British · Patron XO Cafe
Patron XO Cafe Espresso Martini
Patron XO Cafe is tequila and coffee rather than rum and coffee, and it is noticeably drier than Kahlua. It was built to be a dessert liqueur that does not taste like syrup, and that dryness is exactly what an espresso martini wants.
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Ingredients
- PATRON XO CAFE COFFEE LIQUEUR 750ML
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz fresh espresso, hot
- 1/4 oz simple syrup, optional
- 3 coffee beans to garnish
You will also need
Method
- Pull the espresso and use it hot. Hot coffee against cold ice is what builds the foam.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and syrup to a shaker with plenty of ice.
- Shake hard for fifteen seconds. Longer than feels necessary.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe and float three coffee beans on the foam.
The one thing that matters
Because it is less sweet, you may want a quarter ounce of simple syrup to get the foam right. Sugar helps the shake hold air, which is where the crema on top comes from.
Questions
Can you use Patron XO Cafe in an espresso martini?
Yes, and it makes a drier one than Kahlua. It is tequila-based rather than rum-based, so there is less sugar and a slight agave edge. Add a small amount of simple syrup if you want a thicker foam.
What is the difference between Patron XO Cafe and Kahlua?
Kahlua is rum-based, sweeter and rounder. Patron XO Cafe is tequila-based, drier and more bitter. For a sweet espresso martini use Kahlua; for a sharper, more coffee-forward one use Patron.