by Rachelle Merlo for 51&tel
This riff on an Espresso Martini was created by beverage consultant Rachelle Merlo during the inaugural Oakland Cocktail Week in November 2025. It was part of a select group of restaurants and bars that Mr. Espresso challenged to invent the next great coffee-driven cocktail. Fans voted for their favorite cocktail from nearly a dozen inventive offerings. 51&tel’s Bright Eyes was the winner.
Recommended Coffee
NEAPOLITAN ESPRESSO BLEND
INGREDIENTS
- .25 oz Winter Spice Syrup
- .5 oz Hipstirs Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- .75 oz Neapolitan Espresso Blend
- .25 oz Luxardo Espresso Liqueur
- 1.5 oz rum (or your favorite spirit)
EQUIPMENT
- 8 oz martini glass
DIRECTIONS
To make Winter Spice Syrup, batch blend equal parts Alpeggio Hay Liqueur and St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur.
1 – Measure & hard shake all ingredients with ice.
2 – Double strain into a martini glass.
3 – Garnish with cinnamon.