Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini Recipe

The Espresso Martini is a classic cocktail that traditionally combines vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and sugar syrup. It was created in the 1980s by the famous London bartender Dick Bradsell. As the story goes, a young model approached the bar and asked for a drink that would 'wake her up and then f**k her up.' Bradsell complied, mixing up the first Espresso Martini. The non-alcoholic version caters to those who love the rich, bold flavors of the original but prefer or need to avoid alcohol.

This non-alcoholic Espresso Martini is rich and velvety, with a robust coffee flavor that's complemented by the aromatic spices of Seedlip Spice 94. It's slightly sweet with a deep, complex profile and a frothy top that adds a luxurious texture.

• The Espresso Martini was part of the coffee cocktail revival in the 1980s.
• Seedlip Spice 94 is a non-alcoholic spirit made with botanicals like allspice, cardamom, and citrus peel.
• The garnish of three coffee beans is said to represent health, wealth, and happiness.

1. Combine 1 ½ ounces of Seedlip Spice 94, 1 ¼ ounces of chilled espresso, and ¾ ounces of light brown sugar rich syrup in a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker one-third with ice and shake vigorously to encourage aeration and avoid over-diluting the drink.
3. Fine-strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Top the drink with excess foam from the strainer.
5. Garnish with three coffee beans and dust with espresso powder over the top. Serve immediately.

• Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor.
• Chill your glass before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
• Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for at least 15 seconds to create a nice froth.

Sweet Treats

Complement the rich coffee notes of the Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini with sweet treats. Dark chocolate truffles add a luxurious touch, while vanilla bean ice cream can offer a creamy contrast.

Salty Snacks

Balance the mocktail's sweetness with savory options. Salted nuts or artisanal cheese such as aged gouda provide a delicious counterbalance.

Desserts

For a perfect after-dinner pairing, consider tiramisu with its layers of coffee flavor, or a slice of classic New York cheesecake for a rich and satisfying combination.

• If Seedlip Spice 94 is unavailable, you can use another non-alcoholic spirit with a spice profile, such as Lyre's Italian Orange.
• For a sugar-free version, replace the light brown sugar rich syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit syrup.

Vanilla Cream Espresso Martini

Add a creamy dimension by introducing 1 oz of non-dairy vanilla creamer. This twist adds a sweet vanilla note, creating a silken finish that softens the mocktail's robustness.

Swap out the light brown sugar syrup for vanilla syrup to intensify the vanilla essence. A beautiful layering effect can be achieved by pouring the creamer over the back of a spoon, for those who love a bit of barista craft in their cup.

Caramel Espresso Martini

Inject a rich caramel flavor by replacing the light brown sugar rich syrup with same amount of caramel syrup. The result is a subtly sweeter mocktail that echoes the cozy ambiance of a bookshop cafe.

Consider a light sprinkle of sea salt on top as well for that coveted salted caramel twist. Those who are sweet enough can skip the extra salt!

Chocolate Espresso Martini

Embrace the chocolate lovers by dusting with cocoa powder instead of espresso powder and adding a drizzle of chocolate syrup around the glass before straining the mocktail into it. This chocolatey edition is perfect for unwinding after a long day or for a sweet dessert treat.

A tempting variant for the chocoholics, and also an excuse to bite into that chocolate stash you were saving.