When it comes to iconic cocktails, the Espresso Martini stands tall. This coffee cocktail favourite consistently ranks among the top-requested drinks year after year. Inf act, it’s a mainstay in the top 5 on lists like Difford’s Top 1001 and Liquor.com2. But as any great mixologist will tell you, there’s always room to get creative, add a new twist and get customers begging for more.
In this blog, we’ll:
- detail why Tia Maria is the best coffee liqueur for your Espresso Martinis
- share five fun new twists on this classic cocktail, with recipes developed by Nat Salerno, Brand Ambassador for Tia Maria
- explain how you can get complimentary cocktail training for your venue.
Nat Salerno started her hospitality career in Italy, then honed her skills in Milan and London, including at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant. She now share her expertise on esteemed brands like Disaronno, Tia Maria and The Busker Irish Whiskey, inspiring bartenders to elevate their craft.
Why Tia Maria is the Best Coffee Liqueur for Espresso Martinis
Given the explosion of coffee liqueurs in the last few years, this may sound like a big claim. But when it comes down to it, there are four big reasons to avoid the Johnny-come-latelies and choose the original authenticity of Tia Maria cold brew coffee liqueur to elevate your Espresso Martini:
- Premium 100% Arabica Coffee Beans
Tia Maria uses only the finest Arabica beans from Brazil. These beans are selected for their rich, roasted flavour, providing a more robust flavour base for your Espresso Martini. - Stringent Quality Standards
Each batch of Tia Maria Cold Brew is rigorously tested to meet the highest quality and origin standards, ensuring that every bottle delivers consistent excellence. - Patented Roasting Method
Tia Maria’s unique roasting technique ensures every bean is roasted to perfection, maximising flavour and quality in every Espresso Martini you mix. - Unique Cold Brew Process
The authentic 100% cold brew process guarantees Tia Maria’s legendary smoothness and balanced sweetness, essential for a standout Espresso Martini.
Five Fantastic Twists on the Classic Espresso Martini
Recipe
Tia's Maple Espresso Martini
Warm up cold nights with Tia’s Maple Espresso Martini. This cozy drink swaps vodka for St-Rémy Signature Brandy, adding notes of candied fruits and sweet spices. A touch of maple syrup adds a final twist of comfort.
Ingredients
30mL Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur
30mL St Remy Signature Brandy
30mL Freshly Brewed Coffee
10mL Maple Syrup
Method
Mix all ingredients to shaker, hard shake with ice and double strain in coupette, garnish with three coffee beans.
Bartender's Tip
Recipe
Tia’s Choc-Orange Espresso Martini
Bring back the nostalgia of Jaffa lollies with Tia’s Choc-Orange Espresso Martini. This delightfully inventive cocktail blends Tia Maria with Cointreau, offering a delicious mix of orange and chocolate.
Ingredients
30mL Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur
20mL Cointreau
45mL Freshly Brewed Coffee
10mL Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur
Garnishes
Orange Twist and Cacao Powder
Method
Mix all ingredients to shaker, hard shake with ice and double strain in coupette, garnish with orange twist and cacao powder.
Bartender's Tip
Recipe
Tia’s White Chocolate Espresso Martini
For lovers of creamy cocktails, Tia’s White Chocolate Espresso Martini is a must-try. It blends rich espresso with Mozart White Chocolate Vanilla Cream, delivering a velvety texture and a taste of true indulgence.
Ingredients
30mL Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur
25mL Disaronno
45mL Freshly Brewed Coffee
10mL Mozart White Chocolate Liqueur
Garnishes
3 drops of choc biitters
Method
Mix all ingredients to shaker, hard shake with ice and double strain in coupette, garnish with three drops of choc bitters.
Bartender's Tip
Recipe
Tia’s Tropical Espresso Martini
Transport your patrons to a tropical paradise with Tia’s Tropical Espresso Martini. This blend of bold spices, oaky vanilla, and sweet caramel is both stimulating and unique.
Ingredients
30mL Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur
20mL Mt Gay Black Barrel Rum
45mL Freshly Brewed Coffee
15mL Coconut puree
Method
Add all ingredients to a shaker, hard shake with ice then double strain into a coupette glass and garnish.
Bartender's Tip
Recipe
Tia’s Smokey Vanilla Espresso Martini
Embrace the smoky flavour of mezcal with Tia’s Smokey-Vanilla Espresso Martini. This unique twist combines mezcal with vanilla and espresso for a complex, adventurous and unexpected experience.
Ingredients
30mL Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur
25mL Mezcal
50mL Freshly Brewed Coffee
10mL Vanilla Syrup
Garnishes
Vanilla pod stick
Method
Add all ingredients to a shaker, hard shake with ice then double strain into a coupette glass and garnish.
Bartender's Tip
Incorporating these inventive twists on the classic Espresso Martini not only refreshes your cocktail menu but also captivates your patrons with new and exciting flavours. With Tia Maria’s superior quality and Nat Salerno’s creative recipes, you have the perfect combination to elevate your mixology game. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring a unique and memorable experience to your customers.
Ready to revolutionise your Espresso Martini game? Mixology expert Nat Salerno from Spirits Platform is on call to help you craft cocktails that stand out and help your venue become the ‘Go-To-Spot” for the best Espresso Martini’s in town. For cocktail training and tasting sessions, contact Nat Salerno at nsalerno@spiritsplatform.com.au or 0475 050 458.
Sources:
1. Difford’s Top 100 Cocktails
2. Liquor.com – Most Popular Cocktails 2023
