Ah, The Espresso Martini
Some cocktails swagger into the room; the Espresso Martini simply arrives. Smooth, punchy and effortlessly cool. It wakes you up, it winds you down and somehow convinces you that you’re much more put-together than you were five minutes ago.
Allow us to guide you through- The Devour Way: bold, velvety, and with the perfect balance of indulgence.
SO, WHAT IS AN ESPRESSO MARTINI?
Born in the ‘80s and now found in every stylish bar from Huddersfield to New York, the Espresso Martini, traditionally was a mix of vodka, sugar and fresh espresso. With that trademark three-bean garnish supposedly symbolising this simple-but-sophisticated elegance.
Today, we like to complicate things slightly with a coffee liqueur, but this addition adds a great backbone to the cocktail, enhancing those roasted notes – softening the edges and boosting the body of the drink to its upmost elegant.
The modern espresso martini is known for its bite, its buzz, and—if made correctly—that iconic layer of thick, silky foam that sits proudly on top like a perfectly coiffed quiff.
But… a great Espresso Martini starts with great espresso.
And at Devour, that espresso isn’t just any espresso.
Our house blend, La De Da, is roasted right here in Yorkshire in collaboration with the award-winning and nationally celebrated team at Dark Woods Coffee. La De Da carries everything we love: full-bodied depth, smooth character, ethical sourcing and that signature Dark Woods craftsmanship.
OUR PERFECT ESPRESSO MARTINI
YOU’LL NEED:
50ml freshly pulled espresso (a double shot)
25ml Kahlúa (Tia Maria works beautifully too)
25ml Vanilla Absolut Vodka
25ml vanilla syrup
At Devour, we rely on two non-negotiables to make an espresso martini the best it can be:
Freshly pulled espresso. Use espresso that’s still hot, aromatic and full of oils- this is what whips up that signature foam.
Shake it like you mean it. Not a polite rattle. A full-body, two handed, release- your-inner aggression kind of shake. This is where the magic happens.
As for flavour, purists may reach for plain vodka and simple syrup— but at Devour we lean into vanilla.
Why? Because it rounds the edges, softens the bitterness and gives the whole drink a silkier and more luxurious flavour profile
And the pinch of salt?
It doesn’t make it salty. It amplifies sweetness, heightens the balance and ensures every flavour lands exactly where it should
Tiny details- but all very Devour.
THE METHOD:
Ice your coupe glass first. A chilled glass means a colder and smoother finish that lasts longer.
Add all ingredients to your shaker.
Now: shake like hell. No half-hearted jiggles here— this is where that thick, glossy foam is born.
Remove the ice from your coupe
Double strain from your shaker into your chilled coupe glass.
Perfectly place three coffee beans in the center of your drink (come on, lets uphold tradition)
Sip, Savour and repeat, atleast a few times over.
This is an Espresso Martini that wakes up the room. Smooth, punchy, a touch indulgent— and unmistakably Devour.
MEET THE FLAT WHITE MARTINI
If the Espresso Martini is the life of the party, the Flat White Martini is the softer, silkier sibling.
Creamy, rich, and dangerously drinkable. Its my personal favourite Devour concoction and a must-try for any espresso martini enthusiasts.
YOU’LL NEED:
50ml freshly pulled espresso (a double shot)
40ml Baileys
25ml Absolut Vodka (or any clean, non-flavoured vodka)
10ml simple sugar syrup (optional, but adds a lovely sweetness)
No salt this time. This one wants to stay soft and silky.
THE METHOD:
Ice your coupe glass.
Pour everything into your shaker, then add ice.
Shake like you mean it.
Remove the ice from your coupe and double strain straight in
Enjoy, again and again
The result? A cocktail that feels like your favourite café and your favourite bar decided to collaborate. Smooth, creamy, and ridiculously moreish.
TWO MARTINIS, TWO MOODS
The Espresso Martini is bold, buzzy and ready to wake up your taste buds.
The Flat White Martini is soft, creamy, elegant and perfect for those “oh, go on then” moments.
So whichever lands in your glass tonight—here’s to great coffee flavours, good company and cocktails that work at any hour of the evening… or afternoon… or, well, we won’t judge.
But, if that all shaking and measuring sounds a bit much, and you’re anywhere near Holmfirth- come on down to Devour at The Dyehouse and pull up a seat. We’ve got a couple martinis with your name on them.