You can’t throw a coffee bean without hitting yet another cocktail bar touting their Espresso Martini. It’s the new Negroni – the cocktail everyone orders but no one’s sure they actually like. Now you can decide in the privacy of your kitchen – no peer pressure – thanks to Cheeky Decaf Espresso Syrup.
Aside from trendiness, I’m convinced the primary appeal of an espresso martini is the late night caffeine boost. I know that’s why I used to shoot Patron XO Cafe, and that’s a meager 10mg of caffeine. An energy injection likely isn’t a top priority, though, when you’re sitting at home in your fancy pants. Neither is making fresh espresso.
Cheeky’s decaf espresso syrup is a collaboration with Brooklyn’s Partners Coffee. It’s made of just three ingredients – decaffeinated coffee, cane sugar and gum arabic. Those latter two are what deliver the sweetness and texture that makes for a great espresso martini. And the coffee… well that delivers the coffee flavor. Just mix a couple ounces of liquor with an ounce of syrup and you’re got yourself a cocktail.
Admittedly, I actually wish I had a bunch of flavored vodkas on hand for once. It’d be an interesting ride with things like chocolate, whipped cream, caramel, etc. And contrary to what all the previous words in this article would make you think – I’m a caffeine fiend so I’d be more likely to use Cheeky’s traditional espresso syrup. That’s me, though. Professional degenerate.
Cheeky Decaf Espresso, $15/4oz
