The Espresso Martini Remix [feat. Ciara] — 3 Expert Recipes (Classic, Dalgona & Fizz!)

ForbesAbout 4 min readSep 30, 2025Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Key Concepts

  • Espresso Martini: A cocktail made with espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and a sweetener.
  • Crema: The foamy layer on top of espresso, important for the texture of an espresso martini.
  • Derera Syrup: A sweetener made from derera sugar and hot water, used as an alternative to simple syrup.
  • Dalona Topping: A whipped topping made from sugar, instant espresso, and boiling water, used for a variation of the espresso martini.
  • Fizz: A cocktail lengthened with a carbonated beverage, in this case, tonic water.
  • Rumorita: A margarita made with rum instead of tequila.
  • 10 to 1 Rum: A Caribbean rum brand emphasizing community and versatility.

Classic Espresso Martini

  • Ingredients: Sweetener (derera syrup), fresh espresso, vodka, and high-quality coffee liqueur.
  • Process:
    1. Pull espresso and let it cool slightly.
    2. Add 0.5 oz derera syrup, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur (Mr. Black), and 1.75 oz vodka (Belvadier) to a shaker.
    3. Add ice to the shaker, leaving extra room for aeration.
    4. Shake vigorously.
    5. Strain into a coupe glass.
    6. Garnish with three coffee beans.
  • Key Point: Using fresh espresso is crucial for the crema, which creates the desired foam. Shaking with extra room in the shaker aerates the drink.

Stirred Espresso Martini with Dalona Topping

  • Dalona Topping:
    1. Combine 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of instant espresso, and 2 tablespoons of boiling hot water.
    2. Blend until a thick, whipped topping forms.
  • Cocktail:
    1. Add a few dashes of cocoa bitters, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur (Goofy Bandit), 0.75 oz amaro (date-based amaro from California), and 1.5 oz reposado tequila (Kintto) to a mixing glass.
    2. Stir with ice for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled and diluted.
    3. Strain into a coupe glass, leaving room at the top.
    4. Spoon the dalona topping over the drink.
  • Key Point: Stirring instead of shaking preserves the velvety texture. The reposado tequila and amaro add bitterness and complexity.

Espresso Martini Fizz

  • Ingredients: Honey syrup, fresh espresso, passion fruit liqueur (Chanola), aged rum (10 to 1), and tonic water.
  • Process:
    1. Add 0.25 oz honey syrup, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz passion fruit liqueur, and 1.5 oz aged rum to a shaker.
    2. Add ice to the shaker and shake well.
    3. Pour 1 oz tonic water into a glass with ice.
    4. Strain the cocktail over the tonic water.
    5. Garnish with instant espresso or coffee.
  • Key Point: The tonic water adds fizziness and dryness. Passion fruit liqueur complements the coffee's fruit notes.

Discussion with Mark and CeCe (10 to 1 Rum)

  • Mark (Co-owner of 10 to 1 Rum):
    • Background in chemical engineering and product innovation at Starbucks.
    • Founded 10 to 1 Rum to elevate Caribbean culture and rum on a global stage.
    • The name "10 to 1" is inspired by the original Caribbean Federation, emphasizing community and strength in numbers.
    • 10 to 1 Rum is versatile and found in various establishments, from Michelin-star restaurants to local bars.
  • CeCe (Co-owner of 10 to 1 Rum):
    • Joined 10 to 1 Rum after falling in love with the spirit during the pandemic.
    • Appreciates the versatility of 10 to 1 Rum and its ability to be used in various cocktails, such as the Rumorita.
    • Notes the lack of women and celebrities in the rum category and sees an opportunity to share the story of rum.
    • Recommends the Rumorita (margarita with rum) as a must-try cocktail.
  • Key Points:
    • 10 to 1 Rum emphasizes community, culture, and versatility.
    • CeCe's involvement highlights the potential for growth and education in the rum category.

Favorite Cocktails

  • Mark: Daquiri, Rum Old Fashioned
  • CeCe: Rumorita

Conclusion

The video provides detailed instructions for making three variations of the espresso martini: the classic version, a stirred version with dalona topping, and a fizz variation with passion fruit and tonic. It also features a discussion with the co-owners of 10 to 1 Rum, Mark and CeCe, who share their passion for rum and the brand's mission to elevate Caribbean culture and community. The video emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients and proper techniques to create delicious and innovative cocktails.

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