Parmesan Espresso Martini
The internet-breaking TikTok cocktail: a classic espresso martini finished with a generous layer of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, where savory umami and bitter coffee collide in one addictive, unexpected sip.
- 1½ ozvodka
- ¾ ozcoffee liqueur
- 1½ ozespresso
- 1 pinchsea salt
- Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggianogarnish
- 1Brew a fresh shot of espresso and set it aside for 2 minutes — allowing it to cool slightly preserves the crema and protects the foam when shaken.
- 2Add vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, and a pinch of sea salt to a cocktail shaker.
- 3Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds to build maximum foam.
- 4Double-strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a well-chilled coupe glass, pouring slowly to transfer all the foam.
- 5Immediately microplane or finely grate a generous layer of Parmigiano Reggiano directly over the foam and serve at once.
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Cocktail creator Carlos Ruiz developed the foundational concept in June 2022 as an entry for a Licor 43 competition, producing a Parmesan-topped espresso drink he called Café Con Queso. The combination attracted wider attention when bartender and TikTok content creator Jordan Hughes of @highproofpreacher posted his interpretation on Valentine's Day 2023, using a streamlined vodka-espresso-coffee liqueur base and finishing it with microplaned Parmesan. Hughes credited Seattle-based cocktail consultant Jonathan Stanyard with the original inspiration, who had developed a more complex version using truffle-infused cognac and lactic-vanilla syrup. Hughes' simpler approach was the spark that sent the hashtag #parmesanespressomartini past 328 million TikTok views, establishing the savory-sweet combination as one of the most-discussed cocktail moments of the decade.
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