Toast to Espresso Martini Day With These Rum Riffs on the Wildly Popular Cocktail

(Photo: Airam Dato-on/Pexels)

Espresso Martinis are among the most sold cocktails in the world according to bartenders. The cocktail is usually made with coffee liqueur and vodka and is a balance of sweet, bitter and acidic flavors with a creamy mouth feel. The espresso martini is a luxurious drink that is continually ordered around the world for its craveability and the boost of caffeine doesn’t hurt either. 

Today is National Espresso Martini Day, and the only way to celebrate is by toasting to the day with a coffee-laden cocktail in hand. Shake up tradition and leave out the vodka and instead elevate the classic Espresso Martini by infusing it with the rich flavors of rum. 

Choosing a Rum

The best rums for an espresso martini compliment the coffee notes with a sweet robust flavor or alternatively add a spiced complexity to bring a new dimension to the drink. Ron Barrilito, Brugal 1888, Appleton 12 Year, Coconut Cartel, Kasama and Bayou XO are all solid choices for a richer subtlety sweet version of the cocktail. If you want a little extra zest I recommend using a spiced rum to add flavors like cinnamon, star anise, clove and pepper which can bring out the notes of the coffee. Some great choices for for spiced rums include False River Spiced, Siesta Key Spiced, Humboldt Spiced or Foursquare Spiced rums.

Using a Rum Based Coffee Liqueur

Many bars use Kahlua as the coffee liqueur for an espresso martini but there are tons of other options now.  Some great options for coffee liqueurs are Mr. Black Coconuts Rum Liqueur, Miami Club Cuban Coffee Club and Maggie’s Farm Coffee Liqueur.  

Espresso Rumtini

Ingredients 

• 2 ounces rum
• 1 ½  ounces chilled espresso
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur 
• Garnish coffee beans

Directions

In a cocktail shaker full of ice, add the rum, espresso and coffee liqueur. Shake! Shake! Shake! The espresso martini relies on the shaking to create the iconic layer of foam on top so shake vigorously for around 30 seconds. This will also ensure that the cocktail is properly chilled. Gently pour your drink into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans. 

Experiment with your own variations and discover new rums to shake up your espresso martini. 

Cheers!

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