The Liquor Swap For Cozier Espresso Martinis

The espresso martini is having a moment. Though these caffeinated cocktails have been on bartenders' radar for years, it seems the espresso martini trend took off among young adults in 2022 and has been on an upward trajectory ever since.

Traditionally, espresso martinis are made with espresso and vodka, with beverage giants like Ketel One, Grey Goose, and even Starbucks all coming up with their own recipes for the sought-after cocktail. Coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua, is also used, and after being shaken, the ingredients result in a frothy, indulgent after-dinner drink.

One little-known secret about the espresso martini is that there's a chance we have been making it wrong this entire time. Although vodka remains tradition, another type of alcohol arguably pairs even better: rum. It's known for being added to sweet desserts (think: bananas foster and rum raisin ice cream), so it might be everything the espresso martini is missing.

Adding alcohol to a dessert is relatively common, and rum seems to be involved in a slew of sweet recipes. For all intents and purposes, an espresso martini is a liquid dessert. Variations of the drink often include adding chocolate or other proof beverages, such as Bailey's Irish Cream. The bottom line is that rum is a perfect pairing for these sweeter elements because rum is distilled from sugar, meaning it naturally has sweet undertones. If you don't mind a bit of sugar, don't be afraid to take things even further by adding vanilla-flavored rum.

Maialino in New York City ups the ante by serving the martini with gelato, undoubtedly taking it from after-dinner cocktail to a liquid dessert. Though you don't have to go that far if you're interested in pairing it with something like a steak dinner, don't be afraid to request rum in place of vodka next time you dine out.

Now that it's on almost every beverage menu, it's time to get creative with how you order your espresso martini. If you love the traditional vodka and espresso blend, keep doing what you're doing — or give rum a chance. But if you're looking for something more, you can bring some chocolate into the mix with a chocolate espresso martini. The flavors blend well, and the drink serves as a dessert cocktail. Substitute regular vodka for chocolate vodka or drizzle chocolate syrup around the glass, and the cocktail instantly becomes a tasty treat. For something more unique, Difford's Guide suggests substituting vodka with tequila to create a martini that adds agave syrup, mole bitters, and chili seasoning for a sweet and spicy blend. Difford's also suggests a combination of vanilla vodka with cinnamon syrup for something that could be sipped on at brunch or for dessert. Regardless of how you prefer your espresso martini, now is the time if you've been waiting to jump on this sweet drink bandwagon.