A classic with a twist (Picture: The Cocktail Co/Getty)
No drink combines deliciousness and the ability to put a spring in your step like an espresso martini.
The coffee-based cocktail has long been hailed as one of the UK’s most popular tipples, but there’s now a new way to drink espresso martinis that’s taking the internet by storm.
While you may be used to the bartender topping off your glass with a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of cocoa, the new garnish of choice is… parmesan.
Now, before you recoil in terror, hear us out.
In recent weeks, TikTok users started the craze of adding a cheesy twist to the classic cocktail, with certain videos racking up hundreds of thousands oflikes.
But what exactly makes the unexpected pairing work?
Abby Matthews, mixology expert and Director of The Cocktail Co, says: ‘The idea of adding parmesan to an espresso martini might sound unusual at first, but it’s a flavour combination that you’re likely already familiar with from a lot of popular breakfast meals – take an egg and cheese omelette with a coffee for example.
‘Espresso martinis have always been a crowd-pleaser, offering smooth indulgence balanced with a caffeine kick.
WIN a year’s supply of Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey
Love peanut butter, love whiskey, love to indulge? This one’s for you!
We’re giving three Metro.co.uk readers the opportunity to win a year’s supply of Sheep Dog, the nation’s favourite peanut butter Whiskey.
Loaded with flavours of vanilla, rich caramel corn and whiskey undertones, finishing with butterscotch, subtle oak and coffee, Sheep Dog takes your peanut butter experience to a whole new level.
Delicious when served over ice, in a hard shake or the ultimate nutty Espresso Martini, Sheep Dog Peanut Butter is the sipper you’ll go barking mad for this summer.
To enter simply fill out your details using the form below. Over 18s only please!
In the meantime, sign up for News Updates to get all the latest stories from Metro, and if you want to hear about more fabulous offers like this, sign up to receive The Slice, Metro’s exclusive guide to all the latest culture, food and events in London.
You have until midnight on Sunday 23 July 2023 to enter, so make sure you sign up soon! Head here for the full T&Cs plus all the details about this fabulous prize.
Click here to enter if the form hasn’t loaded.
‘And while the cocktail is perfectly delicious by itself, the addition of a salty, savoury flavour profile from the parmesan can balance nicely with the cocktail’s sweet and bitter flavours, adding a unique depth that will leave your tastebuds pleasantly surprised.’
The taste test reaction to the drink has been surprisingly positive. In one video made by @GoldenBrownCoffee, the caffeine connoisseur asked: ‘Why is it so good?’
Meanwhile, bartender @highproofpreacher said: ‘I regret to inform you that was kind of awesome.’
Not convinced just yet? Well, try a parmesan espresso martini for yourself.
How to make a parmesan espresso martini
Ingredients (Serves 2)
100g golden caster sugar (for the sugar syrup)
Ice
100ml vodka
50ml freshly brewed espresso coffee
50ml coffee liqueur
Parmesan cheese
Method
Start by making the sugar syrup. Put the caster sugar in a small pan over a medium heat and pour in 50ml water. Stir, and bring to the boil.
Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool. Put two martini glasses in the fridge to chill.
Once the sugar syrup is cold, pour one tablespoon into a cocktail shaker along with a handful of ice, the vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur.
Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels icy cold.
Grate parmesan shavings directly on top.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE : These summer Sunday roast recipes have a delicious Mediterranean twist
MORE : Sleepy girl cocktail: Is it safe and will the TikTok trending drink help you nod off?
The traditional coffee bean garnish has been replaced with a savoury alternative.
