Is there a food or drink that holds a special meaning to you? It’s amazing how a smell and/or a taste can bring back a specific feeling. Now you should know I’m an incredibly sentimental person. So if you don’t mind, I’d like to share a little about my favorite drink and how it reminds me of two of my favorite people. Enter: my go-to espresso martini recipe.

I woke up today missing Poppy, my Grandfather, who we lost late last year. Poppy’s go-to cocktail was a Black Russian; equal parts Kahlúa and Vodka. Perfectly sweet and strong. He passed that favorite onto my Dad, and they both shared it with me. None of us drink often at all but on special occasions you can count on there being Kahlúa and Vodka available.

Then a couple months back I was thinking about Poppy and ordered an Espresso Martini on a whim at a favorite local bar. I couldn’t figure out why I loved it so much until I saw the ingredients on the menu. Espresso – Kahlúa – Vodka.

Thanks Poppy, I see you.

So now my go to is a little bit of memories and a little bit of my new home. A Black Russian for Poppy with Espresso and Maple Syrup for Vermont.

The Recipe

(measured in tsp and tbsp because I’m not a bartender – and yes it’s a stiff drink friends)

• A couple ice cubes (make it cold and help create the foam when shaken)
• 1 tsp maple syrup (because we gotta rep Vermont)
• Double shot of espresso
• 3 tbsp Kahlúa
• 3 tbsp Vodka

I like to pour all of these in a small mason jar with a lid and shake aggressively. Make sure you choose a vessel to shake it in that has enough space in it to create foam as you’re shaking. If it’s too full you won’t have enough room for it to create the foam.

Is this technically 2+ drinks worth of liquor, yes. So just be responsible and enjoy this espresso martini recipe!