Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation)Cocktail recipe
Rating
Microbadges
Tags
Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Cocktail Colin says:
Jeffrey Morgenthaler's variation of the Espresso Martini is a smooth operator, where the robust charm of cold brew coffee takes center stage alongside the velvety richness of vodka and coffee liqueur; the citrus twist from the lemon peel surprisingly elevates the experience, cutting through the luscious coffee notes with a subtle aromatic brightness.
Method
How to make a Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation)
-
- Combine the cold brew concentrate, vodka, and Kahlua in a mixing tin filled with ice
-
- Express the lemon peel over the tin to release its oils, then discard the peel
-
- Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe glass
-
- Garnish with three coffee beans for a classic finish
Power tips
Elevate the Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation) with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Use high-quality freshly brewed cold brew concentrate for a richer and more robust coffee flavor. Consider making your own by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours.
- Shake the cocktail with large, solid ice cubes to achieve an optimal frothy crema on top, enhancing the texture and visual appeal of the drink.
- Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.
Your private tasting notes
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Featured in
FAQ's
What is the origin of the Espresso Martini and how does Jeffrey Morgenthaler's variation differ from the original?
The Espresso Martini was originally created by bartender Dick Bradsell in the late 1980s at Fred's Club in London. The legend goes that a young model requested a drink that would 'wake her up and then f--- her up'. The classic recipe included vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup. Jeffrey Morgenthaler's variation, crafted at Clyde Common in Portland, Oregon, modernizes this classic by using cold brew concentrate instead of freshly brewed espresso and omits the simple syrup altogether to let the natural sweetness of Kahlua and the coffee shine through. Also, a lemon peel is expressed into the drink for a subtle touch, adding a layer of citrus aroma that complements the rich coffee flavors.
Can any ingredients in the Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation) be substituted?
Yes, there are several ways to adapt the Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation) to fit different tastes or ingredient availability. For the vodka, you could substitute a flavored vodka, such as vanilla or caramel, to add another layer of flavor. If you don't have access to Kahlua or prefer a different liqueur, any coffee liqueur can work, although the flavor may vary slightly. For the coffee component, if cold brew concentrate isn't available, a strong shot of espresso can be used, although it will alter the texture and potent flavor balance slightly. The lemon peel can be exchanged for an orange peel for a subtle twist in the citrus notes.
What is the best way to serve the Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation)?
This cocktail is best served in a lowball or rocks glass to emphasize its rich and robust flavors. Ensure the drink is well-chilled by using fresh ice to shake the ingredients vigorously before straining into the glass. The lemon peel adds an aromatic element, so express it over the drink to release its oils before dropping it in or placing it on the rim for an enhanced sensory experience. The Espresso Martini is ideal for evening gatherings or as a sophisticated after-dinner drink, offering a delightful mix of caffeine and alcohol that both relaxes and stimulates.
How does the alcohol content of the Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation) compare to other cocktails?
The Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation) has an alcohol content of 16%, which is relatively moderate compared to many classic cocktails. For instance, a typical Martini or Manhattan may have an alcohol content upwards of 30%, considering the higher ratios of spirit to mixer. The 16% alcohol content offers a balanced experience, providing sufficient kick to appreciate the flavors without being overpowering. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer their drinks to complement conversation and relaxation rather than dominate the palate or the evening.
What food pairings work well with the Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation)?
The rich, bold flavors of the Espresso Martini (Jeffrey Morgenthaler Variation) make it a good match with a variety of foods. Its coffee notes pair beautifully with desserts like chocolate mousse, tiramisu, or a rich dark chocolate tart, rounding out the meal with cohesive flavors. Savory pairings can include dishes that offer contrasting flavors, such as salt-cured meats or cheeses with strong profiles, like an aged Gouda or a creamy blue cheese. The drink's modest sweetness complements and highlights these robust flavors, making it a versatile cocktail choice for various dining contexts.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Espresso Martini
Created by Dick Bradsell in 1983 and now loved the world over, this is the best-balanced combination for a lovely...
Espresso Martini (Stefano D’Orsogna Variation)
Stefano D’Orsogna’s take on the Espresso Martini, served at Sonnyboy café in New York’s Lower East Side, is a refined...
Espresso Martini Sammy Junior
A unique twist on the classic Espresso Martini, blending coffee liqueur, aged rum, coffee, and coconut water for a smooth...
Prince Louis
Named after the new royal baby - Prince Louis, this delicate concoction contains a little bit of coffee to help...
Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Comments
Can add a splash of Jaegermeister to change the sweet side of the flavour.
You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register