Spicy Tequila Espresso Martini
A variation of the classic Espresso Martini.
Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 16.2% ABV ∙
The Spicy Tequila Espresso Martini is an Espresso Martini made with tequila blanco and chile liqueur, shaken with hot fresh espresso and sugar syrup.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Tequila blanco 45 mlChile liqueur 15 mlEspresso coffee 30 mlSugar syrup 10 mlSaline solution 1 dash (opt.)
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with three coffee beans
Tips
- Give it at least 20 seconds with plenty of ice; the hard shake is what builds the thick, velvety foam on top.
- Pull the espresso just before you shake and use it hot; fresh crema foams far better than reheated coffee.
- If you use the saline, one dash takes the edge off the coffee's bitterness and makes the chile heat stand out without adding sugar.
History
The Spicy Tequila Espresso Martini uses tequila blanco and a chile liqueur in place of the vodka and coffee liqueur of the standard Espresso Martini. Tequila versions emerged later, swapping vodka for tequila's agave character, and their exact origin is not documented. Spicy renditions add a chile element, such as a dash of chili, hot sauce, or a chile-flavored spirit, to layer heat over the coffee.
FAQ
What goes in a Tequila Espresso Martini?
This spicy version takes 45 ml tequila blanco, 15 ml chile liqueur, 30 ml freshly brewed hot espresso, and 10 ml sugar syrup, plus an optional dash of saline.
What is the tequila version of an espresso martini called?
It is usually just called a Tequila Espresso Martini, or a Mexican Espresso Martini when the agave and coffee pairing is played up. A chile-spiked version like this one is often labeled a Spicy Tequila Espresso Martini.
Is a Spicy Tequila Espresso Martini shaken or stirred?
Shaken. A hard shake over ice aerates the espresso into the foam that defines any espresso martini; stirring cannot build it.
What is the best tequila for an espresso martini?
Blanco (silver), as this recipe uses. Its clean agave flavor cuts through the coffee, and it has none of the oak of a reposado or añejo, so the espresso and chile stay in front.
What glass is a Tequila Espresso Martini served in?
A chilled coupe glass, garnished with three coffee beans on the foam.
How do you make it spicy without it being harsh?
Use a chile liqueur or chile-infused tequila rather than raw hot sauce; the heat comes through smoother and is easier to measure. A dash of saline, if you use it, takes the edge off the coffee's bitterness and makes the chile stand out without adding sugar.
