Still Spirits nailed it: your espresso martini deserves better, and this liqueur proves it.

August 18, 2025

How One Liqueur Mix Changed a Whole Cocktail Game

You think you know the Espresso Martini. It’s that dark, velvety shake-up that feels fancy yet kicks like a mule. But add in a bottle of Still Spirits Coffee Maria, and what used to taste okay suddenly tastes like it belongs behind the top shelf at a proper New York bar. Rich, smoky, not too sweet – your everyday mix just got a serious upgrade.

The Soul of a Great Espresso Martini Lies in the Liqueur

We’ve seen our fair share of home-distilled coffee liqueurs—some brilliant, some better left anonymous. But if you’re chasing something with guts and glow (without building flavour from scratch), Still Spirits Coffee Maria might just be your new secret weapon.

This essence is more than just a coffee hit. It brings a deep, slightly nutty aroma with a smooth rum base—like the espresso martini decided to jump on a Harley and roar off into a warmer latitude. Bold, aromatic, and brewed for full-body taste.

"I used to spend days steeping beans and refining my own coffee liqueur. Now? One mix and done. Tastes better too." – Darren F., shed distiller and proud cocktail snob.

Still Spirits Coffee Maria is great for those wanting:

A shortcut to lush, café-style liqueur
Rum undertones without brewing complexity
A smoother, richer espresso cocktail flavour
A surprise ingredient that’ll make guests ask, “What’s in this?”

What Makes This Mix Stand Out

Unlike thinner, overly sweet coffee liqueur flavours that fall apart the moment they meet real espresso or vodka, Coffee Maria holds its own. It’s bold without being bitter, sweet without being sticky. And it stirs up beautifully with a neutral vodka base – no filtering, sweetening or steeping needed.

How do you use it? Easy. Combine it with a standard neutral spirit using your own home distilling setup. If you’ve already got a Still Spirits Turbo Air Still or our entry-level distilling kits, you’re halfway there. A splash of Coffee Maria, a clean base spirit, and suddenly you've got the foundation of a top-shelf cocktail.

From Your Shed to the Shaker

This is where it gets fun. Let’s talk results. The Espresso Martini shaken using Coffee Maria doesn’t just taste right—it feels grown-up. The kind you sip slowly but can’t help showing off at the lounge, BBQ, or cheeky backyard date night.

Your Game Plan:

45ml homemade coffee liqueur (made with Coffee Maria)
30ml vodka
30ml fresh pulled espresso or strong cold brew
Shake hard with ice, strain into a chilled glass

Too easy. And flavour-wise, the rum echo from Coffee Maria rolls in like warm, boozy thunder – especially if your spirit base is clean and crisp.

Beyond the Martini – Other Uses That’ll Surprise You

Here’s where the contrast kicks in: what used to take hours of steeping and filtering now takes minutes. And it isn’t just for cocktails.

Stir into cream for a wicked dessert liqueur
Add to brownie mix or tiramisu for depth
Drizzle over ice cream for the grown-ups’ table
Blend into a coffee glaze and brush over smoky BBQ ribs (yes, really)

It’s those little touches that shift your brew shed from “hobby zone” to flavour lab.

The Trust Factor: Why Seasoned Makers Back It

Good gear and better ingredients make the difference between “that’ll do” and “you’ve outdone yourself.” And when you’re short on time but still want wow-factor? That’s when knowing what to use counts most.

That’s why Still Spirits Coffee Maria has built a solid following among experienced makers. It doesn’t hide behind sweetness. It shows up with flavour, clarity, and just a touch of rum bravado. And that’s gold in a scene where everyone’s chasing the next big flavour boost.

Shop it on our shelves or online: you’ll find it right by the other Still Spirits favourites we proudly stock here. Consider it a cheat code for better cocktails.

A Final Swirl of Thought

If you’ve ever sipped your own drink and thought “Close, but something’s missing,” this might be that missing puzzle piece. Coffee Maria doesn’t just fill the flavour gap—it kicks the whole door open. Fast to use. Wildly satisfying. Shed-made, bar-ready.

Go on. Make a martini that actually earns its smug little glass.

Cheers,
Candeece