Celebrate espresso with these innovative cocktail and dessert recipes

Coffee a beverage that has come to occupy a personal and cultural significance for many is loved in different forms across the globe From the geography of coffee beans to brewing methods various factors determine the taste and appeal of the drinkEspresso an Italian variant that boasts bold and refreshing flavours is one of the most loved forms of coffee National Espresso Day is observed onNovember 23to highlight the history and evolution of this fresh brewWhile espresso is loved in its raw form it can be used to create innovative cocktails and desserts that blend the richness of coffee with diverse flavours Chefs and mixologists share some recipes you can try to celebrate the beverageEspresso MartiniThe classic coffee cocktail Espresso Martini is a refreshing mix of flavours Chef Firoz from Craycraft Andheri shares The first time I tried an Espresso Martini it felt like a revelation a masterpiece in a glass ndash rich velvety and brimming with character This drink is a true celebration of bold flavours and craftsmanship To me itrsquos the perfect blend of indulgence and magic and eventoday every sip takes me back to that first spark of inspiration and passionIngredientsVodka ndash 40 mlCoffee liqueur like Kahluacutea ndash 20 mlFreshly brewed espresso hot or chilled as per your preference ndash 30 mlIce cubes for shakingMethodBrew your espresso shot in advance Allow it to cool slightly if youre using it hot as this helps balance the drinks temperature when shakenAdd ice cubes to a cocktail shaker The more ice the better for proper chilling and dilutionPour the vodka coffee liqueur and espresso into the shakerSecure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 1520 seconds This creates a creamy foam from the espressoDouble strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer into a chilled martini or coupe glass The double strain ensures the foam is smooth and there are no ice shardsTop the drink with 3 coffee beans arranged in a triangle symbolising health wealth and happinessFirst KissThis cocktail recipe by mixologist Rahul Kankekar brings together bold and sweet flavours to create a perfect blend The inspiration behind First Kiss was to create a drink that captures the essence of innocence and romance The boldness of bourbon meets the sweetness of rose and milkmaid with espresso adding a rich intensityrdquo he sharesIngredientsBourbon whiskey ndash 60 mlEspresso shot ndash 30 mlMilkmaid ndash 15 mlRose syrup ndash 15 mlMethodShaken and double strainGarnish with a Little Heart biscuitTiramisu MartiniCoffee cocktail dessert A perfect combination Tiramisu Martini offers a caffeine kick alongside the beloved vanilla and chocolate experienceldquoWhile creating this cocktail dessert our mindset was to bring the 90s old world aura together with a contemporary energyrdquo shares Dipankar Sardanha Corporate Mixologist Raasta BombayIngredientsKahlua coffee liqueur ndash 20 mlVodka ndash 50 mlChocolate liqueur ndash 10 mlHeavy cream half amp halfWhipped cream for garnishChocolate shavings ground coffee or cocoa powder for garnishLadyfingers for garnish optionalMethodChill your martini glassPlace your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill itCombine ingredientsIn a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the Kahlua vodka chocolate liqueur and heavy creamShake wellShake vigorously for about 1520 seconds to chill and combine the ingredientsStrain and serveStrain the mixture into the chilled martini glassGarnishTop with whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings ground coffee or cocoa powder You can also add a crumbled lady finger for a touch of tiramisu authenticityWhite Russian TiramisuThis cocktail merges the rich creamy texture of the classic White Russian with the decadent flavours of tiramisu Its a dessert drink with an indulgent twist Guneet Singh FampB manager Sesame Hyatt Centric Juhu shares ldquoItrsquosa luxurious fusion that balances the richness of Baileys and vodka with a dollop of mascarpone and cocoa dust bringing a touch of dessert to every siprdquoIngredientsVodka ndash 30 mlBaileys Irish Cream ndash 30 mlDouble espresso freshly brewed and cooled ndash 30 mlMascarpone cream ndash 2 tbspSavoiardi ladyfinger for garnishCocoa powder for dustingMethodPrepare the espressoBrew a strong double espresso and let it cool to room temperatureMix the cocktailIn a cocktail shaker combine the vodka Baileys Irish Cream and cooled espresso Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilledServeStrain the mixture into a glass filled with ice or serve it neat depending on preferenceTop with mascarpone creamGently float a dollop of mascarpone cream on top of the cocktail You can whisk the mascarpone slightly to make it smoother if desiredGarnishLightly dust the top with cocoa powder then garnish with a piece of Savoiardi or a small swirl of the mascarpone creamClassic TiramisuThis coffee dessert is the perfect blend of creamy texture and rich flavours ldquoTiramisu is a perfect harmony of creamy mascarpone bold coffee and a touch of sweetnessmdashsimple yet indulgent The key to a great tiramisu is balancing these flavours in every bite creating a dessert that feels both comforting and luxurious at the same timerdquosays chef Parab of Laurel By Flavors AhmedabadIngredientsMascarpone cheese ndash 500 gPowdered sugar ndash 12 cupVanilla extract ndash 1 tspHeavy cream whipped to stiff peaks ndash 1 cupStrong brewed coffee cooled ndash 2 cupsCoffee liqueur optional ndash 2 tbspSugar optional ndash 1 tbspEggless ladyfingers or sponge cake fingers ndash 2430Unsweetened cocoa powder for dustingDark chocolate shavings optional for garnishMethodPrepare the coffee soakBrew 2 cups of strong coffee and let it cool Stir in coffee liqueur and sugar if using then set asideMake the mascarpone mixtureIn a bowl whisk together mascarpone cheese powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smoothWhip the creamIn a separate bowl whip the heavy cream to stiff peaksCombineGently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and fluffyAssemble the tiramisuQuickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee soak and layer them in a dish Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingersLayer againRepeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixtureChillCover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours preferably overnightServeBefore serving dust with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desiredAlso ReadInternational Coffee Day From filter coffee to mousse indulge in these easy recipes to celebrate coffee