The Espresso Martini is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, combining elegance, energy, and exquisite taste. The secret to its perfect version, however, isn’t just freshly brewed espresso or good vodka. The key, and often underestimated, ingredient is a high-quality coffee liqueur for espresso martini. It is responsible for the depth of flavor, the right balance of sweetness, and just as importantly, the velvety foam and a real “kick”.
Unfortunately, the market is flooded with liqueurs that are actually overly sweetened syrups with an artificial coffee aroma. Using such a product in a cocktail guarantees failure – the drink becomes flat, too sweet, and lacks character. A true Espresso Martini requires a liqueur that is, in itself, the essence of coffee. Choosing the right bottle is the most important decision you’ll make when stepping behind the bar to prepare this classic.
Why caffeine content in liqueur matters
The Espresso Martini is a cocktail designed to energize. It was created to “wake you up and mess you up”. If the coffee liqueur contains no caffeine, the cocktail’s entire energy relies solely on a single shot of espresso. That’s not enough to get the characteristic stimulating effect. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a product that brings its own powerful dose of energy to the drink.
A perfect example here is Jumping Goat. This New Zealand coffee liqueur was created with power in mind. A full 50 grams of organic coffee beans are used to produce one bottle, which translates to an impressive 55-60 mg of caffeine per 100 ml of liqueur. That’s almost twice as much as in popular energy drinks, which means a cocktail based on it genuinely gets you on your feet.
Cold brew base: the taste of real coffee
The secret to its deep flavor lies in the base. Many popular liqueurs use artificial flavors or concentrates to mimic the taste of coffee. Jumping Goat takes a completely different path – its base is real cold brew. This process involves steeping coffee in cold water for many hours, which allows the full flavor to be extracted from the beans without excessive acidity and bitterness.
Thanks to this, when you add it to a cocktail, you’re not just adding sweetness, but above all, an authentic, rich, and complex coffee profile. It’s this difference that gives the Espresso Martini a velvety texture and a deep, coffee finish that perfectly complements the fresh espresso, instead of competing with or overpowering it.
Vodka or whisky – which Jumping Goat liqueur to choose
The Jumping Goat brand offers two variants that allow for interesting modifications of the classic drink. The first is Jumping Goat Vodka Coffee Liqueur. It is based on New Zealand whey vodka, making it a perfect, clean background for the coffee flavor. This is an excellent choice if you’re aiming for a classic, expressive Espresso Martini where coffee plays the starring role.
The second option is Jumping Goat Whisky Coffee Liqueur. Here, the base is also whey vodka, but with the addition of Scotch whisky from the Tomintoul region. This variant adds a whole new dimension to the cocktail – a subtle smokiness and notes from the cask. It’s a suggestion for those looking for greater complexity and a surprising finish in their Espresso Martini.
How to make the perfect espresso martini with Jumping Goat
Making this cocktail at home is simple, as long as you stick to proven proportions and ingredients. Using Jumping Goat as the coffee base guarantees an intense flavor and a powerful dose of energy. Here is a recipe that highlights the unique character of this liqueur, balancing its power with fresh espresso and a hint of sweetness.
Pour into an ice-filled shaker:
- 60 ml Jumping Goat Vodka Coffee Liqueur
- 30 ml freshly brewed, hot espresso
- 5 ml simple syrup
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the shaker becomes very cold. Then, strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with three coffee beans for the classic look.
Discover the power of real coffee in a cocktail
Stop treating the Espresso Martini as just another sweet dessert drink. With the right liqueur, it becomes a sophisticated, energizing, and potent cocktail that has deservedly earned its status as a modern classic. Using a cold brew-based liqueur with a high caffeine content is a revolution for the home bar.
It’s the quality of the ingredients that defines the final result. Discover the Jumping Goat coffee liqueurs in our catalog and see for yourself what a real coffee liqueur for espresso martini should taste like. Your evenings will never be the same.