Recreate The Souffle Espresso Martini Cocktail At Home: A Guide To The Trending Cocktail
Amongst contemporary coffee-based cocktails, the espresso martini cocktail has been one that has witnessed a meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade. From craft techniques used for coffee extraction to infusing vodka or gin with coffee flavour, the techniques involved in creating a serving of this drink has had multiple interpretations which result in an impressive concoction that is predominantly bitter and laced with a mellow sweetness that does not border it towards dessert.
Lately, in lieu of the dalgona coffee that took the internet by storm during the pandemic, the espresso martini cocktail has been rehashed – this time around with an airy foam, inspired by the French souffle due to its cloud-like appearance and flavours evocative of freshly made meringue. Sitting dramatically above the rim of a serving glass, its aesthetic value has been a point of fancy for cocktail afficionados on social media – some even sharing their renditions of the drink and how it elevates the experience of sipping an espresso martini cocktail.
Essentially, the souffle espresso martini cocktail draws a leaf out of the Ramos gin fizz – another cocktail that incorporates egg white for a frothy foam that appears like a cloud on top of the drink when poured into a serving glass. The new and improved version of the espresso martini cocktail not only adds new dimension to the drink but revives the vintage appeal of the coffee-based concoction, to make it sought-after by contemporary drinkers. What’s also special about this version of the cocktail is that the espresso martini cocktail usually has a layer of froth on top when shaken well, and the addition of the meringue foam allows it to sit on top of the base layer of froth – thus improving its texture and mouthfeel significantly.
Here's a detailed recipe for a single serving of the viral drink that one can recreate at home:
Ingredients [For espresso foam]
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 30 ml espresso
- 60 ml water
Ingredients [For espresso martini cocktail]
- 30 ml vodka
- 15 ml espresso
- ¼ teaspoon simple syrup
- 5 ml coffee liqueur
- Coffee beans, for garnish
Method
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the foam ingredients and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Discard the ice cubes and shake again for another 20-30 seconds to maximise foam, before pouring into a straight-walled martini cocktail glass.
- As the foam settles and solidifies, add more ice to the shaker followed by ingredients for the espresso martini cocktail and shake thoroughly for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Once the foam is set, use a straw to create a small hole in the centre, into which the espresso martini cocktail can be poured. This allows the foam to rise while the drink settles at the bottom.
- Garnish with three coffee beans and serve immediately.
Beginner Tips To Make The Souffle Espresso Martini Cocktail
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavour and crema; a strong coffee or cold brew concentrate should work just fine, if swapping ingredients.
- Replace the coffee beans garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or chocolate shavings on top, to introduce new flavours into the otherwise coffee-forward cocktail.
- The choice of coffee liqueur is as crucial as the quality of espresso used to make the cocktail; avoid overtly sugary options that might impact the flavour negatively.
- For a plant-based version, swap the egg whites with chickpea liquid or aquafaba – which provides the same effect.
- Strain the cocktail twice to enhance the creamy mouthfeel of the drink with every sip as well as to eliminate shards of ice or other textural roadblocks.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Souffle Espresso Martini Cocktail
Q. Is it safe to use raw egg white in the cocktail?
Using pasteurised eggs reduces the risk of foodborne ailments and also makes it safe for consuming raw. Those who prefer to avoid raw egg whites can swap it with aquafaba.
Q. Why is the souffle foam not forming properly?
If the dry shake technique has not been performed correctly, chances are that the foam might fall flat. Shaking for a minimum of 15-20 seconds is crucial to help build air into the foam; too much liquid or not enough egg white could also be the cause of a weak foam.
Q. Can the souffle espresso martini cocktail be batched ahead of time?
While the cocktail can be batched ahead of time, it is advisable to make the foam just before serving. Mix the base in advance and refrigerate it to keep the temperature consistent and reduce the usage of ice.
Also Read: Pairing Espresso Martini Cocktail With Cheese For A Unique Flavour Combo
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
