Monday Perk Me Up: Espresso Martini in time for London Coffee Festival!

Good grief, I can't believe it's only Monday! I've worked my socks off today and desperately need something to perk me up so I'm ready to face the rest of the week. All that naff instant coffee from work has done nothing to soothe my mood, (well, it did come out of a vending machine) and I want to feel pampered!
No, scrap that, I deserve to feel pampered! And so do you. Let's get caffeinated in style!
Ahem. *steps sheepishly off soap box...*

If you're looking for coffee inspiration, you're in luck this week: Thursday marks the start of the London Coffee Festival! And I've just been told that, as part of this event, the legendary Mexican coffee liqueur Kahlua is teaming up with East London micro-roastery Nude Espresso and The Liquorists to host The Kahlua Coffee House pop-up.

It's going to be pretty spesh, to be honest: coffee cocktails galore, masterclasses in Kahlua's main ingredients and how to make your own coffee house cocktails at home, chats about coffee culture, and unique dried blends to try. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is.

I can't go to the festival this year (boo!) but they very kindly sent me an espresso martini kit to try it for myself! And oh, it is good stuff. You really should pop along to see them (and check out the joys of the rest of the festival!) if you can - especially if you love your coffee like I do.

Espresso Martini cocktail recipe (serves one)

Ingredients

45ml kahlua coffee liqueur
30ml vodka
30ml fresh brewed Nude espresso (the absolute best you can afford - Nude sent me their East Espresso blend which is £7.50 and SO smooth, rich and chocolatey)

Shake it!

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add plenty of ice cubes, and shake it like coffee beans in a blender!
3. Strain into a martini glass or coupe. Make sure it's been in the freezer for a few minutes if you have time - the colder the glass, the more refreshing the sweet, smooth, dark goodness.

The Mocha dessert cocktail is also a treat - ice cream + chocolate + cherries + kahlua! Sweet.

Happy sipping! Let us know your favourite coffee cocktails (or if you're going to the festival) in the comments...