January Kiss
A floral lavender twist on an Espresso Martini with vanilla vodka, cold brew, and lavender vanilla syrup. Tips, swaps, and storage advice.
A floral and lavender riff on the classic Espresso Martini.
Recipe and photo courtesy of @weekndcookbook.
- This is a lavender and vanilla twist on an Espresso Martini using vanilla vodka, cold brew, coffee liqueur, and a 1:1 lavender vanilla syrup.
- Make the syrup by simmering equal parts lavender vanilla sugar and water, then cool and store chilled for up to two weeks.
- Stir (do not shake) over a large ice cube for a clear, silky drink and finish by expressing a grapefruit swath to release oils.
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Preparation Instructions:
To make syrup:
Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, simmer for 3 minutes, strain, and let cool.
To make cocktail:
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass. Stir ingredients together, strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with with a grapefruit swath expressed and inserted into the drink.
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More About This Recipe
Expressing a swath of citrus means taking a thin slice of the peel and bending/pressing it over the glass to pop the citrus rind's pores and unleash the essential oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a January Kiss?
January Kiss is a floral riff on an Espresso Martini that combines vanilla vodka, cold brew coffee, coffee liqueur, and a lavender vanilla simple syrup. It is served over a large ice cube and garnished with an expressed grapefruit swath.
How do I make lavender vanilla sugar if I don't have it ready?
Combine granulated sugar with a split vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tablespoon of dried culinary lavender. Let the mixture sit in an airtight jar for a day or two to infuse, then sift to remove large lavender bits before using.
How do I make and store the lavender vanilla syrup?
Heat equal parts lavender vanilla sugar and water until it simmers, simmer 2 to 3 minutes, then strain and cool. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer life, sterilize the jar and use strict cleanliness; refrigerated life can extend to about a month.
Can I make this cocktail nonalcoholic?
Yes. Use a nonalcoholic vanilla spirit or plain nonalcoholic vodka substitute, skip the coffee liqueur or replace it with coffee concentrate or coffee syrup, and adjust the lavender syrup to taste. You will keep the cold brew for coffee flavor.
Why does the recipe call for stirring instead of shaking?
Stirring chills and dilutes the drink without adding foam or aeration. Because this recipe uses cold brew rather than hot espresso, stirring preserves a clear, silky texture and the drink's visual clarity.
Can I use espresso instead of cold brew?
Yes, but espresso is hotter and more acidic. If you use espresso, cool it first or use a chilled shot and you may choose to shake to build crema. Expect a brighter, more intense coffee flavor and slightly different texture.
How do I express and use a grapefruit swath as a garnish?
Cut a thin strip of grapefruit peel avoiding the white pith. Hold it skin-side down over the glass and bend it sharply to release the oils into the drink. Rub the rim with the peel if you like, then tuck the swath into the glass as garnish.
What are good substitutions for the coffee liqueur or vanilla vodka?
For coffee liqueur try Kahlua, Tia Maria, or a craft coffee liqueur like Mr Black. If you lack vanilla vodka, use plain vodka plus a splash of vanilla extract or extra vanilla syrup, or use a vanilla-flavored spirit you prefer.
What is a January Kiss?
January Kiss is a floral riff on an Espresso Martini that combines vanilla vodka, cold brew coffee, coffee liqueur, and a lavender vanilla simple syrup. It is served over a large ice cube and garnished with an expressed grapefruit swath.
How do I make lavender vanilla sugar if I don't have it ready?
Combine granulated sugar with a split vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tablespoon of dried culinary lavender. Let the mixture sit in an airtight jar for a day or two to infuse, then sift to remove large lavender bits before using.
How do I make and store the lavender vanilla syrup?
Heat equal parts lavender vanilla sugar and water until it simmers, simmer 2 to 3 minutes, then strain and cool. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer life, sterilize the jar and use strict cleanliness; refrigerated life can extend to about a month.
Can I make this cocktail nonalcoholic?
Yes. Use a nonalcoholic vanilla spirit or plain nonalcoholic vodka substitute, skip the coffee liqueur or replace it with coffee concentrate or coffee syrup, and adjust the lavender syrup to taste. You will keep the cold brew for coffee flavor.
Why does the recipe call for stirring instead of shaking?
Stirring chills and dilutes the drink without adding foam or aeration. Because this recipe uses cold brew rather than hot espresso, stirring preserves a clear, silky texture and the drink's visual clarity.
Can I use espresso instead of cold brew?
Yes, but espresso is hotter and more acidic. If you use espresso, cool it first or use a chilled shot and you may choose to shake to build crema. Expect a brighter, more intense coffee flavor and slightly different texture.
How do I express and use a grapefruit swath as a garnish?
Cut a thin strip of grapefruit peel avoiding the white pith. Hold it skin-side down over the glass and bend it sharply to release the oils into the drink. Rub the rim with the peel if you like, then tuck the swath into the glass as garnish.
What are good substitutions for the coffee liqueur or vanilla vodka?
For coffee liqueur try Kahlua, Tia Maria, or a craft coffee liqueur like Mr Black. If you lack vanilla vodka, use plain vodka plus a splash of vanilla extract or extra vanilla syrup, or use a vanilla-flavored spirit you prefer.
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