There’s something about winter that calls for a cocktail with a little depth—something creamy, slightly decadent, and best enjoyed in a cozy chair near a fire.
This is my play on an espresso martini. And yes, I’m being a bit of a purist here. I’m not calling it an Espresso Martini because it doesn’t actually contain espresso. What it does contain are the familiar building blocks: coffee liqueur and vodka. Then it veers into richer territory with Irish cream and a touch of Grand Marnier. The result is softer, rounder, and more dessert-like than its buzzy cousin.
The orange and cognac in the Grand Marnier pairs beautifully with the coffee notes, adding warmth and rounding out the drink. It’s subtle but essential. Grand Marnier is a must but in a pinch another high-end orange liqueur (such as Cointreau) can be substituted.
Kahlúa (now branded as Kahlúa Rum & Coffee Liqueur) is the standard and works perfectly well. However I opted for a local favorite instead — Char & Stave Classic Coffee Liqueur made by Bluebird Distilling in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania with their Char & Stave Coffee. Bluebird has taken what they know about making whiskey and applied it to roasting coffee. They have truly taken off in recent years, producing exceptional spirits (and coffee) right here in my home town.
For Irish cream, Baileys will certainly do. That said, I’m devoted to Five Farms Irish Cream from County Cork. It’s small-batch, beautifully rich, and comes in the most charming milk jug-style bottle. I keep one in the refrigerator for the occasional sip (and it’s wonderful in hot coffee).
Shake everything well with ice and serve straight up in a Nick and Nora, coupe or martini glass. You could serve it over ice in an old-fashioned glass, but I prefer it chilled and silky.
One important note: drink it fresh. When I tried batching it in advance, the Irish cream curdled — likely due to the higher alcohol content in the Grand Marnier. Even switching brands of Irish cream doesn’t solve the issue. Make it, shake it, and enjoy it.
It’s cozy. It’s creamy. It’s just indulgent enough to feel like dessert in a glass.
Winter Cream Coffee Martini
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 ounces coffee liqueur see Notes
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur see Notes
- 1/4 ounce Grand Marnier see Notes
- Garnish with 3 coffee beans
Instructions
- Combine coffee liqueur, vodka, Irish cream liqueur and Grand Marnier in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 20 seconds.
- Strain into Nick and Nora, coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with 3 coffee beans.
Notes
- Kahlúa Rum & Coffee Liqueur is your standard coffee liqueur. I used locally made Char & Stave Classic Coffee Liqueur—Bluebird Distilling’s vodka blended with Char & Stave coffee.
- Baileys Original Irish Cream is your standard for Irish cream liqueur. I used Five Farms Irish Cream.
- Grand Marnier is a must but in a pinch another high-end orange liqueur (such as Cointreau) can be substituted.
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