Neil Patrick Harris is a well-known actor, but he is also a bit of a cocktail connoisseur. Recently, he partnered with Thomas Ashbourne Craft Spirits to create a bottled espresso martini called The After Hours. The drink is made with vodka, coffee, and cream, and it is designed to be enjoyed on the go.
The How I Met Your Mother star is a fan of the espresso martini because it is a delicious and versatile cocktail. He says that it can be enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up or a nightcap.
Harris is excited to share his love of the espresso martini with the world, and he believes that After Hours is the perfect way to do it. After Hours is available in select stores only in the US. It is also available for purchase online.
Thomas Ashbourne’s Espresso Martini is a classic for a reason; it's delicious, it's refreshing, and it's perfect for any occasion. But what makes a great Espresso Martini? And how can you make sure that yours is perfect?
Harris (or NPH as he is fondly known) has previously shared tips for making the perfect espresso martini, that could serve as our guide. In an interview with People, Harris said that he likes to use fresh espresso beans, high-quality vodka, and a good coffee liqueur. He also said that it's important not to over-mix the drink, and to serve it chilled.
In an interview with Men’s Journal, NPH mentioned that there was an absence of variety in espresso martinis that could be enjoyed on the go, and give you a nice buzz. He added that bartenders tend to dislike making such drinks, which is how his creation came into existence, in a bottle.
As for making Harris’ drink, bartenders and mixologists advise using high-quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your cocktail. Use fresh espresso, good vodka, and a high-quality coffee liqueur.
Don't over-mix. The Espresso Martini is a delicate cocktail and over-mixing can make it bitter. Simply shake the ingredients briefly and then strain into a chilled glass.
Garnish with a coffee bean or a chocolate shaving. This will add a touch of elegance to your cocktail.
With these tips in mind, you're sure to make a delicious Espresso Martini that even Neil Patrick Harris would be proud of. Since his product is not available in India yet, why not try your hand at fixing one yourself?
Here is the step-by-step recipe for Neil Patrick Harris' Espresso Martini:
Ingredients:
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce coffee liqueur
1 ounce espresso
Ice
Coffee beans or chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a coffee bean or a chocolate shaving.
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Inspired by Neil Patrick Harris' Bottled Espresso Martini, here are a few cocktail suggestions that complement its rich and sophisticated flavour profile:
Midnight Affair
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Bottled Espresso Martini
0.75 oz Dark Rum
0.5 oz Amaro liqueur
2 dashes Chocolate Bitters
Coffee beans, for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine the Bottled Espresso Martini, dark rum, Amaro liqueur, and chocolate bitters.
Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 20 seconds to chill the ingredients.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a few coffee beans on top.
Sip and enjoy the velvety blend of espresso, rum, and bittersweet flavours.
Mocha Manhattan
Ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon
1 oz Bottled Espresso Martini
0.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Chocolate Bitters
Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the bourbon, Bottled Espresso Martini, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters.
Stir gently for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink, then garnish with the peel.
Savour the robust flavours of espresso, bourbon, and sweet vermouth in this delightful twist on a classic Manhattan.
Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Bottled Espresso Martini
1 oz Vanilla Vodka
0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
Coffee beans, for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a shaker with ice and add the Bottled Espresso Martini, vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a few coffee beans on top.
Indulge in the luxurious blend of espresso, vanilla vodka, and coffee liqueur for a true espresso martini experience.
These cocktail recipes celebrate the essence of Neil Patrick Harris' Bottled Espresso Martini while adding unique twists and complementary flavours of their own. Each sip promises a delightful journey into the world of sophisticated and indulgent cocktails. Enjoy responsibly and raise a glass to the art of mixology!
(Featured martini images via Flickr.)