Elevate Your Cocktail Game: The Ultimate Guide to Ube Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini has long been a favorite among coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, but now, a vibrant and flavorful twist is taking center stage the Ube Espresso Martini. Combining the rich intensity of espresso with the creamy, nutty-sweet essence of ube, this stunning purple-hued drink is the perfect fusion of sophistication and indulgence.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to master the Ube Espresso Martini at home. From understanding the flavor chemistry behind ube and espresso to step-by-step brewing instructions and expert mixology tips, this article is designed to help you craft a visually stunning and delicious cocktail. Backed by research from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), World Coffee Research, and Barista Hustle, we’ll ensure your Espresso Martini isn’t just good it’s extraordinary.
Whether you're a seasoned home bartender, a café owner looking to expand your drink menu, or a cocktail enthusiast eager to experiment, this is the ultimate guide to making the best Ube Espresso Martini with Bazan Coffee.
What is an Ube Espresso Martini?
A Modern Take on a Classic Cocktail
An Espresso Martini is traditionally made with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. However, the Ube Espresso Martini introduces the unique flavors of ube a purple yam commonly used in Filipino and Southeast Asian desserts. Ube has a naturally sweet, nutty, and slightly vanilla-like taste, which pairs beautifully with the rich, bold notes of espresso.
By incorporating ube extract or ube syrup, this cocktail gains an eye-catching purple color, a creamy texture, and a distinctive sweetness that balances the bitterness of espresso. The result? A drink that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.
Why You Should Try Ube Espresso Martini
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Unique Flavor Profile – The earthy, nutty, and subtly sweet notes of ube add depth to the traditional Espresso Martini.
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Striking Aesthetic Appeal – The deep purple hue makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
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Perfect Balance of Sweet and Bitter – The combination of espresso’s boldness with ube’s creamy sweetness creates a harmonious blend.
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Easy to Customize – Whether you like it more caffeinated, boozier, or creamier, there are endless ways to tweak the recipe.
How to Make an Ube Espresso Martini: Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
To make a perfectly balanced Ube Espresso Martini, you’ll need:
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50ml (1.7oz) Vodka – Use a high-quality vodka for a clean taste.
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25ml (0.85oz) Coffee Liqueur – Kahlúa or Mr. Black work well.
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25ml (0.85oz) Freshly Brewed Espresso – Preferably made with Bazan Coffee’s Fine Robusta or Specialty Arabica for a rich, intense coffee flavor.
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15ml (0.5oz) Ube Syrup or Ube Extract – Provides the signature purple color and subtle sweetness.
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10ml (0.3oz) Simple Syrup or Condensed Milk – Adjust to taste for added sweetness.
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Ice Cubes – For shaking and chilling.
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Ube Powder or Grated Dark Chocolate – For garnish.
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Edible Gold Dust (Optional) – For extra visual appeal.
Equipment
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Espresso Machine or Moka Pot – To brew high-quality espresso.
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Cocktail Shaker – For mixing ingredients and creating a frothy top.
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Strainer – To ensure a smooth pour.
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Martini Glass – Chilled, to keep the cocktail refreshing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Espresso
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Brew a strong shot of espresso using freshly ground Bazan Coffee. A high-quality espresso with a rich crema will enhance the overall texture and balance the cocktail.
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Allow the espresso to cool slightly before adding it to the cocktail shaker. This prevents the ice from melting too quickly and watering down the drink.
Step 2: Build the Cocktail
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Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes to ensure a well-chilled mix.
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Add:
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50ml vodka
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25ml coffee liqueur
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25ml espresso
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15ml ube syrup (or 10ml ube extract)
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10ml simple syrup or condensed milk (adjust based on sweetness preference)
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Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to create a silky-smooth texture and a creamy foam layer on top.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
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Double strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass to remove ice shards and create a smooth pour.
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Garnish with:
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A dusting of ube powder or grated dark chocolate.
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A drizzle of ube syrup for added sweetness.
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Optional edible gold dust for a luxurious finish.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Take a moment to appreciate the stunning purple hue, the rich espresso aroma, and the velvety smooth texture before taking your first sip.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Ube Espresso Martini
1. Use High-Quality Espresso
The coffee is the backbone of this cocktail. Using freshly brewed espresso from Bazan Coffee ensures a deep, complex flavor. Avoid instant coffee, as it lacks the crema and depth needed for a well-balanced martini.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
Ube is naturally sweet, but personal taste varies. If you prefer a bolder coffee-forward drink, reduce the ube syrup and simple syrup slightly.
3. Shake with Intensity
A good Espresso Martini should have a thick, foamy crema on top. The key? Shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds to create an aerated, creamy texture.
4. Experiment with Dairy Alternatives
If you want a creamier texture, try replacing simple syrup with condensed milk, coconut cream, or oat milk.
5. Use a Pre-Chilled Glass
A cold martini glass keeps your cocktail refreshing longer. Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Make an Ube Espresso Martini Without an Espresso Machine?
Yes! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use:
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A Moka pot to make strong espresso-like coffee.
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A cold brew concentrate for a smoother, less acidic variation.
2. What If I Can’t Find Ube Syrup?
You can make homemade ube syrup by blending:
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1 cup cooked ube (purple yam)
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½ cup sugar or condensed milk
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¼ cup water
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Strain and use as needed.
3. Can I Make a Decaf Version?
Absolutely! Simply use decaffeinated espresso for a late-night indulgence without the caffeine hit.
4. How Can I Make This Drink Vegan?
Swap simple syrup for maple syrup and use a plant-based coffee liqueur like Mr. Black.
Elevate Your Cocktail Game with Bazan Coffee
The Ube Espresso Martini is more than just a cocktail it’s a celebration of creativity, flavor, and aesthetic appeal. With its bold espresso foundation, sweet and nutty ube undertones, and luxurious texture, this drink is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're impressing guests, treating yourself, or adding a unique specialty drink to your menu, this cocktail is sure to stand out.
At Bazan Coffee, we believe in crafting coffee experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Elevate your cocktails with our Specialty Arabica & Fine Robusta, sourced from the rich soils of Vietnam and perfected for espresso-based drinks.
Shop Bazan Coffee’s Finest Espresso Blends Here
Try Our Signature Coffees in Your Ube Espresso Martini
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Origin: Cầu Đất, Đà Lạt, Vietnam (Altitude: 1,550m)
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Taste Notes: Bell pepper, spices, caramel
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Roast Level: Light-Medium
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Origin: Krong Năng, Đắk Lắk, Vietnam (Altitude: 650m)
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Taste Notes: Durian, honey, caramel
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Roast Level: Medium
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Blend of: High-Altitude Arabica & Fine Robusta
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Taste Notes: Balanced acidity, chocolate, caramel, mild fruitiness
Which One Should You Choose?
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Want a smooth, floral, and refined cup? → Try Specialty Arabica – Cầu Đất
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Crave a bold, rich, and strong coffee? → Go for Fine Robusta – Krong Năng
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Need the best of both worlds? → Choose Special Vietnam Blend
Ready to make the best Ube Espresso Martini? Get premium espresso beans now! Discover Bazan Coffee’s Exclusive Collection Here and transform your espresso cocktails into a luxurious experience.
