The Tangy Ingredient People Are Adding To Espresso Martinis

Are you ever in the mood to get tipsy and wildly caffeinated simultaneously? Skip the Jägerbombs. Espresso martinis are your ticket to paradise. While the combination of vodka, liqueur, and coffee has the power to trigger a potentially brutal hangover if you toss back way too many of these beloved libations, their bold flavor and elegance are buzzworthy. Espresso martinis hit the scene in the early '80s when a Soho, London bartender named Dick Bradsell whipped up the first batch of this deep brown masterpiece. Since then, the jolt-inducing beverage has appeared on menus all around the globe, much to the delight of coffee lovers. 

In an espresso martini, the bitterness from espresso is balanced by the sweetness of coffee liqueur, while vodka adds a mild, boozy kick. Plus, the crown of creamy foam provides a smooth finish, not to mention a stunning presentation. The recipe for a classic espresso martini is simple, so a unique ingredient addition has even some of its strongest loyalists scratching their heads: Sprinkling a touch of Parmesan cheese atop the glass offers a pleasantly surprising taste. Yep, you read that right. For some reason, daring bar patrons far and wide have been requesting grated Parmesan cheese as an ingredient in their espresso martinis. However, this order falls under the "don't knock it till you try it" category, as those who have tried it are often shocked by its delicious flavor profile.