What's In The Mix Today?

As I sit burning up the keys on my laptop ploughing through a small mountain of work (with essentially my 2 finger typing) I'm craving a pick-me-up... it's not Friday night yet but let's get ready for it... anticipation darling!

The Espresso Martini: The story goes back in the 1980s (...don't get me started on that era) a super model walks in to a Soho bar and asks the bartender, Dick Bradsell, to make a drink which would 'wake me up, and then f%@k me up'.

The recipe is simple, with just 3 elements, but this iconic drink varies in its 'quaffability'. I'll often order one just to gauge a bar's baseline for the skill and quality of mixologist.

I prefer mine strong, balanced and not too sweet - yes I'm still talking about the drink!

A while ago I made the mistake of buying a superstore's version - just to see - so after that disappointment I've taken to making my own using Arabica coffee, good quality vodka and organic coconut sugar. Apologies for the rather corny title of Sallua... but it certainly starts an evening off with some vigour and it's virtually a health drink with no added refined sugars.

2 parts Vodka

1 Part Coffee liqueur - Sallua

1 Part Fresh espresso coffee

It's all in the shake (20-30 seconds) with fairly large ice cubes to avoid over dilution and to create that gorgeous crema. Add the 3 coffee beans - con la mosca - for health, wealth and happiness; what more could we ask for?

Enjoy, I certainly will!