Pale Ink Espresso Martini Recipe — Unsweetened Coffee Liqueur

Pale Ink Espresso Martini uses Tankyu's unsweetened Hokkaido coffee liqueur — no added sugar, so the coffee bitterness and aromatics dominate, balanced by vodka warmth. A grown-up version of the classic.

Recipe

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. 45ml vodka
3. 30ml Pale Ink coffee liqueur
4. 30ml fresh hot espresso
5. Shake hard for 15 seconds (creates the iconic foam)
6. Double strain into a chilled martini glass
7. Garnish with 3 coffee beans

Tips

• Hot espresso is critical — cold or aged espresso flattens the foam
• The classic Espresso Martini uses sugary liqueur; Pale Ink's unsweetened character is for those who prefer more bitter coffee
• If you prefer sweeter, add 5ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar:water)