irish espresso martini
I went out for fish n’ chips last night and gave myself massive heartburn.
Worth it.
I tend to forget about St. Patrick’s Day until it’s right on my ass. I don’t observe it – pubs are too packed for me to care on that occasion, too people-y – so it merely flips by in a stream of murmurs about the Hillsborough River going green and the occasional sighting of a lady in a flimsy kilt.
For whatever reason, though, this year is the year of me acknowledging “holidays” I usually ignore. First it was Valentine’s Day, for which I went apeshit, and now we’ve got a couple fun little St. Patty’s dishes to share. Starting with this here Irish Espresso Martini.
All the fixings of your favorite classic cocktail, swapping out vodka for Irish whiskey and adding a bit of Bailey’s for creaminess. No less easy than the original, and certainly a unique addition to your at-home gathering if you so choose to enjoy one. I won’t, but I will give myself the grace to have one of these babies this coming weekend.
Luck of the Irish
‘Twas rainy and dreary when I shot this recipe, and now the damn sun’s coming out just as I finished. Fuck you, sun.
The only specialty equipment required here is an espresso machine. As usual, you can use strong brewed coffee instead, but it will not taste the same. Works in a pinch, though. Use 1/4 cup if this is the direction you need to go.
Otherwise: grab your shaker and pour in the espresso/coffee, Irish whiskey, Kahlua, Bailey’s (you can get frisky here and use a fun flavor, like salted caramel, but I just stuck with the classic), and a hint of vanilla extract. Fill with ice and shakey ’till you’re wakey. Or whatever.
Pour into a coupe glass and garnish with a trio of coffee beans and a shamrock. Or, in my case, a shamrock hydrangea. I found mine at Trader Joe’s but sometimes see them at Publix or Whole Foods, on the rare occasion I visit the latter.
As for the Irish whiskey, Tullamore D.E.W., Jameson’s, or Writer’s Tears are the most sought-after varieties of Irish whiskey. Use what you like or what is easiest to access for you!
Sláinte!
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Two more shots, please:
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
irish espresso martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz espresso
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz Bailey's
- 1/2 oz Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine the espresso, whiskey, Bailey's, Kahlua, and vanilla. Fill with ice and shake until cold. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with three coffee beans and a shamrock (or a shamrock hydrangea!), as desired.
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