When it comes to crafting the perfect Espresso Martini, Trader Joe’s isn’t just your grocery store—it’s your treasure chest of unique ingredients. From their signature coffees to their indulgent liqueurs, there’s something about a Trader Joe’s twist that turns this classic cocktail into an extraordinary experience.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps to create the ultimate Trader Joe’s Espresso Martini, including which ingredients to snatch up in their aisles and how to mix them into caffeinated cocktail perfection.
Trader Joe’s Espresso Martini is a pre-made cocktail available at Trader Joe’s, known for its convenience and distinctive flavor. It typically combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso, offering a ready-to-drink version of the popular cocktail.
Ingredients:
2 oz of Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate: This serves as the base of your cocktail, providing a deep coffee flavor that’s both smooth and bold.
1 oz of vodka: Pick your favorite, but for a truly Trader Joe’s experience, see if there’s a vodka selection in their spirits section (availability varies by location).
1 oz of Trader Joe’s Cocoa Cream Liqueur (or a coffee liqueur): This adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly balances the strength of the coffee and vodka.
0.5 oz of simple syrup: You can buy this pre-made or make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar in hot water and letting it cool.
Freshly brewed espresso beans (optional) for garnish: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Espresso Beans or their regular Espresso Beans work great for this.
Ice: Needed for chilling the cocktail.
Instructions:
Chill Your Glass: First, place your martini glass in the freezer to chill. This will help keep your cocktail cold and refreshing.
Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the cold brew concentrate, vodka, cocoa cream liqueur, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice, ensuring there’s enough to shake the cocktail cold without watering it down.
Shake it Up: Once your ingredients are in, seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You’re looking for the outside of the shaker to frost up, indicating the mixture is well-chilled.
Garnish and Serve: Take your glass out of the freezer and strain the mixture into it. If using, garnish with a few espresso beans floated on top or a small twist of orange peel for an aromatic touch.
Enjoy Responsibly: Serve immediately and savor the rich, bold flavors of your Trader Joe’s Espresso Martini.
Tips for Perfecting Your Espresso Martini:
Quality Ingredients Matter: The better the quality of your coffee concentrate and vodka, the smoother and more delightful the cocktail.
Adjust to Taste: If you like your cocktails a bit sweeter, feel free to adjust the amount of simple syrup. For a stronger coffee flavor, add a bit more cold brew concentrate.
Experiment with Liqueurs: While the Cocoa Cream Liqueur provides a creamy sweetness, feel free to experiment with other coffee or chocolate-flavored liqueurs available at Trader Joe’s for different nuances.
Presentation: For an extra-special touch, use a fine sieve to dust a little cocoa powder or finely ground coffee over the top of the foam before adding your garnish.
What to serve with
When serving a sophisticated cocktail like the Espresso Martini from Trader Joe’s, pairing it with the right food can enhance both the drink and the dining experience. Here are some excellent options from Trader Joe’s that complement the rich, velvety tones of the Espresso Martini, perfect for various occasions, from a casual get-together to a more formal cocktail party.
Appetizers
Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Arrange a selection of cheeses such as Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar, Triple Creme Brie, and Manchego. Add some cured meats like prosciutto and salami, plus a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and crackers for a well-rounded board.
Bruschetta: Top Trader Joe’s sliced French baguette with their traditional or tomato & olive bruschetta. This simple dish offers a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy cocktail.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Purchase whole cremini mushrooms and stuff them with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and Trader Joe’s frozen spinach, then bake until golden. The savoriness pairs beautifully with the espresso flavors.
Main Courses
Flatbread Pizza: Use Trader Joe’s garlic and herb pizza dough as the base. After baking, top with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and arugula for a fresh, vibrant flavor that cuts through the richness of the Trader Joe’s Espresso Martini.
Pasta with Creamy Sauce: A pasta dish such as fettuccine tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce from Trader Joe’s can match the lushness of the Trader Joe’s Espresso Martini. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Pan-Seared Steak: Cook a Trader Joe’s seasoned steak in the pan and serve with a side of arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The robust flavors of the meat pair excellently with the bold espresso tones.
Desserts
Chocolate Lava Cakes: Trader Joe’s Chocolate Lava Cakes are a luxurious yet easy dessert option that mirrors the indulgence of a Trader Joe’s Espresso Martini. The gooey, molten center complements the cocktail’s intense coffee and creamy liqueur notes.
Tiramisu: Keeping with the coffee theme, Trader Joe’s Tiramisu is a delightful way to continue savoring similar flavors. The dessert’s layered texture and taste echo the complex notes of the Espresso Martini.
Assorted Macarons: A selection of Trader Joe’s macarons, including flavors like chocolate, coffee, and vanilla, makes for a light yet elegant dessert that pairs well with the martini.
Snacks
Salted Caramel or Chocolate Covered Almonds: For a simpler snack, these sweet and salty nuts make a pleasant nibble that complements the cocktail without overpowering it.
Dark Chocolate: Pieces of intense dark chocolate from Trader Joe’s enhance the coffee notes in the martini and offer a straightforward yet decadent pairing option.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making a Trader Joe ‘s-style Espresso Martini at home allows you to experiment with ingredient substitutes to cater to different tastes, availability, or dietary restrictions. Here is an outline of substitutes for the traditional Espresso Martini ingredients, which usually include vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and sometimes simple syrup or sugar for sweetness.
Alternative Alcohols: If you are not a fan of vodka or simply want to try something different, consider using white rum or clear tequila for a lighter, sweeter profile. Dark spirits such as bourbon or rye whiskey can be interesting substitutes for vodka for a richer, deeper flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Substitute: For a non-alcoholic version, omit the vodka and replace it with more strong brewed coffee or a non-alcoholic spirit designed to mimic the flavor profile of vodka.
Coffee Liqueur
Alternative Liqueurs: If Kahlúa isn’t available or you’re looking for a variation, Tia Maria is a good substitute, providing similar coffee flavors. For a unique taste, Amaretto (almond liqueur) offers a nutty twist, while Baileys Irish Cream will make the drink creamier and slightly sweeter.
Homemade Coffee Liqueur: Mix equal parts of strong brewed coffee or espresso, sugar, and a spirit base (such as vodka or rum). Adjust the sugar to taste. Let it infuse for at least a week.
Non-Alcoholic Substitute: Use coffee syrup or make a strong, sweetened espresso reduction as a base to mimic the sweetness and depth of coffee liqueur without the alcohol.
Espresso
Strong-brewed coffee: Not everyone has an espresso machine at home. A strong-brewed coffee from a dark roast, preferably cold, can be a practical substitute. It’s essential to make it robust so as not to dilute the cocktail’s flavor.
Instant Espresso Powder: For those who value convenience, instant espresso powder mixed with hot water can work in a pinch. Ensure it’s cooled before use.
Cold Brew Concentrate: A cold brew concentrate offers a smooth, rich coffee flavor that works well in a chilled cocktail context.
Simple Syrup
Sweetener Alternatives: If simple syrup isn’t on hand, you can dissolve granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup in hot espresso or coffee before cooling it for the cocktail. Agave syrup is a great vegan alternative with a milder taste.
Flavored Syrups: To add an extra dimension to your Espresso Martini, consider using vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, or even chocolate syrup. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
Creating your Espresso Martini with Trader Joe’s ingredients not only brings a unique twist to the cocktail but also turns the preparation into a fun shopping adventure.
1 oz of Trader Joe’s Cocoa Cream Liqueur (or a coffee liqueur)
0.5 oz of simple syrup
Freshly brewed espresso beans (optional)
Ice: Needed for chilling the cocktail.
Instructions
Chill Your Glass: First, place your martini glass in the freezer to chill. This will help keep your cocktail cold and refreshing.
Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the cold brew concentrate, vodka, cocoa cream liqueur, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice, ensuring there’s enough to shake the cocktail cold without watering it down.
Shake it Up: Once your ingredients are in, seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You’re looking for the outside of the shaker to frost up, indicating the mixture is well-chilled.
Garnish and Serve: Take your glass out of the freezer and strain the mixture into it. If using, garnish with a few espresso beans floated on top or a small twist of orange peel for an aromatic touch.
Enjoy Responsibly: Serve immediately and savor the rich, bold flavors of your Trader Joe’s Espresso Martini.
Meet Sandra, a bartender with a passion for mixology and storytelling. Born and raised in Miami, Sandra's fascination with flavors and spirits began at a young age, inspired by the vibrant culture of her hometown.
