Luxardo cherries, divided, plus cherry syrup for serving
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. espresso
- 1 oz. Kahlúa
- Ice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 6 Luxardo cherries until puréed and smooth.
- Step 2: Add vodka, espresso, and Kahlúa to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and vigorously shake until the outside is very frosty, about 20 seconds.
- Step 4: Double-strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a chilled martini glass.
- Step 5: Skewer the remaining 4 cherries and use them to garnish the glass.
- Step 6: If desired, dot the top of the drink with 5 to 7 small drops of cherry syrup using a small spoon. Drag a toothpick through each drop to create heart shapes for a charming finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor and a rich crema.
- Try substituting dark rum for vodka to add a deeper, spicier note.
- Adjust the cherry syrup amount to taste for added sweetness or garnish sparkle.
- Serve in a chilled glass to keep the drink cold longer.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after preparation for optimal flavor and frosty texture. If needed, you can store the mixed espresso and liquor without ice in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the fresh cherry garnish and frothiness will be best fresh. Refrain from storing the cocktail with ice to avoid dilution.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
While regular coffee can be used, espresso provides a stronger, richer coffee flavor that stands up well against the other ingredients. If using regular coffee, opt for a concentrated brew or cold brew for better results.
What is the purpose of double-straining the cocktail?
Double-straining removes small cherry pulp pieces and ice shards, resulting in a smooth and clear martini that looks elegant and feels velvety on the palate.
PrintCherry Espresso Martini Recipe
A sophisticated twist on the classic espresso martini, this Cherry Espresso Martini combines rich espresso, smooth vodka, and Kahlúa with the sweet and tart flavor of Luxardo cherries. Perfect for an elegant evening cocktail, it’s garnished with whole cherries and a delightful cherry syrup heart design for an extra touch of charm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Cherry Mixture
- 10 Luxardo cherries, divided
- Cherry syrup, for serving
Liquids
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. freshly brewed espresso
- 1 oz. Kahlúa coffee liqueur
Others
- Ice, as needed
Instructions
- Muddle Cherries: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 6 Luxardo cherries until they are puréed and smooth, releasing their sweet and tart flavor to infuse the cocktail base.
- Add Liquids and Ice: Pour in 1 1/2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce of freshly brewed espresso, and 1 ounce of Kahlúa into the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice to chill the mixture thoroughly.
- Shake Cocktail: Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes very frosty, ensuring a perfectly chilled, frothy martini.
- Strain and Serve: Double-strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh sieve into a chilled martini glass to remove cherry solids and ice shards for a smooth finish.
- Garnish and Decorate: Skewer the remaining 4 cherries and place them in the glass as garnish. Optionally, use a small spoon to dot 5 to 7 drops of cherry syrup on top of the drink and drag a toothpick through each drop to create charming heart shapes for a decorative flourish.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso or a strong coffee shot for the best flavor.
- Luxardo cherries are preferred for their rich and authentic cherry flavor but other high-quality maraschino cherries may be used.
- Double-straining helps achieve a silky smooth texture by removing pulp and ice shards.
- Adjust cherry syrup quantity to taste for more or less sweetness and decoration.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the drink at its freshest and most frothy state.
Keywords: Cherry Espresso Martini, espresso martini recipe, cherry cocktail, vodka espresso cocktail, Kahlúa drink, Luxardo cherries cocktail, shaken cocktail
