Espresso Affogato Martini

Picture this: you’re at the tail end of a dinner party, and the conversation is still buzzing.

Someone suggests dessert, someone else proposes coffee, and then there’s you, the star of the night, swooping in with the ultimate crowd-pleaser: the Espresso Affogato Martini.

It’s rich, creamy, and just boozy enough to keep the party alive. This cocktail is where sophistication meets indulgence—espresso, vanilla ice cream, and vodka all mingling in a martini glass.

It’s a coffee lover’s dream, a dessert enthusiast’s fantasy, and the perfect cocktail for impressing your friends (or just treating yourself). Ideal for post-dinner drinks, date nights, or even holiday gatherings, this drink is a surefire way to elevate any occasion.

What Is an Espresso Affogato Martini?

Before we dive in, let’s break down what makes this cocktail so special.

At its core, an Espresso Affogato Martini is a hybrid of the classic espresso martini and the Italian affogato dessert.

An affogato traditionally involves a scoop of vanilla gelato drowned in a shot of hot espresso. Add vodka and coffee liqueur to the equation, and you’ve got a cocktail-dessert combo that’s as indulgent as it sounds.

The layers of flavor—from the espresso’s bitterness to the ice cream’s creamy sweetness and the warming kick of vodka—are a treat for the taste buds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make one serving of this delectable drink:

• 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato
• 1 shot (1 oz) of hot espresso or strong coffee
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 oz heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Ice
• Chocolate shavings or coffee beans for garnish

Ingredient Breakdown

Vanilla Ice Cream/Gelato: This is the heart of the affogato element. Choose a high-quality vanilla ice cream or gelato for the best flavor. The creamy texture balances the boldness of the coffee and alcohol.

Hot Espresso/Strong Coffee: Freshly brewed espresso is ideal for its rich, intense flavor, but a strong brewed coffee will also work. The heat slightly melts the ice cream, creating a luxurious texture.

Vodka: The neutral base of vodka adds the perfect boozy kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Coffee Liqueur: Coffee liqueur, like Kahlúa, deepens the coffee flavor while adding a touch of sweetness.

Heavy Cream (Optional): Want a creamier, dessert-like finish? Add heavy cream to the mix. It’s not traditional, but it’s delicious.

Ice: Necessary for shaking the cocktail to achieve that perfectly chilled, frothy finish.

Chocolate Shavings/Coffee Beans: The garnish is optional but adds an aesthetic touch and a little extra flavor.

How to Make an Espresso Affogato Martini

This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps to craft your masterpiece:

1. Prep Your Ingredients

• Brew a fresh shot of espresso or a small cup of strong coffee. Set it aside to cool slightly—too hot, and it’ll melt all the ice in your shaker.
• If you’re using heavy cream, measure it out now.

2. Chill Your Glass

• Fill your martini glass with ice water and let it sit while you prepare the cocktail. This ensures the drink stays perfectly chilled when served.

3. Build the Base in a Shaker

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, and heavy cream (if using).
• Add a handful of ice cubes.

4. Shake It Like You Mean It

• Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 20–30 seconds. This step not only chills the drink but also creates a frothy, velvety texture. Imagine you’re auditioning for a role as a professional bartender—really go for it!

5. Prepare the Glass

• Dump the ice water from your martini glass and dry it with a clean cloth. Add the scoop of vanilla ice cream to the glass—it’s the star of the show, so don’t skimp!

6. Pour and Serve

• Strain the shaken cocktail mixture over the ice cream. The liquid should pool around the scoop like a boozy coffee bath.

7. Garnish and Enjoy

• Top with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few coffee beans for a finishing touch. Serve immediately with a spoon and straw—you’ll want to scoop up the melted ice cream as you sip.

Tips for the Perfect Espresso Affogato Martini

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly brewed espresso and high-quality ice cream make all the difference. Pre-ground coffee or freezer-burned ice cream? Not today, friend.
• Don’t Overdo the Ice: Too much ice in the shaker will dilute the drink, and nobody wants a watery martini.
• Experiment with Flavors: Swap the vanilla ice cream for hazelnut gelato or add a splash of hazelnut liqueur for a nutty twist.
• Double It Up: Making this for a crowd? Scale up the ingredients and use a larger shaker, but make sure not to overcrowd—it’s better to shake in batches.

Espresso Affogato Martini Recipe

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