The whole month of March is Women’s History Month and March 15th is National Espresso Martini day! In honor of both, we wanted to share some of our favorite female liquor brands as well as our favorite espresso martini recipes. 

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987.

The famous “Espresso Martini” was created by a British bartending guru, Dick Bradsell. Dick Brasell is credited with revolutionizing the cocktail scene in London in the 1980s. Celebrate the holiday with some of our favorite deliciously smooth Espresso Martini recipes. 

OUR FAVORITE FEMALE-OWNED ALCOHOL BRANDS:

Frisky Whiskey

by Nicole Young (Co-Founder & CEO)

The highest-rated flavored whiskey on the market

Frisky Whiskey is the only Black woman-owned flavored whiskey on the market. A premium flavored whiskey brand, Frisky is crafted in small batches from 100 percent premium whiskey. Frisky’s breakthrough formula uses the purest caramel and natural vanilla to accentuate and enhance these organically occurring whiskey notes. Frisky has received top honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the Beverage Testing Institute and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge earning 95 out of 100 for taste – making it the highest rated flavored whiskey ever.

Strawberry Caramel Colada

• 2 oz Frisky Whiskey
• 4 strawberries
• 2 oz light coconut cream
• Splash of pineapple juice
• Club soda
• Fresh mint and strawberries for garnish

Directions: Muddle strawberries in a shaker then add Frisky Whiskey, cream, pineapple juice and ice and shake well.  Pour mixture into a short glass, top with club soda and garnish with fresh mint and strawberries.

Desolas Mezcal by GG Mirvis (Co-Founder & CEO)

A non-smoky mezcal that reimagines the popular spirit

GG Mirvis is on a mission to change your perception of what mezcal tastes like with her premium mezcal brand, Desolas Mezcal. As mezcal becomes one of the most popular drinks of choice in the U.S., GG is working toward evolving the category of mezcal in the country to embrace a broader selection of agave taste profiles that goes beyond the “smoky” stigma typically associated with the spirit.  Desolas Mezcal is floral, herbal and fresh, all at the same time. The artisanally crafted spirit that is thoughtfully produced by a long line of mezcaleros from 100% Salmiana Agave found in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Blood Orange Mezcalita

• 2 oz Desolas Mezcal
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
• .5 oz campari
• .75 oz of Cointreau or agave nectar

Directions: Shake & pour over ice. Garnish with tajin salt rim and/or orange wedge. 

OUR FAVORITE ESPRESSO MARTINI RECIPES: 

SKYY Vodka

Everyone’s favorite dual coffee + spirits beverage, the espresso martini, continues to make its mark on our drink preferences, so it’s no surprise that there is a national holiday dedicated to the delicious beverage on March 15th!

The key to a great espresso martini is the vodka, which is why SKYY Vodka, crafted with water enriched from Pacific Minerals, is the perfect vodka to enhance and elevate your next espresso martini. Celebrate National Espresso Martini Day by mixing up SKYY Vodka’s Hazelnut Espresso Martini. SKYY’s subtle salinity helps dampen the bitterness of the espresso and naturally brings out the sweetness, resulting in an indulgent drink guaranteed to set the tone for the night!

Hazelnut Espresso Martini

Ingredients

• 0.5 part Frangelico
• 1.5 part SKYY Vodka
• 1.5 parts Fresh Espresso
• 0.25 parts Simple Syrup (1:1)

Method

Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with fresh ice, shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into chilled coupe or martini glass, & garnish with (3) whole coffee beans.

Grand Brulot

Revamp the overdone Espresso Martini with Grand Brulot, a coffee cognac that boasts flavorful Ecuadorian robusta coffee beans while balancing the notes of nutmeg and vanilla in French VSOP Cognac for a delightful experience. The Grand Brulot Espresso Martini recipe follows these bartender-approved tips and tricks for the perfect cocktail:

1. Skip the vodka. With the right liqueur, vodka is unnecessary. 
2. It is a myth that you need a cream-based liquor to create the espresso martini’s foamy top. Take it from the world’s most awarded pub, The Dead Rabbit NY. Shake it vigorously 25 times per Dead Rabbit guidance for the perfect consistency. 
3. Don’t overthink it. Quality ingredients make for a great craft cocktail.

GRAND BRULOT DOUBLE ESPRESSO MARTINI

• 2 oz Grand Brulot
• 1 oz Espresso
• ½ oz of Amaretto

Directions: Using a shaker, combine Grand Brulot, coffee and liqueur together. Shake (25 times) vigorously with ice and then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a few cracked coffee beans and an orange twist.