The Cafe-tini: A New Year's Eve Vodka Cocktail

New Year's Eve is traditionally a time of parties and cocktails. The champagne flows at midnight and the revelers need designated drivers to get home. But, as the host or hostess of a New Year's Eve party, what will you serve your guests to drink? Of course, you will have beer and wine and champagne, but wouldn't it be nice to have a special cocktail for your guests? Here, I have a recipe for a vodka cocktail that I adore. The cafe-tini has a coffee taste is appealing and it is not overly sweet or thick. Flavored martinis are big right now, and this one is just wonderful as a before or after dinner drink or just as a party cocktail. The chilled espresso gives it a bit of a caffeine kick and a great flavor. I like this drink because the coffee flavors and caffeine give a slight wake up call and help your guests to stay lively and festive!

Cafe-tini

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz vodka

3/4 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur

1/4 oz white creme de cacao

1 oz cold espresso

powdered cocoa and ground espresso beans for garnish

lemon twist for garnish

Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. To garnish, you can rim the cocktail glass using a mixture of cocoa and ground espresso beans. To rim the glass, rub a lemon wedge on the rim of the glass and then press the glass into a layer of the garnish. The powders will stick to the rim. Just be careful pouring the drink in after rimming the glass. Then, place a lemon twist on a pick and place in the drink. The lemon flavor combines well with the espresso flavors.

If you do not have your own espresso machine, you can purchase plain espresso shots from your local coffee shop. Chill them until you need to use them but not too long! Your coffee barista should be able to measure the shots and sell you whatever you need. An alternative idea for garnishes could be to drop several chocolate covered espresso beans into the cocktail. Then your guests could munch on them after they finish their drinks!

You can purchase plastic martini glasses at any part supply store if you do not wish to endanger your good glasses. You can buy them in any number of colors and designs. You can also get cocktail picks in different designs as well. Go crazy and have fun with it! Your guests will enjoy it and so will you.