Espresso Martini with Bourbon: The Late-Night Move

The espresso martini is the most ordered cocktail in America and 90% of them are bad. The fix is simple: better coffee, better spirit, less sugar.

The pour

1.5 oz bourbon (something with caramel notes — Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig work). 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled, not hot). 0.5 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa is fine, Mr Black is better). 0.25 oz simple syrup. Shake hard with ice, double strain into a coupe, three coffee beans on top.

The key is the espresso has to be fresh and strong. Weak coffee makes a weak drink. And don't use vodka unless you're at a wedding and nobody's watching.