introductions are in order

Mississippi Sludge was super dark & heavy, rich & earthy without being overpoweringly so. It listed “Mild Peanut, Cocoa & Citrus” on its label which is a perfect wake-me-up without all the heavy overly-sugary feel that some of the darker coffees can have.

I literally cannot brag enough about the Broadhead Espresso (which was our choice for the martini!) – the label states “Dark Chocolate, Nutty, Black Cherry & Citrus” – may sound like a strange combo, but on the nose it was true perfection. I figured the dark chocolate & nutty notes would be the perfect element to go with my martini and I was right!

We recently took a trip to West Virginia & rented a remote cabin in a small town called Terra Alta (about 6 hours from Virginia Beach) We hadn’t tried the Lake Time variety yet so I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to porch sit, take in the mountain view & enjoy a great cup of coffee. (am I showing my age? I’m 35 but give me a rocking chair, a blankie, a view with a cup of coffee in hand & ya girl is in HEAVEN) Well, let me tell you what – Lake Time was the perfect Sunday-sipper! I’m usually a “1 & done” kind of gal when it comes to coffee (as long as it’s a GOOD 1 cup of coffee) but it was a Sunday morning, the view was perfect & I was snuggled up enjoying myself, so I liked it so much I went back for a 2nd cup! The notes on the label state “Mellow Almond & Lemongrass” – again, not a combo most of us would think up, but it was absolute perfection. The almond flavor was stronger than the lemongrass, although that’s what I smelled while it was brewing and it was delicate and delicious!

one more thing…

Pumpkin Spice is your friend. Yes, the actual spice, not the movement. *wink* I don’t know why more people don’t incorporate Pumpkin Spice into their recipes, so I’ll go ahead & do it for them. My 3 Arrows Boo-zy Espresso Martini isn’t your typical espresso martini & the flavor profile won’t do it justice with any other kind of coffee! I also wanted to make this martini “creamy” without being heavy….cue Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. We already use that bourbon cream in our coffee on the weekends & it makes everything luscious. I know it may be a faux pas mixing vodka & bourbon together but it worked, so don’t judge me!

If you’ve read enough about this amazing coffee, the delicious flavor profiles & now you’re probably wanting coffee AND a drink, then never fear, you’ve come to the right place! I’ll show you how to brew the perfect cup, shake up the perfect martini, and have a drink that is fit for any Halloween celebration! Let’s get to it!

Instructions

First of all, don’t let the short list of ingredients fool you. To me, the less you use can be the key to highlighting more!

I definitely wanted to showcase 3 Arrows Coffee Company Broadhead Espresso without being aggressive or feeling like I was chugging chilled coffee in a martini glass – don’t worry, I reached nirvana with this beverage & you will too!

ALSO – don’t judge me on the size. I *thought* I was making 2 martinis (because, math. and my previous bartending life made me believe it would definitely be enough for 2 martinis) WELL THIS MADE 1 GIANT MARTINI.

We were gifted beautiful, crystal martini glasses as a wedding gift & the size looked quite deceiving…. obviously I found out later that those suckers are 9 Oz martini glasses. LORD HAVE MERCY.

Measure out, grind up, brew (or press) your 3 Arrows Coffee Company Broadhead Espresso. We poured our remaining Espresso into a Mason Jar & chilled it in the fridge for a few hours.

Using a large shaker, add ice & measure out 4 shots of 3 Arrows Coffee Company Broadhead Espresso into the shaker.

Next, measure out 2 shots of your favorite Vodka & pour into the shaker.

Then, measure out 2 shots of Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream & pour into the shaker.

Finally, sprinkle in Pumpkin Spice (I’d say I used 1/8 TSP)

SHAKE THAT SHAKER LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.

Rule of thumb is to shake until the condensation / frost reaches all the way up to the top of your shaker but since we are not bartenders and most metal shakers seize up and get stuck, just shake for a full count of 15.

Carefully pour your contents into a martini glass & garnish with another sprinkle of Pumpkin Spice.

VIOLA! The perfect Halloween treat! You deserve it! Enjoy this most decadent treat with someone you love because that’s my idea of love – making coffee (or an espresso martini) for someone who means something to you.

Who knows? You might see just how delicious, easy & impressive this drink is and serve it at your Halloween shindig! Whatever you use it for, just remember 3 Arrows Coffee Company’s motto & use it wholeheartedly : “Everyday Indulgence. Rich Immsersive Flavors for Everyday Indulgence”