Move Over Espresso Martinis, There's Another Coffee Style Taking Over Cocktails

As drink trends go, particularly those that bartenders hate, the espresso martini has had a longer tenure than many. Interest in the 1980s-era caffeinated cocktail started gaining traction once more in the 2020s — with CNN even naming 2022 the year of the espresso martini. Stories, memes, and probably even real-life orders keep the espresso martini trend going strong. It's anyone's guess why this particular tipple has endured while so many others have faded, but the one-two alcohol-caffeine punch might have something to do with it. While an espresso martini is a classic cocktail, why not switch it up with something a little different? Enter, the dalgona martini.

While, dalgona coffee had its moment of internet fame, variations of whipped coffee have been enjoyed all over the world for quite some time. Since you can make the fluffy drink with just three ingredients and a whisk (no espresso machine needed), it mingles two sippable sensations and is actually easier to make than a textbook espresso martini. Depending on which brew you normally use, the dalgona adaptation can also have less of a jittery kick than the standard cocktail, with a lighter texture and milder coffee flavor.

First things first, to make a dalgona martini, you'll need to figure out your preferred alcohol. Fans of the classic version of this cocktail will likely already have the standard vodka and coffee liqueur for this twist. But you don't have to stick with vodka if you prefer other spirits. Bourbon and rum are both nice swaps, with the former being the star of our winter woods espresso martini recipe. Just remember that most other liquors aren't as neutral in flavor as the standard vodka.

Once you've picked out your spirit of choice, it's time to get mixing. Unlike an espresso martini — which is shaken together all at once — a dalgona martini's components must be prepared separately and only combined right before serving; otherwise, the cocktail won't have quite as much body and airiness. It's best to begin by shaking the vodka and coffee liqueur with ice and then straining it into a martini glass. Making the dalgona half of the equation last gives it less time to deflate. A big part of the whipped coffee's appeal, after all, is its cloud-like composition.

For the dalgona component of the drink, you'll need a bit of granulated sugar, a splash of water, and a couple of tablespoons of instant coffee. Use our guide on whipping up dalgona coffee to whisk these ingredients together to the perfect consistency. From there you can pour or spoon in onto your martini, topping with a few coffee beans to garnish if you like. The layered effect looks impressive, and the flavors mingle beautifully with each sip.