Dirty Russian with Salted Cold Foam
“Nothing good happens after midnight,” is something my mom would always tell me. And for the most part, I agree... except for one night of the year: New Year’s Eve.
Those who know me know I am borderline narcoleptic. Ronnie and I joke that I have a built-in “tip-over valve,” because if it’s after 7pm and I so much as recline, it’s game over. Lights out, no questions asked. Which means that making it to midnight is a true rarity for me… and usually requires caffeine.
So, naturally, these espresso martinis have become my official fuel for ringing in the new year — the perfect little boost to carry me from one year into the next. Make them for NYE, or for any night when you’re determined to stay up just a little longer than usual.
End-to-End Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Makes: 1 Drink
Level of Difficulty: Easy peasy lemon squeezy
Downloadable Recipe Card: Here
What You’ll Need
For Your Martini
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz freshly brewed espresso or decaf espresso (or strong cold brew concentrate), cooled
0.5 oz heavy cream
Ice
For Your Cold Foam
2 tbsp heavy cream
A pinch of chunky flaky salt (optional, this will make it a salted cold foam, which I think is fire)
How to Make
First, let’s make our martini
Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake hard for 15–20 seconds — this creates that luxurious, velvety crema on top. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Now for your cold foam
Combine heavy cream and flaky salt in a small bowl. Whisk until soft peaks form (you want it thick but still pourable, not stiff), gently spoon the salted cold foam over the top of your martini and serve immediately.
