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Blueberry Espresso Martini
Blueberry Espresso Martini
A blueberry espresso martini was the first thing that popped into my head when I started thinking about a summer version of an espresso martini. If you love blueberries too, you’re definitely going to want to give this one a try. Growing up in Maine, I got to eat some of the best blueberries ever, so blueberry desserts and drinks have always been some of my favorite things to make during the summer. Blueberries are always at their best this time of year, and pairing them with espresso turned out even better than I expected. This recipe combines vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and homemade blueberry syrup before getting topped with a creamy blueberry cold foam. The blueberry adds a fresh, fruity sweetness while the espresso and coffee liqueur keep the drink bold and balanced. I also made mini blueberry muffins specifically for the garnish on this one, and dipping pieces of the muffin into the blueberry cold foam was ridiculously good.
What Is a Blueberry Espresso Martini?
A blueberry espresso martini takes the classic combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso and adds blueberry flavor for a fruitier version that works especially well during the summer. Instead of using blueberry vodka, I use vanilla vodka and homemade blueberry syrup. The vanilla complements both the coffee and blueberries without overpowering either one, while the syrup gives you a fresher blueberry flavor. The cocktail is then topped with blueberry cold foam made with heavy cream, oat milk, blueberry syrup, and blueberry jam, which gives every sip a mix of blueberry, vanilla, coffee, and cream.
Ingredient Breakdown
Vanilla Vodka: Gives the drink a smooth base and works naturally with both blueberries and coffee.
Coffee Liqueur: Adds sweetness, body, and another layer of coffee flavor.
Fresh Espresso: Keeps the drink bold and balances the sweeter blueberry and vanilla notes.
Blueberry Syrup: Adds the main blueberry flavor, sweetness, and color.
Heavy Cream: Gives the blueberry cold foam its rich, creamy texture.
Oat Milk: Loosens the heavy cream slightly so the foam stays thick but pourable.
Blueberry Jam: Adds a more concentrated blueberry flavor while giving the foam a little extra body and color.
The Blueberry Syrup
The homemade blueberry syrup is what really makes this drink work. Instead of relying on blueberry vodka or another bottled flavoring, the syrup gives the cocktail a cleaner, fresher blueberry flavor. I make it separately and keep it refrigerated, which means once it’s ready, this espresso martini comes together in just a few minutes. Any extra syrup can also be used in iced coffee, lemonade, mocktails, or other cocktails.
Getting the Blueberry Cold Foam Right
The blueberry cold foam is made with heavy cream, oat milk, blueberry syrup, and blueberry jam. Froth everything together until it’s thick and creamy but still loose enough to pour. I give the espresso martini a lighter shake than I normally would because a heavy shake creates a thick layer of espresso crema that can mix into the blueberry cold foam and muddy the color. A lighter shake still chills and combines the cocktail while leaving a cleaner surface for the foam.
How to Garnish It
I originally wanted to float fresh blueberries directly on the cold foam, but they tend to sink pretty quickly. Instead, I use three coffee beans on top of the foam and add fresh blueberries to a cocktail pick. The mini blueberry muffin on the rim brings the whole presentation together and gives you something to dip into the cold foam while you drink it. If you want to keep things simpler, you can skip the muffin and garnish with just the coffee beans and blueberries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This drink still has everything I want from an espresso martini, but the blueberry gives it a completely different flavor for summer. The espresso and coffee liqueur keep it rich and bold, while the vanilla vodka and blueberry syrup add just enough sweetness and fruitiness. The blueberry cold foam adds another layer of blueberry flavor and gives the cocktail a creamy finish without putting cream directly into the drink itself. It also looks like a much more complicated cocktail than it actually is, and once the blueberry syrup is prepared, the entire drink takes about five minutes to make.
Blueberry Espresso Martini
1
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1½ oz 1½ vanilla vodka
1 oz 1 coffee liqueur
1¼ oz 1¼ fresh espresso
1 oz 1 blueberry syrup ( recipe )
2 oz 2 heavy cream
½ oz ½ oat milk
1 oz 1 blueberry syrup
1½ tsp 1½ blueberry jam
3 3 coffee beans
Fresh blueberries on a cocktail pick
1 1 mini blueberry muffin
Directions
- Add the blueberries, sugar, and water to a saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Lightly smash the blueberries, stir in the lemon juice, remove from the heat, and let steep for 15 minutes before cooling and straining.
- Add the vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, blueberry syrup, and ice to a shaker.
- Give it a light shake so the espresso crema does not overpower the blueberry cold foam color, then strain into a glass and let settle briefly.
- Add the heavy cream, oat milk, blueberry syrup, and blueberry jam to a frothing cup.
- Froth until thick and pourable, then slowly layer the blueberry cold foam over the espresso martini.
- Garnish with three coffee beans, fresh blueberries on a cocktail pick, and a mini blueberry muffin.
Equipment
Glass Cocktail Shaker (13 oz)Buy now
Recipe Video
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