Espresso Martini

Delightful Fusion: Espresso Martiki

Get ready to experience a tantalizing blend of flavors with the Espresso Martiki, a cocktail that fuses the rich essence of coffee with the bright notes of pineapple. Perfected by Martin Hudak at the acclaimed Sydney cocktail bar Maybe Sammy, this drink is a true testament to the creativity and flair within the cocktail community. Let’s dive into the process of crafting this refreshing delight!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces dark rum (like Ten to One)
• 1 ounce espresso, cooled
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 3/4 ounce coffee liqueur (for instance, Mr. Black)
• 1/2 ounce orgeat syrup
• 1 dehydrated pineapple wedge (for garnish)
• 3 espresso beans (for garnish)

Preparation

To prepare this invigorating cocktail, first, grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Add the dark rum, cooled espresso, pineapple juice, coffee liqueur, and orgeat syrup into the shaker. Cover it up and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully.

Once mixed, strain the concoction into a stylish coupe glass. For a finishing touch, adorn your drink with a dehydrated pineapple wedge and a few espresso beans — a presentation that will not only look delightful but will enhance the drinking experience.

Why Coffee and Pineapple?

This cocktail represents a revolutionary blend where the worlds of coffee and tropical flavors collide harmoniously. At the recent Tales of the Cocktail seminar in New Orleans, Hudak elaborated on this surprising pairing, affirming that coffee, much like rum, originates from warm regions and complements pineapple splendidly. With his expertise in coffee cocktails, he has mastered the alchemy of flavors that makes the Espresso Martiki a must-try.

Exploring Orgeat and Beyond

Orgeat syrup, a key component in this cocktail, is a sweet almond-based syrup infused with flavors like citrus or floral notes, enhancing the drink's depth. If your taste leans towards the traditional, consider trying a classic Espresso Martini, which traditionally uses vodka instead of pineapple juice and orgeat.

If you find yourself loving dark rum, the Espresso Martiki is the perfect starting point, and can seamlessly lead you to explore iconic cocktails like Mai Tai or Piña Colada. Indulge in these delicious dark rum creations for a delightful experience!