The AeroPress has long been a favorite among coffee enthusiasts, celebrated for its ability to brew smooth, rich coffee with remarkable ease. Now, the AeroPress Premium takes that experience to a new level with its luxurious hand-blown glass design and stainless steel accents. This isn't just a tool for coffee; it's a piece of art that enhances every step of your brewing process. And when it comes to cocktails, this elegant upgrade is the perfect companion for crafting refined, flavor-forward drinks like the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini brought to you from the guys behind Hugo’s Cocktails.
Why Choose the AeroPress Premium?
The AeroPress Premium's double-walled glass chamber isn’t just about style—it offers superior heat retention, allowing you to extract more nuanced flavors from your coffee. The stainless steel filter cap ensures a smooth, grit-free brew, while the iconic AeroPress pressure plunging method delivers the bold, concentrated espresso that forms the foundation of an exquisite cocktail.
Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or simply want to impress your guests, the AeroPress Premium is a game-changer in creating cocktails with depth and character. Its superior build ensures that every element of your drink is crafted with precision, while the clarity of the glass chamber lets you visually engage with the process—a subtle nod to the artistry of cocktail-making.
Enhancing the Cocktail Experience
For this recipe, we’re elevating the classic Espresso Martini by using the AeroPress Premium to brew the espresso and adding a luxurious twist with tequila and salted caramel. The result is a bold, velvety cocktail that’s a perfect harmony of bitter, sweet, and salty notes.
Recipe: Salted Caramel Espresso Martini with Tequila
Ingredients:
- 1 oz salted caramel syrup (see recipe below)
- 5 oz reposado tequila (with warm vanilla and caramel notes; we used an añejo for ours: El Tequileńo’s Especial 50th Aniversario blend)
- 1 shot of AeroPress-brewed espresso (30g of coffee, strong and bold)
- 5 oz coffee liqueur (we used Mr. Black for its rich coffee profile)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Ice
- Optional: caramel drizzle or coffee beans for garnish
Step 1: Brewing the Espresso
Using the AeroPress Premium, add finely ground coffee and hot water. Stir for 10 seconds, then attach the plunger. After 1 minute, press down slowly to extract a strong, aromatic shot of espresso. The total immersion brewing process guarantees a smooth, rich flavor that’s perfect for cocktails.
Step 2: Building the Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, salted caramel syrup, coffee liqueur, and the freshly brewed AeroPress espresso. Add a pinch of sea salt and shake with ice until well-chilled.
Step 3: Serving
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a light caramel drizzle or a few coffee beans for an elegant touch.
Salted Caramel Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. Stop stirring and allow it to cook for 5–8 minutes, or until it turns a deep amber color.
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously (it will bubble up). Continue stirring until the mixture smooths out.
- Remove from heat, stir in the butter, sea salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix until fully incorporated.
- Let it cool slightly before transferring to a jar or bottle. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.