There's something about following a great dinner with an after-dinner drink. And depending on what your after-dinner plans are, the drink can set the tone.
When the plans require energy late into the night (whether you're going out or staying in) many opt for the old reliable: An energy drink and vodka. That's fine. But there are better, classier, options.
An espresso martini is one of my favorite ways to end a dinner and start a night out. If you don't have access to an espresso maker, you can use espresso flavored vodka. Van Gogh Vodka makes some of the best flavored vodkas I've tasted, and their Double Espresso makes an incredible martini.
Launched last November, Double Espresso has vaulted into first place as Van Gogh’s bestseller, and is a favorite among many bartenders. Each liter is packed with 10 mg. of caffeine, and is low in carbs, unlike energy drinks which have a ton of sugar.
You can shake Double Espresso with ice and serve up as a great, fast and easy espresso martini, or try one of the recipes below. I chose these specifically for their "dessert" appeal after a dinner for two. (Just trying to help set the tone.)
If you want more, Van Gogh has a library of over 8,000 free martini recipes on their website,
www.vangoghvodka.com.
Double Espresso Chocolate Martini
1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao Liqueur
2 oz. Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka
Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker. Add crushed ice and let stand for five seconds. Shake vigorously for five seconds. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with Hershey`s Chocolate Kiss.
Espresso Chocolate Rhapsody
1/2 oz. Van Gogh Chocolate Raspberry Liqueur
1 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
1 oz. Van Gogh Espresso or Double Espresso Vodka
Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker and add crushed ice. Let stand for five seconds. Shake vigorously for five seconds. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with Hershey's Chocolate Kiss.
Texas Hold ’Em
1 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
1 oz. Van Gogh Espresso or Double Espresso Vodka
1 oz. Van Gogh Coconut Vodka
A splash of light half & half cream
Shake all ingredients with crushed ice, then strain into a martini glass.
www.vangoghvodka.com