#espresso-martini

#espresso-martini

One of Tasting Table expert James Hastings' biggest mistakes you can make with coffee cocktails is assuming you can get away with cheap or just not great coffee because you're mixing it with other ingredients. "The powerful flavor of coffee means that it typically forms the foundation of the cocktail," Hastings explained, "so using an inferior brew can lead to weak or unbalanced flavors."

"The tradition actually started with the Italian liqueur Sambuca, where three beans were used as a toast to good fortune - and it's carried over perfectly to the espresso martini," Chelsea Walrath, general manager of Char & Stave in Pennsylvania, told HuffPost via email. In the case of Sambuca, which is also served with three coffee beans, the beans represent wishes of health, prosperity, and happiness. The beans on an espresso martini hold a similar meaning.

The cocktail landscape in 2025 is buzzing with innovation, bold flavors, and Instagram-worthy presentations that are reshaping how bars and restaurants approach their beverage programs. From time-tested classics getting modern makeovers to entirely new concoctions capturing social media attention, this year's trending cocktails reflect evolving consumer preferences for quality ingredients, unique experiences, and visual appeal. For food and beverage professionals, understanding these trends isn't just about staying current: it's about maximizing profit margins, attracting younger demographics, and creating memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.