Rich, spiced, and perfectly smooth
1½ oz Purity Vodka 51 Connoisseur Reserve Organic
1 oz fresh espresso
½ oz coffee liqueur
½ oz pumpkin spice syrup
1 tsp pumpkin purée
¼ oz coffee creamer
Top with cold foam
Pumpkin Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini was born in London in the late 1980s. Bartender Dick Bradsell mixed vodka, fresh espresso and coffee liqueur for a guest who wanted something to wake her up. This autumn version adds pumpkin and warm spice.
Coffee and spice need a vodka that supports them without getting in the way. Vodka 51 Connoisseur Reserve brings a silky body and a clean, gentle finish, helped by approximately 20 hours of extended copper contact. The espresso tastes deeper. The pumpkin feels warmer. A difference you notice from the first sip.
Indulgent, never heavy. Exactly what an autumn evening deserves.
Chill a coupe glass. Pull a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool for a minute so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly.
Add Vodka 51 Connoisseur Reserve, espresso, coffee liqueur, pumpkin spice syrup, pumpkin purée and creamer to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds. The vigorous shake is what builds the velvety crema on top.
Double-strain into the chilled coupe through a fine sieve for a perfectly smooth texture.
Spoon a layer of cold foam over the top and, if you like, finish with a light dusting of cinnamon.
Use espresso pulled moments before and shake hard. The air is what builds that velvet crema on top. Double-straining matters more here than in most drinks: the pumpkin purée has fine fibers, and catching them gives you a texture that feels almost like silk.
