Copycat Cutwater Espresso Martini Recipe

Why settle for store-bought options when you can recreate the magic with your homemade version of the Cutwater Espresso Martini?

How to make a Cutwater Espresso Martini

The Cutwater Espresso Martini is a ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail made by Cutwater Spirits, a brand known for its pre-mixed cocktails.

Ingredients

To recreate a Cutwater Espresso Martini, you’ll need these key ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso or cold brew concentrate
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Coffee beans or chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

Making your own Espresso Martini is a straightforward and enjoyable process! Follow these steps:

1. Prepare your espresso: Brew a fresh shot of espresso or measure out cold brew concentrate if you prefer a smoother flavor. Let it cool for a few minutes to prevent melting the ice in your shaker.
2. Fill your shaker with ice: Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes. This will ensure your drink is well-chilled during the mixing process.
3. Add your ingredients: Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, and simple syrup. You can adjust the simple syrup to match your sweetness preference.
4. Shake well: Seal your shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 15–20 seconds. This blends the ingredients, chills the cocktail, and creates the signature frothy layer on top.
5. Strain into a glass: Use a fine mesh strainer to pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass. The strainer will catch ice fragments and ensure the drink is silky smooth.
6. Garnish and serve: Place three coffee beans on top (representing health, wealth, and happiness) or add chocolate shavings for extra indulgence. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Espresso Martini

• Chill your glass: To keep your martini cool while drinking, place your martini glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before serving.
• Use fresh espresso: Freshly brewed espresso has robust flavors and crema that blend beautifully into the martini, giving it a richer taste.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a dash of vanilla extract or swap out simple syrup for caramel syrup for a unique twist.
• Create a frothy top: Achieve that signature foam by shaking your cocktail vigorously. If you’re using a shaker with a tight seal, you’ll get a nice, creamy layer of foam every time.
• Pair it with dessert: Espresso martinis are the perfect match for chocolate cake, tiramisu, or biscotti.

What to serve with

The Cutwater Espresso Martini is a sophisticated cocktail that balances the smoothness of vodka with the rich, bold flavors of coffee. Its versatility makes it a fantastic drink to enjoy on its own or as part of a broader dining or hosting experience.

1. Chocolate-Based Desserts

The rich, bittersweet flavors of chocolate perfectly complement the coffee notes in the martini.

• Dark Chocolate Truffles: The smooth, velvety texture of truffles pairs perfectly with the creamy foam of the martini.
• Chocolate Lava Cake: The warm, gooey center of a lava cake contrasts beautifully with the cold martini.
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For a more elegant touch, these add freshness and a pop of indulgence.

2. Coffee-Flavored Desserts

Echo the coffee flavor by pairing the martini with desserts that enhance its natural taste.

• Tiramisu: A classic Italian coffee dessert made with mascarpone, cocoa, and espresso-soaked ladyfingers.
• Coffee Gelato or Ice Cream: Serve it on its own or as an “affogato” with a shot of espresso for a double coffee hit.
• Mocha Cheesecake Bars: Rich and creamy, these bars enhance both the coffee and chocolate notes of the martini.

3. Caramel or Toffee Desserts

The sweetness of caramel complements the slightly bitter coffee tones.

• Salted Caramel Brownies: Sweet, salty, and chocolatey all in one bite.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: The warm spices and caramel flavor make for a satisfying pairing.
• Buttered Rum Cake: Its warm flavors balance beautifully with the martini’s cool sophistication.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Cutwater Espresso Martini is a popular cocktail that combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso to create a smooth, caffeinated treat.

1. Vodka Substitutes

If you don’t have vodka or want a non-alcoholic version, here are some alternatives:

For Alcoholic Substitutes:

• White Rum: Offers subtle sweetness and a clean profile, similar to vodka.
• Gin (Flavorless Style): Depending on the Martini’s complexity, gin can be used sparingly for its crispness.
• Tequila Blanco: Adds a bold herbal note if you want a twist.

For Non-Alcoholic Substitutes:

Seedlip Spice 94 (or similar non-alcoholic spirit): It mimics the complexity of vodka without alcohol.

• Plain Water: Neutral and balances flavor if you’re skipping alcohol altogether.
• Coconut Water: Adds hydration and an interesting depth of flavor.

2. Coffee Liqueur Substitutes

Coffee liqueur is a key flavoring component. If unavailable, or if you prefer a non-alcoholic alternative, consider:

For Alcoholic Substitutes:

• Homemade Coffee Vodka/Infusion: Infuse vodka with strong coffee or instant coffee granules for a rich, flavorful infusion.
• Dark Rum + Coffee Syrup: Combine dark rum with a tablespoon of coffee syrup or concentrated brewed coffee for a warm, rich flavor.

For Non-Alcoholic Substitutes:

• Brewed Coffee Concentrate: Replace coffee liqueur with espresso-strength brewed coffee.
• Cold Brew Coffee: Provides depth and bold coffee flavor without alcohol.
• Coffee Extract/Essence: A few drops will intensify coffee flavors in a non-alcoholic version.

3. Espresso Substitutes

Espresso is essential for its bold coffee flavor, but there are many ways to achieve a similar taste:

For Espresso-Like Flavor:

• Cold-Brew Coffee: Choose a highly concentrated cold brew for that rich coffee profile.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water for a homemade substitute.
• Strong French Press Coffee: Brew your coffee with a French press using extra grounds to mimic espresso’s strength.

For Non-Caffeinated Substitutes:

• Decaf Espresso or Coffee: For a non-caffeinated option that won’t sacrifice coffee flavor.
• Chicory Coffee: An earthy, coffee-like alternative without caffeine.

4. Sweeteners or Syrup Options

Sweeteners balance the coffee’s bitterness and make the drink smooth. If flavored syrups or sugar aren’t accessible, try:

• Honey or Agave Syrup: Natural sweeteners that dissolve easily and work well for cocktails.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a unique, subtle depth of sweetness.
• Simple Syrup: Easily made at home by combining equal parts sugar and water and heating until dissolved.
• Vanilla Extract or Syrup: Enhances sweetness with warm vanilla undertones.

Final Thoughts

The Cutwater Espresso Martini is a drink for moments of indulgence and luxury, which makes food pairings an exciting way to enhance an already extraordinary cocktail.

More Cutwater Recipes:

• Copycat Cutwater Strawberry Margarita Recipe