Indulge in the Bold and Delicious Parmesan Espresso Martini - A Recipe to Impress Your Guests
*Disclosure: This blog contains articles with affiliate products. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Parmesan Espresso Martini Recipe
Behind the Inspiration for the Parmesan Espresso Martini
The Parmesan Espresso Martini is a unique and trendy cocktail that has been gaining popularity on social media. This savory twist on the classic Espresso Martini is made by floating finely grated aged parmesan on top of the drink.
The inspiration for this innovative cocktail comes from Food and Wine’s article, “Don't Knock the Parmesan Espresso Martini Before You Try It” which had me interested immediately. For proof of concept, I followed Instagram cocktail influencers, The Bitter Gringo Co., High Proof Preacher, and Holy City Hand Craft, who got a lot of attention for their posts. I also took a peek at the hashtag #parmesanespressomartini to find out if other people were adventurous enough to make it.
Experiencing the Parmesan Espresso Martini Myself
Parmigiano Reggiano from Nugget Markets finely grated over the Espresso Martini
I decided to explore the Parmesan Espresso Martini using Food and Wine's Espresso Martini recipe. The recipe involves shaking vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso over ice, then garnishing with finely grated parmesan using the microplane side of the grater, which adds a rich and delicious umami flavor to the cocktail.
Parmigiano Reggiano from Nugget Market
Use the microplane side of a grater
I picked up my Parmigiano-Reggiano from Nugget Markets. Since parmesan is the star ingredient of this cocktail, it mattered to me that I use what I consider a quality product. They have a fantastic selection of fresh and aged cheeses.
Total Wine and More has been my go-to spot for wine and liquor. They have everything. I picked up two bottles of Mr. Black’s coffee liqueur and Tahoe Blue vodka to make the drink. Food and Wine’s Espresso Martini recipe suggested Grey Goose, which I love but decided against. The flavors I’m looking out for are espresso and parmesan. My shoulder devil couldn’t convince me to splurge on Grey Goose.
Parmesan Espresso Martini Prep
After my first sip, I added more parmesan cheese! As a cheese lover, the parmesan scent hit my nose right away. Because it was so finely grated, I thought more cheese couldn’t hurt. The result was a delicious and indulgent cocktail. The combination of espresso and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese created a complex and savory flavor profile that was both unexpected and satisfying.
What sets the Parmesan Espresso Martini apart from other cocktails is the addition of grated aged parmesan as a floating garnish. This not only adds an element of visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the drink. As you sip the cocktail, the parmesan slowly dissolves and combines with the other ingredients, creating a unique smooth flavor.
You Do Not Have to be a Pro, to Make a Pro Cocktail
Bartenders and professional mixologists alike are an impressive bunch, but if you want to make a restaurant-quality cocktail at home, you do not need to be a professional. Pick up a basic shaker kit from Amazon for under $20, buy your booze, and get to it!
My tip as a novice bartender: Prep your station.
Have all your bar tools and ingredients within reach. When you’re station is prepped you spend less time thinking about what’s next. A prepped station gives you the room to be a slower-paced bartender (like me) at home, or work much faster if you’re training in the industry.
Making the Parmesan Espresso Martini for the first time.
Parmesan Espresso Martini made with Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
Adding the Parmesan Espresso Martini to Your Bar’s Cocktail Menu
Adding a Parmesan Espresso Martini to your bar or restaurant's cocktail menu can be a great way to attract customers who are looking for unique and creative cocktails. This trendy drink offers a savory twist on the classic Espresso Martini, making it stand out from other drinks on the menu. Additionally, the use of Parmesan cheese as a garnish adds an element of visual appeal.
In today's social media-driven world, the visual appeal of a cocktail can have a significant impact on its popularity. People are attracted to visually appealing content, and when it comes to cocktails, a beautifully crafted drink can instantly catch the eye of a viewer scrolling through their social media feed.
A visually appealing drink increases the likelihood of social media users sharing, liking, and commenting on their posts, ultimately leading to increased exposure and engagement for their brand or establishment. In hospitality, it’s important to recognize new techniques from bartenders and mixologists in the industry. By incorporating a drink like the Parmesan Espresso Martini into your bar menu, you are also showcasing your creativity in mixology.
While the Parmesan Espresso Martini may not be for everyone, it's certainly worth trying for those who enjoy savory cocktails or are looking for a unique and memorable drink experience. The trend of experimenting with unexpected ingredients in cocktails is one that continues to push the boundaries of mixology, and the Parmesan Espresso Martini is a great example of that.
Cocktail Short Menu Featuring the Parmesan Espresso Martini
Little Plate’s “Short Menu” Featuring the Parmesan Espresso Martini
The Best Time of Day to Enjoy a Parmesan Espresso Martini
The Parmesan Espresso Martini can be enjoyed at any time of day, many people believe that the best time to indulge is in the evening. The rich, complex flavors of the drink make it an ideal choice for after-dinner drinks, or after-your-toddler-goes-to-bed drinks. Especially, if you have a DIY project planned immediately after the goodnight hugs and kisses conclude.
If consumed too close to bedtime, the caffeine content in the espresso may make it difficult to fall asleep. Personally, I could enjoy this cocktail in the late afternoon, seated on a patio, with a book and a small cheese board, followed by a light dinner, and still keep my regular bedtime hours. However, if you have no bedtime and your DIY project involves painting the entire downstairs bathroom, then the Parmesan Espresso Martini is the perfect cocktail for that time of day too!
Food and Wine Night Featuring the Parmesan Espresso Martini
Food and Wine Night with a cheddar and goat cheese and chocolate board, paired with the Parmesan Espresso Martini, by Little Plate
Our last Food and Wine Night (#fawn) was inspired by the Parmesan Espresso Martini. I’ve always thought coffee and cheese are a comforting pairing. A classic way to enjoy this is with a bagel and cream cheese alongside a shot of espresso, creating a perfect breakfast or brunch combination. Another classic pairing is a sharp cheddar or aged gouda, which can stand up to the robust flavors of espresso. For those who prefer lighter cheese, fresh goat cheese or feta can bring a tangy and refreshing element that cuts through the strong flavors of coffee.
Pairing chocolate and espresso is a match made in heaven, as the rich and intense flavors of both complement each other perfectly. The bitterness of espresso enhances the sweetness of chocolate, while the chocolate adds depth and complexity to the coffee. Dark chocolate is a classic pairing. Its bitterness can complement the strong and robust flavors of espresso. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the more intense the flavor, which can stand up to the strength of espresso. Milk chocolate can also be a good option, as its creamy sweetness can balance the bitterness of coffee.
Ultimately, the key to pairing cheese and chocolate with espresso is to experiment and find the combination that best suits your taste preferences.
For my cheese and chocolate selection, I kept it simple. Since one of my stops was at Total Wine and More for Mr. Black’s coffee liqueur and Tahoe Blue vodka, I made the second stop at the closest Bel Air market. My two bars of chocolate by Chocolove were Strong Dark Chocolate and Toffee and Almonds in Milk Chocolate.
Since we were experimenting with flavors of umami, I thought the Black Truffle goat cheese from Laura Chenel would be an interesting choice. And I picked up Extra Mature Scottish Cheddar Cheese from 1057.
Everything was delicious and blended well together. I’m not normally a coffee drinker, so not as familiar with pairing food with beverages made from the bean. I relied on my husband to confirm that our after-dinner spread was indeed as good as I thought it was. The cheddar was robust, the goat cheese was a delicious creamy addition, and the chocolates were a sweet relief from the bitter notes of the cocktail.
As we finished the food and finished our martinis, we did not finish any of the settled parmesan at the bottom of our glasses. It seemed unnecessary after we just ate a board of cheese and chocolate. Maybe a spoonful of coffee-soaked parmesan isn’t so bad, but I will leave that for another adventurous blogger to discover.
Cin Cin!
*At Little Plate, some of our articles may feature affiliate products. This means that we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links provided. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe in and have tested ourselves. Your trust means the world to us, and we strive to maintain transparency in all our content. Thank you for supporting Little Plate!
