What you will need to make these hazelnut espresso martinis:

• Espresso – Provides a strong, rich coffee flavor, essential to the martini.
• Cocoa – Adds a hint of chocolate for depth and balance with the coffee.
• Crystal sugar – Adds sweetness and a bit of texture to enhance the flavor.
• Frangelico hazelnut liqueur – Brings a nutty hazelnut flavor that complements the coffee.
• Vodka – The base spirit that provides the alcohol content without overpowering other flavors.
• Kahlua coffee liqueur – Adds another layer of coffee flavor with a touch of sweetness.
• Chocolate bitters (optional) – Offers a subtle complexity with a hint of bitterness to offset the sweetness.
• Ice – Chills and dilutes the drink slightly, creating a smooth, sippable texture.
• Half and half or cream – Adds creaminess and balances the strong coffee and alcohol flavors.
• Espresso beans for garnish – Provides a visual touch and emphasizes the coffee theme.

Instructions for the Perfect Hazelnut Espresso Martini

1. Prepare the Espresso
   Start by brewing your espresso, and let it come to room temperature before using. This will ensure that it doesn’t dilute the martini with heat once mixed with the other ingredients.
2. Create a Festive Glass Rim
   In a small plate, combine cocoa powder and crystal sugar. Next, pour a small amount of hazelnut liqueur over the rim of your martini glass, holding it over the cocktail shaker to catch any drips. Gently roll the rim of the glass back and forth over the cocoa-sugar mixture to coat it, creating a festive and delicious rim that will add a sweet, chocolatey touch to each sip. Once done, set the glass aside.
3. Mix the Martini
   In your cocktail shaker, pour in the remaining Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, vodka, Kahlua, and room-temperature espresso. If you’d like to add a bit more complexity to the drink, add in 3 drops of chocolate bitters for an extra layer of flavor. Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously to chill and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Once shaken, strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass.
4. Froth the Cream
   To give your martini a luxurious, creamy finish, froth the half-and-half (or your choice of dairy-free substitute like coconut cream or oat milk). You can use a handheld frother, or if you don’t have one, a small whisk works just as well—simply spin the whisk between your palms to create foam. Once frothed, gently spoon the foam over the top of your martini.
5. Garnish with Espresso Beans
   For the final touch, delicately place three espresso beans onto the foam. This garnish not only adds a touch of elegance but also reinforces the coffee flavor in a simple, understated way.

Yes, you can use cold brew instead of espresso in your hazelnut espresso martini! Cold brew is less acidic and smoother than espresso, but it will still provide the rich coffee flavor needed for the martini. Here’s how it may affect the recipe:

• Flavors: Cold brew will bring a smoother, less intense coffee flavor compared to the sharp, concentrated taste of espresso. This may make the martini feel a bit lighter in coffee intensity.
• Balance: You might want to adjust the amount of cold brew slightly if you prefer a stronger coffee kick, as cold brew is generally more diluted than espresso.
• Temperature: Cold brew is already chilled, so it could make the drink a bit colder and more refreshing right from the start.

Using cold brew can be a great alternative, especially if you prefer its smoothness!

Dairy-Free Substitutions: