Gail Simmons Knows The Best Way To Make An Espresso Martini
Gail Simmons is full of opinions. Whether it's how to serve the perfect brunch (per US Weekly) or the secret to a perfect meal, you wouldn't expect anything less than perfection from the plucky woman who has been a judge on Bravo TV's "Top Chef" since it first aired in 2006 (per Bravo).
In addition to her role on "Top Chef," the TV personality was a special projects director with Food & Wine for 15 years, has authored two cookbooks, and is co-host of "The Good Dish" (per Gail Simmons). With the background and experience Simmons has, you'll want to pay attention to her advice on the best way to make what she calls a "fun and festive" cocktail that uses only three ingredients.
Simmons' recipe for an espresso martini is simple but delivers on taste and presentation. You don't need a special occasion to whip up this caffeinated cocktail. These espresso martinis make every event special, whether it's a party for friends or a romantic brunch for two.
Gail Simmons' secret
Gail Simmons has the recipe down pat when it comes to knowing the best way to make an espresso martini. According to Yahoo!Life, Simmons insists on using Absolut Vodka but isn't fussy about the espresso brand. Chilled brewed espresso or the instant variety will do the trick, and you can even go with the unleaded decaf versions if you plan on imbibing them after breakfast or with dessert. Finally, she adds Kahlúa to elevate the coffee flavor of the cocktail.
Like James Bond's preference, these martinis must be shaken, not stirred, to create the sudsy froth — or what Simmons refers to as a "velvety foam" — to the top of the cocktail. Nobody likes a watery martini, so she recommends using a strainer to keep the ice from getting into your glass. All that's left is to top the martini with a garnish for a complementary flavor. Simmons likes to top hers with peppermint candies or orange rinds, but crushed chocolate cookies or three chocolate-covered coffee beans to represent health, wealth, and happiness, an Italian tradition according to Taste Cocktails, would do the trick.
The coffee cocktail craze
Combining coffee with cocktails is nothing new. Irish Coffee is a popular after-dinner drink, and there are many coffee-flavored liqueurs like Kahlúa and Patron XO Cafe. According to In The Know, coffee cocktails went viral on TikTok in 2021, with creators sharing their most innovative coffee concoctions, such as Carajillos and Coffee Mojitos, using the #coffeecocktailchallenge. Mr. Black has an annual contest for the best uses of their coffee-infused spirit judging entries based on "creativity, taste, presentation, and simplicity." The coffee cocktail craze continues.
Certain foods pair well with the drink if you're serving espresso martinis at a meal such as brunch. A rich coffee cake, nutty biscotti, or a decadent tiramisu are good complements to espresso martinis, or follow Gail Simmons' suggestion of serving banana pancakes or fresh fruit as an accompaniment. Whatever you decide to serve alongside your espresso martini, just make sure to adhere to Simmons' (and James Bond's) advice and make sure the martini is shaken, not stirred.