You have done your research, purchased the necessary ingredients, and are ready to mix your first homemade espresso martini. Yet, something seems amiss; whether it’s too watered down, too bitter, or lacking that foamy topping that everyone sings about, there is something wrong. Do not worry; many home bartenders make the same mistakes. Below, we outline how to correct those mistakes.
Using Instant Coffee Rather Than Actual Espresso Or Coffee Concentrate
Instant coffee is perhaps the largest mistake that people make when attempting to cut corners and/or save money. Instant coffee produces an acidic and watery drink with a very poor flavor, and it is nowhere near as good as what you would experience at a bar. It also does not produce the rich flavor and creamy texture on top of the drink known as the “foam”.
To fix this problem, you must simply use real espresso or coffee concentrate. If you do not have an espresso machine, a moka pot on the stovetop is a suitable substitute and costs less than thirty dollars. Cold brew concentrate can be obtained from most grocery stores and is also a viable alternative.
Understanding what makes a true espresso martini gives you insight into why using high-quality coffee is so important.
Not Shaking Enough (or Too Much)
When making an espresso martini, professional bartenders vigorously shake the mixture for approximately fifteen to twenty seconds. Vigorous shaking incorporates air and properly cools the drink. If you are merely moving the shaker, your drink will be warm, and you will not get a foamy layer on top.
Conversely, shaking the mixture for a full minute breaks down the foam and overdilutes the drink. Your goal is to shake the mixture until the shaker feels cold to the touch in your hand, then stop. There is scientific evidence supporting the idea that incorporating the perfect amount of air into the mixture creates the perfect foam.
Incorrect Ice-to-Liquid Ratio
If you do not have enough ice, your drink will not cool to the proper temperature and will taste weak. On the other hand, if you put too much ice in the shaker, you are simply shaking ice cubes around without mixing the ingredients together.
Always fill your shaker about two-thirds full with ice, leaving enough room in the shaker for movement while shaking the ingredients together. Use fresh ice for every drink you make. Using the same ice that has been used previously to make other drinks will cause watering down of the drink.
Leaving Out the Simple Syrup (or Over-Sweetening)
There are some people that leave out sweetener altogether because they think the coffee liqueur is sufficient. However, when they try to figure out why their espresso martini tastes harsh and bitter, they realize that the coffee liqueur only adds sweetness to the drink, and the natural bitterness of the espresso requires balancing.
Begin with one-half ounce of simple syrup per drink. You can always add more simple syrup after you have mixed the drink, but you cannot remove excess simple syrup once the drink has been made. Also, different types of vodka can affect the flavor of the drink, and some may require more or less simple syrup depending upon its characteristics.
Serving the Drink at Room Temperature
An espresso martini at room temperature tastes terrible. Regardless of the quality of the drink, a room-temperature espresso martini is not acceptable. In order to neutralize the robust flavor of the coffee and mask the burn of the alcohol, the drink needs to be served ice cold.
Your ideal serving temperature should fall within the range of 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Store your martini glasses in the freezer for at least fifteen minutes prior to serving. Additionally, some bartenders even run the glass under running ice water immediately before pouring. This process alone greatly enhances the final product.
Low-Quality Vodka or Coffee Liqueur
A low-grade vodka leaves a burning sensation at the finish that no amount of coffee can cover up. Additionally, cheap coffee liqueurs contain unnatural flavors and excessive amounts of sugar, completely disrupting the delicate balance of your drink.
You do not need to purchase the highest grade of vodka available, but do invest in a middle-grade vodka, as well as a quality coffee liqueur such as Kahlua or Mr. Black.
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