Libation of the Month
Irish Espresso Martini
Where to Find It
Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen locations in Newark, Trolley Square and Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Grain H2O in Bear; Grain on the Rocks in Lewes; and Grain Exchange @ Star Campus in Newark
Given his last name, it’s not surprising that Jim O’Donoghue knows a thing or two about Irish whiskey. But there is another reason. O’Donoghue and Lee Mikles own Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen, and for St. Patrick’s Day, O’Donoghue created a mashup of Irish coffee and a trendy espresso martini.
Coffee in cocktails is nothing new. Austria, Germany, Denmark and France had versions starting in the mid-19th century. Irish coffee—caife Gaelach—was born in the mid-20th century. The traditional recipe calls for Irish whiskey, hot coffee, sugar and cream or cream liqueur.
Meanwhile, the espresso martini—the darling of young reality stars—is reportedly the brainchild of British bartender Dick Bradsell. In the 1980s, he served the cocktail to a patron who wanted to be alert and catch a buzz at the same time. However, the cocktail with the coffee bean garnish didn’t hit the hipster scene until more recently.
Irish Espresso Martini
Course: DrinksCuisine: Irish, AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes5
minutesYou can sip O’Donoghue’s libation at any Grain restaurant or make it yourself with his recipe.
Ingredients
1 shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey
1/2 shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur
1/2 shot of Kahlua
1 shot of fresh espresso
3 coffee beans for garnish
Crème de menthe for drizzle (optional)
Directions
- In a shaker, combine ingredients with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Top with coffee beans and decorate with a drizzle of crème de menthe.
Related: Where to Find Delicious Espresso Martinis in Delaware
