Explore the factors contributing to the success of the espresso martini, the mystery of its origin, the coffee culture in Australia and its influence, the importance of simplicity and transparency in cocktail ingredients, the cultural significance of sugar cane, choosing the last bar to visit, favorite cocktails and a disappointing experience, and the importance of educating people about the espresso martini.
The enduring popularity of the espresso martini is attributed to its memorable name, striking appearance, and mass appeal flavor profile.
The introduction of Mr. Black's cold brew coffee liqueur bridged the gap between coffee culture and the cocktail scene, contributing to the cocktail's growing popularity.
The key to creating the perfect espresso martini lies in balancing the base spirit, using fresh coffee or concentrated cold brew, and maintaining consistency in the recipe.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Espresso Martini
The podcast explores the growing popularity of the espresso martini cocktail and its potential to become a timeless classic. The drink is known for its distinctive appearance, combining the rich flavors of coffee and vodka. The podcast traces the origins of the cocktail to bartender Dick Bradsell and his creation of the vodka espresso. The espresso martini gained momentum with the introduction of high-quality cold brew coffee liqueur, such as Mr. Black, which brought a new level of taste and sophistication to the cocktail. The combination of a memorable name, striking appearance, and mass appeal flavor profile has contributed to the enduring popularity of the espresso martini.
The Evolution of Coffee Culture
The podcast discusses the evolution of coffee culture, both in the United States and Australia. It highlights the growing interest in high-quality coffee and the rise of the third wave coffee movement. The episode touches on the historical influence of coffee in London's Soho district and its connection to the origins of the espresso martini. It also explores the Australian coffee culture, known for its emphasis on quality and rituals surrounding coffee consumption. The introduction of Mr. Black and its cold brew coffee liqueur played a significant role in bridging the gap between coffee culture and the cocktail scene.
The Unique Features of Mr. Black
The podcast delves into the distinctive features of Mr. Black cold brew coffee liqueur. It emphasizes the control the brand has over the coffee through sourcing and roasting. Mr. Black uses only four ingredients: vodka, coffee, sugar, and water, prioritizing simplicity and transparency. The cold brew process ensures a stable and concentrated coffee flavor, while trapping the aromas for a more immersive sensory experience. The episode also highlights the importance of balancing the base spirit, such as vodka or tequila, with the coffee liqueur to achieve the ideal espresso martini.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Espresso Martini
The podcast provides tips for bartenders and enthusiasts to create the perfect espresso martini. It emphasizes the importance of dilution and recommends using less base spirit, such as vodka, to allow the coffee flavors to shine. The episode also suggests experimenting with different base spirits, such as tequila or cognac, to add variety to the cocktail. Maintaining a high concentration of coffee in the cocktail is crucial for achieving the signature separation and foam on top. Finally, the podcast highlights the significance of consistency, standardizing the recipe, and embracing the unique characteristics of the espresso martini.
Importance of Fresh Coffee
Fresh coffee is a key element in making a great espresso martini. Using espresso shots that are pulled to order or within an hour of preparing the cocktail ensures the coffee proteins are fresh and create a lovely frothy head. Alternatively, a concentrated cold brew is recommended to emulate the concentration of coffee in espresso. It is important to choose a relatively concentrated cold brew, and using a high-quality robusta coffee is advised for a better taste.
The Negroni and Local Bars
The Negroni is a preferred choice for many, offering a balance of bitter and acidic flavors. One suggestion is a coffee Negroni, substituting Campari or vermouth with Mr. Black coffee liqueur, while still using a base spirit like gin or mezcal. The coffee adds a unique dimension to the classic drink. In terms of visiting a bar, the local bar holds a special place, such as the Turf Supper Club in San Diego, offering a communal and nostalgic experience for industry professionals to relax, connect, and enjoy a steak cooked on a communal grill.
In the two years since we first covered the Espresso Martini, precious little has changed on the drink’s popularity front. In fact, it’s probably more popular now than ever. On reflection, this should come as no surprise, and today we’re joined by Stephen Kurpinsky — Mr. Black’s long-time U.S. brand ambassador — to learn exactly why that’s the case. Listen on (or read below) to discover Stephen’s Espresso Martini recipe — and don’t forget to like, review and subscribe!
Stephen Kurpinsky’s Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces Mr. Black Cold Brew coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce fresh espresso or cold brew concentrate
- ¼ ounce rich simple syrup (2:1)
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
