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Cocktail History
The Christmas Espresso Martini is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as a Christmas-inspired twist on the classic Espresso Martini. Like the traditional version, it combines vodka and freshly brewed espresso for that signature bold and smooth base; however, this festive variation swaps out simple syrup for a rich, spiced gingerbread syrup, infusing the drink with the warm, cozy flavors of the season. To elevate the texture and add a hint of creaminess, a splash of Irish cream liqueur is included too, giving the drink a velvety finish. The result is a perfectly balanced blend of bold coffee, festive spices, and indulgent sweetness, making it an ideal choice for a celebratory nightcap.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Vanilla Vodka: This is a type of vodka made with vanilla pods, grains, vegetables or fruits, alcohol, and water. I used Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka.
Espresso: This is a concentrated type of coffee made from finely ground coffee beans and hot water.
Irish Cream Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with cream, whiskey, sugar, and spices. I used Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur.
Gingerbread Syrup: This is a sweetener made with ginger, baking spices, vanilla extract, honey, white sugar, brown sugar, gum arabic powder, and water. I used this sous vide recipe.
Coffee Beans: This is the a seed of the Coffea plant.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.
Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Boston Shaker: This is a two-piece cocktail shaker consisting of a metal tin and a glass or metal mixing glass that’s used for shaking and blending ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is a metal strainer with a spring around its edge that’s used to filter out ice and solids when pouring the cocktail into a glass. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Espresso Machine: This is a specialized coffee maker that’s designed to force hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, producing a concentrated, rich coffee shot with a layer of cream on top. I used the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.
Tweezers: These are a precision tool that’s used for placing delicate garnishes. I used one from the Stainless Steel Food Tweezers Set.
Martini Glass: This is a stemmed glass with a wide, shallow bowl and a narrow stem. I used the Libbey Capone Martini Glass.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Light cocoa color with a foamy top layer
• Aroma: Cream and coffee
• Taste: Cream-softened but still bold coffee flavor
• Finish: Accenting gingerbread spices and slightly bitter coffee
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “After three years of tastings, I’m finally starting to enjoy coffee-flavored cocktails a lot more, especially the holiday variations. Those are much sweeter than the original template, which means they’re perfect for my non-coffee-drinking self. If anything, I would maybe up the gingerbread syrup a little bit more, but that could make it too sweet. If you’ll be serving post-Christmas dinner drinks, this one will be a winner for your guests.”
Recipe
Christmas Espresso Martini
The Christmas Espresso Martini is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as a Christmas-inspired twist on the classic Espresso Martini. Similar to the original, it mixes vodka and freshly-brewed espresso, but instead of simple syrup, it calls for a flavored gingerbread syrup and adds some Irish cream liqueur to give it a thicker, silkier texture.
Ingredients
Method
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Add vodka, espresso, Irish cream liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and cubed ice to a shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Strain into a martini glass.
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Garnish with coffee beans.
