Winter Woods Espresso Martini Recipe

Gather the ingredients for this winter woods espresso martini

Creating a winter woods espresso martini requires only a few ingredients, but two are absolutely vital: bourbon and espresso. Select a bourbon that you would enjoy sipping neat — it should be smooth and full-bodied to enhance the drink's bold flavors. Freshly brewed espresso is crucial for achieving the rich, robust coffee taste that characterizes this cocktail. If you lack an espresso machine, a shot from your favorite café will work perfectly, or you can use strong cold brew coffee as an alternative.

Kahlua provides a creamy coffee liqueur base, while maple syrup introduces a hint of natural sweetness that balances the intense flavor of the espresso. Smoked sea salt adds a savory, smoky richness, harmonizing the flavors in a uniquely satisfying manner. If necessary, you can substitute kosher salt. Lastly, fresh rosemary imparts a woodsy, pine-like aroma to the drink, contributing both seasonal charm and a playful garnish. If fresh rosemary isn't available, you can skip it or replace it with a twist of orange peel.

Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice

Add ice to a cocktail shaker.

Step 2: Add cocktail ingredients

Combine espresso, bourbon, Kahlua, maple syrup, and sea salt in a shaker.

Step 3: Shake vigorously

Seal the container and shake it vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is covered in frost.

Step 4: Strain

Pour into a chilled glass.

Step 5: Garnish

Gently tap the rosemary against your palm to release its natural oils, then use it to garnish the drink.

Step 6: Serve

Serve right away.

Where did espresso martinis originate?

The espresso martini is believed to have been invented in the 1980s by Dick Bradsell, a bartender at Soho Brasserie in London. According to legend, a young model requested a drink that would both energize and relax her. In response, Bradsell combined vodka, espresso, simple syrup, and coffee liqueur, naming it the "Vodka Espresso." He garnished the cocktail with three coffee beans, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness.

During that era, cocktails served in martini glasses were commonly referred to as "martinis," and eventually, the drink became known as the espresso martini—though it briefly went by the name "Pharmaceutical Stimulant." The term espresso martini is the one that ultimately stuck, and the drink quickly rose to fame, becoming a fixture on cocktail menus around the globe and a favorite among coffee aficionados and cocktail lovers alike. While it may not fit the traditional definition of a martini, lacking gin or vermouth, the specifics are irrelevant when discussing a drink as delicious and iconic as this one.

How can I change up this espresso martini recipe?

If you want to customize this cocktail to suit your tastes or what you have available, there are several variations you can explore. You can substitute bourbon with whiskey, vodka, or dark rum for a different flavor experience, with dark rum adding a hint of sweetness. Instead of using maple syrup, opt for simple syrup for a milder taste, or infuse it with cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla for a festive flair. For a creamier option, swap Kahlua for Baileys, or use amaretto for a nutty touch. You can also replace smoked sea salt with kosher salt or any flavored sea salt of your choice, if desired.

For the garnish, you can easily switch out the rosemary for thyme, a twist of citrus peel, a cinnamon stick, or the classic three coffee beans for a traditional finish. Regardless of the substitutions you make, this cocktail is incredibly versatile and always delightful.