Parker County Today April 2018 | Page 107

Espresso Yourself with an Espresso Martini Many people love coffee, and marti- nis have their devotees as well. Those who love both can now combine their passions thanks to this recipe for an “Espresso Martini” from W. Park Kerr’s “Viva Vodka: Colorful Cocktails with a Kick” (Chronicle Books). Espresso Martini 1 1/2 ounces good-quality vodka or vanilla vodka, homemade (see below) or commercial 1/2 ounce espresso or strong coffee 1/2 ounce Kahlua 1/2 ounce crème de cacao Garnish: 3 espresso beans In a cocktail shaker, shake the liquid ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Drop in the espresso beans. Vanilla Vodka 3 to 4 vanilla beans, broken into small pieces 1 750-ml. bottle good-quality vodka Add the vanilla bean pieces to the bottle of vodka and cap tightly. Let stand for at least 1 week, shaking gen- tly every couple of days. Leave the va- nilla in the bottle to infuse indefinitely and refrigerate. When ready to use, slowly strain the vanilla-infused vodka through a fine-mesh wire strainer into the jigger or glass. 105