On March 16th, Michigan’s Governor signed a Stay At Home Order, which consisted of non essential employees to stay home, unless purchasing essential supplies and goods. As most of our restaurants are shut down, this is when I am starting to regret not venturing out and taking the time to explore a new restaurant, or grab a drink with friends. I think the band Cinderella said it best, “Don’t know what you got, till it’s gone”. Or, I can look at this in a positive light and take this time to use a cocktail shaker that has been sitting in the cupboard untouched for the past year.
Deciding to take the higher road, I dusted off the cocktail shaker and looked on Pinterest to look for inspirations, even if that means creating a Pinterest Board called, “Hobbies During Pandemic”. While scrolling through Pinterest, I saw a recipe for a Homemade Espresso Martini, then a light bulb went on over my head. I quickly rummaged through another cupboard and there I found an unopened bottle of Mammoth Distillery’s Coffee Liquor. I had forgotten that I had purchased this bottle during a trip through Bellaire, while traveling up to the Upper Peninsula (U.P.). Mammoth Distillery also has a storefront in Traverse City, Michigan.
Excited about my long lost find, I decided to tweak the recipe. If you are a coffee connoisseur, I recommend either using brewed coffee or instant espresso. The recipe calls for:
- 2.5 ounces of instant espresso or brewed coffee
- 1.5 ounces of vanilla vodka
- 2 ounces of Coffee Liquor (I used Mammoth Distillery’s liquor)
- 2 ounces of Creme De Cocoa, Kahlua, Baileys, or Godiva Chocolate Liquor
After adding all ingredients to the shaker, add ice, and shake it like it’s hot! I coated my martini glass with chocolate sprinkles. Delicious!
When the order finally lifts and we are able to venture out, I will be going to one of my favorite restaurant to have an espresso cocktail. The Paisley Pig in Grand Haven/Holland has one of the best espresso martinis that I have had called, The Inner Circle. This martini has Van Gogh Espresso Vodka, Jackson Morgan Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Southern Cream Liquor, house made vanilla syrup, and topped with four coffee beans. Perfect for a night cap.
So, if you are looking for an espresso martini that is a little more creamier in texture and taste, I recommend that you use a cream coffee liquor like Bailey’s, Jackson Morgan Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Southern Cream Liquor, or a Godiva Liquor. Espresso martini’s taste and texture can really differ from person to person depending on if they enjoy more coffee flavor, or more of a chocolate base.
During this Stay At Home order, I will be enjoying a martini from the comfort of my own home. Do you have a favorite espresso martini? What advice would you give to anyone making an espresso martini at home? We would love to hear from you!
MiFoodChronicles 