The ubiquitous espresso martini has served as a gateway libation into the world of coffee cocktails. Its velvety balance of sweet coffee liqueur and bitter caffeine fuse for a sip so delightful that its renaissance is equivocal to a movement.

Still, the espresso martini can’t reign forever, and there are other coffee cocktails deserving of your time.

Here are five tips for elevating your coffee cocktail game.

Black Russian Cocktail

Choosing a superior base for your coffee cocktails, whether you’re after a caffeine hit or its flavorful mimic, is essential. Mr Black Cold Brew is popular among espresso martini lovers due to its richer flavor. For those who prefer tequila, Quintaliza Tequila offers a unique double-distilled reposado that ages in coffee barrels, bringing a complex profile of caramel and nutty notes. Straightaway’s Accompani Coffee Liqueur incorporates cold brew from Stumptown Coffee Roasters and local Meadowfoam honey, creating a warm, smooth taste ideal for enhancing any coffee cocktail.

The presentation of many coffee cocktails mirrors that of their café counterparts, with barista art replaced by a mixologist’s garnish – beginning with a delicate layer of cream atop the deep, coffee-inspired concoction. Experts at The Polo Bar in Dubai highlight the critical role of a dry shake in crafting coffee cocktails. Initially, mix all ingredients with ice, strain, then shake again without ice to develop a creamy layer for an exquisitely structured drink.

Irish Coffee is perhaps the sole cocktail where using black coffee is appropriate, though it’s less dense than espresso and can dilute the drink or diminish its robustness. A clever workaround is to employ Nespresso pods, particularly their iced espresso varieties engineered for optimal flavor when mixed with milk or ice. “Although you can use any Nespresso capsule for cocktails, the Ice Leggero and Ice Forte pods are specifically designed for iced drinks, accounting for ice melt and creating the ideal sipping experience,” explains James Pergola, Nespresso’s Coffee Ambassador. “These were intentionally crafted without an intensity rating to serve as perfect coffee cocktail ingredients.”

Nespresso Ice Leggero and Ice Forte pods are perfectly suited for coffee cocktails.

When drinks curdle, they segregate the flavors and create a dissonant taste experience. This often happens when mixing a hot, acidic base like coffee with cold or less acidic substances, which is common in cocktail making. To prevent this, cool your coffee prior to mixing and avoid dairy, as it promotes curdling.

While coffee beans make a simple and effective garnish for coffee cocktails, other options can enhance both the visual appeal and taste of the drink. Consider using freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut flakes, or dehydrated orange slices, which all rest beautifully atop foamy drinks after a thorough shake. “For an elegant touch, try a sugared rim,” suggests Pergola. This involves moistening a glass’s rim with simple syrup and dipping it in sugar. Alternatively, a fresh orange slice adds a “zesty punch” that complements the intense flavors of a coffee cocktail.

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