
Banana Espresso Martini
“Incorporating coffee into cocktails always brings back a bit of nostalgia for the holidays,” says award-winning mixologist Lauren Paylor. Her contribution to the 12 Days of Cocktails is a rum-based drink that includes a shot of espresso, banana syrup and a splash of coconut milk. “When I think of holiday beverages my mind immediately thinks of beverages such as eggnog or coquito,” Paylor says. “I wanted to create a serve that had the richness of those beverages that was non-dairy and a bit of additional complexity with the additional ingredients added.”
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 fl. oz. (45 ml) Ron Zacapa rum
- 1/2 fl. oz. (15 ml) coconut milk
- 1/2 fl. oz. (15 ml) banana syrup
- 1 fl. oz. (30 ml) espresso
- 2 dashes cocoa bitters
- 2 coffee beans for garnish
- Caramelized banana slice for garnish
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the rum, coconut milk, banana syrup, espresso and cocoa bitters. Cover, shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans and a skewered slice of caramelized banana and serve. Makes 1 drink.
Courtesy of Lauren Paylor, mixologist and co-founder of Focus on Health