Niles Star Anise Espresso Martini
A rich and aromatic espresso martini infused with the warm note of star anise, inspired by the vibrant spirit of Niles. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together Vodka, Freshly brewed espresso, Coffee liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Freshly brewed espresso
- 1 oz Coffee liqueur
- 0.5 oz Star anise syrup
- as needed Ice cubes
- 1 Whole star anise
- 3 Coffee beans
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 2: Pour in 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled), 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 0.5 oz star anise syrup.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty and a light foam forms on top.
- Step 4: Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards.
- Step 5: Garnish by floating 3 whole coffee beans in a triangular formation on the surface and resting one whole star anise on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Niles Star Anise Espresso Martini take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Niles Star Anise Espresso Martini?
Refrigerate any leftover niles star anise espresso martini in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Niles Star Anise Espresso Martini?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Niles Star Anise Espresso Martini for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Niles Star Anise Espresso Martini?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
