When America’s favorite beverage meets the historic world of frozen cocktails, whose origins can be traced back to the Prohibition Era, you’ve got a sophisticated sipper, perfect for any occasion or time of year. There’s a reason why the iconic espresso martini has evolved from a fortuitous creation in 1980s London to a beloved cocktail among modern-day mixologists. The harmonious balance of flavors from coffee, paired with the sweetness from the coffee liqueur, and complemented by the sharpness from the spirit ensures sophistication in every sip. But why not take this quintessential sipper to new heights of enjoyment by transforming it into a frozen drink? Frozen cocktails have a strong foothold among cocktail connoisseurs, and paired with the fact that iced, blended coffee beverages are summertime staples, there’s no reason why an indulgent espresso martini in frozen form should be any less different.
The only major prep work requires freezing the espresso. For a less potent, and caffeinated version, switch out the Americano or espresso and use your favorite cold brew instead. Simply blend the caffeine cubes along with the standard ingredients of an espresso martini until silky smooth and lusciously creamy. Keep in mind that the low freezing points of alcohol mean that frozen cocktails run the risk of disintegrating into a soupy mess. To avoid that, start by adding less of the spirit, lowering the ABV just enough to ensure the optimal texture for a frozen, blended beverage that you can savor at your own leisure. Now that you have the best of both worlds: a cup of joe in a delectable cocktail format, serve in a chilled coup and let the sweet, bold java flavors shine.
Perfecting your sip for every season
The cocktail creativity is just getting started, and with the versatile canvas afforded by a frozen martini, better believe the possibilities are endless. Better yet, you can relish a tasty, frozen, caffeinated cocktail all year round with inventive flavorings that will infuse the beverage with a seasonal flare. To those who spend all year in anticipation of the fall, espresso martinis render themselves wonderfully to many an autumnal recipe. The obvious frontrunner for a fall-themed beverage is pumpkin spice, so get a hold of your favorite pumpkin spice syrup and blend into the mix. Other cozy creations include maple and salted caramel espresso martinis, both fantastic choices if pumpkin spice drinks are not your cup of joe.
During the chilly winters, you can still enjoy a frozen espresso cocktail with a festive cheer. Incorporate gingerbread syrup along with the other ingredients, and pour into a chilled martini glass with a gingerbread cookie crumb rim. For the peppermint mocha club, it doesn’t get any better than a frozen espresso martini with a decadent pump of dark chocolate sauce and a generous splash of peppermint schnapps. Accentuate the feel of sipping on a comforting beverage in a rustic cabin in front of a fireplace, by switching out the spirit choice with bourbon instead of vodka. With this simple swap, you add layers of richness and complex depth to an espresso martini or any espresso-based cocktail. Lastly, to celebrate the sweetness of spring, look no further than a delightful strawberries and cream espresso martini. There you have it! This is your sign to bust out the blender and whip up deliciously flavorful espresso martinis throughout the year.
