Celebrate National Espresso Martini Day With Three Tequila-Tinted Twists on the Classic Recipe

Originally invented in the 1980s, the Espresso Martini was unexpectedly catapulted to viral fame in 2023 thanks to TikTok and a surging interest in high-quality craft coffee. To this day, the simple mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso is everywhere. Whether you’re sipping one with lunch or using it to replace the dreaded Vodka Red Bull, the cocktail never steers wrong.

In honor of National Espresso Martini Day (3/15), we propose three tequila- and mezcal-soaked twists on the classic recipe. Flavors of agave and coffee make unlikely best friends when paired with the right ingredients.

La Vive (Mezcal Espresso Martini)

(Photo: Fosforo Mezcal)

The burgeoning popularity of mezcal has given birth to a new genre of unconventional twists; the Mezcal Negroni, Mezcal Margarita, Mezcal Old Fashioned and so on and so on. At this point, there isn’t a cocktail under the sun that hasn’t been mezcal-ified in some way or another.

Here, we present the inevitable Mezcal Espresso Martini, otherwise known as La Vive. Invented in 2019 by AC Baker, bar manager at Bar Bohemien in Culver City, California, the cocktail balances agave spirits, coffee liqueur and espresso with two distinctive additions: orgeat and mole bitters. Subtle flavors of almond and spice elevate this recipe to new heights, adding a smooth, creamy mouthfeel followed by a sharp chocolate bite. In other words, La Vive is so much more than just a “mezcal version.”

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Mezcal
• 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
• 1 oz Fresh Brewed Espresso
• 1/3 oz Orgeat Syrup
• 2 dash Xocolatl Mole Bitters

Directions

1. Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain into a coupe glass.
2. Garnish with an espresso bean!

Carajillo Con Tequila

(Photo: Licor 43)

The trendy espresso martini is thought to have been invented sometime in the 1980s. The Carajillo, meanwhile, dates back centuries (depending on who you ask).

In one version of the story, the Carajillo evolved from Cremat, a Catalan blend of coffee and dark rum favored by sailors traveling to the Americas. In another version, Spanish soldiers in revolutionary Cuba mixed brandy with coffee to give themselves courage (carajo in Spanish) before going into combat. Dozens of other alleged origin stories revolve around the same idea; Spanish roots and a working-class ethos.

Today, the simple three-part recipe is made with aged spirits, fresh espresso and Licor 43, a golden Spanish liqueur distilled from a proprietary mix of citrus, vanilla, fruit juice and aromatic herbs. Imagine it as a boozy coffee creamer. The end result is a fantastically rich and energizing cocktail, one that we recommend be made with reposado tequila.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Licor 43
• 1 oz Reposado Tequila
• 1 shot Fresh Espresso
• Coffee bean, for garnish

Directions

1. Add Licor 43, tequila and espresso into a shaker with ice, shaking well for 15-20 seconds.
2. Double strain into a glass. Using a fine grater, shave a coffee bean on top for garnish.
3. Enjoy!

Café Espresso Martini

(Photo: Cazadores Tequila)

In 2021, drinkers worldwide mourned the unceremonious end of Patron XO Café. Tearful obituaries and unsuccessful petitions flooded the Internet. In years since, bottles that originally retailed for $30 are being hawked online for upwards of $150. A sad day for espresso martinis indeed.

Fret not, a new wave of Café alternatives has now begun to hit the market. Bandero Café, Costa Café and this recipe’s Cazadores Café reinterpret the fan-favorite liqueur with gobs of tequila and syrupy sweet coffee. With a splash of espresso, these liqueurs carry you across the finish line for a full-fledged cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Cazadores Café
• 2 oz Fresh Brewed Coffee or 1 oz Fresh Espresso
• Coffee Beans

Directions

1. Combine ingredients with ice, shake and serve up in a cocktail.
2. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Read More:

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