Ex-Wife Espresso Blend: Milk Drinks and Espresso Martini Guide

Quick answer

Use Ex-Wife Espresso Blend as a strong, chocolate-caramel base for milk drinks and espresso martinis. Pull a slightly longer shot for lattes to keep the dark chocolate and caramel sweetness present through milk, and use a fresh, chilled shot in your martini for balance.

Step-by-step: brewing Ex-Wife for lattes and espresso martinis

1. Start with fresh, properly stored beans: Use whole-bean Ex-Wife Espresso Blend within a few weeks of opening, stored in an airtight container away from light and heat. If you buy ground, keep it sealed and use it promptly. Common mistake: leaving beans in the hopper for weeks, which dulls the chocolate and caramel notes. Check the roast date if available; fresher beans give more stable crema and sweetness.
2. Grind for your brew method: For espresso, grind fine enough that a 18–20 g dose pulls a 36–45 g shot in about 25–30 seconds. For milk drinks, you can stretch the yield slightly to 45–50 g to increase sweetness and reduce intensity. For martinis, a shorter 30–36 g shot can keep the drink from becoming too bitter. Common mistake: using pre-ground coffee that is too coarse, leading to sour, under-extracted shots. Adjust grind in small steps; a tiny change makes a big difference in the cup.
3. Pull a balanced shot: Aim for a shot that tastes sweet with dark chocolate and caramel, and only mild acidity. If it tastes sharp or sour, grind finer or increase the yield slightly. If it tastes bitter or dry, grind coarser or reduce the yield. Common mistake: judging the shot only by color; taste is the final check. Keep a simple log of dose, yield, and time to repeat good results.
4. Steam milk for lattes: For a 12 oz latte, steam about 6–8 oz of milk to 140–150°F (60–65°C) with a fine microfoam. Pour the shot first, then add the milk, holding back the foam with a spoon if needed. Common mistake: overheating the milk, which makes it taste sweet but flat and can mask the coffee's chocolate notes. Use a thermometer until you can judge temperature by touch.
5. Build the espresso martini: Chill your glass and shaker. Combine 1.5 oz (45 ml) fresh Ex-Wife espresso, 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka, 0.75 oz (22 ml) coffee liqueur, and 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake hard for 10–15 seconds, then double-strain into the chilled glass. Common mistake: using old or room-temperature espresso, which makes the drink taste dull and watery. Pull the espresso just before shaking; freshness is the key to a lively martini.
6. Taste and adjust the martini: Sip and adjust: add a touch more simple syrup if it's too bitter, or a squeeze of orange peel if you want a brighter note. For a stronger coffee flavor, use a slightly longer espresso shot or reduce the vodka to 1.25 oz (37.5 ml). Common mistake: over-shaking, which dilutes the drink; stop as soon as the shaker is very cold. Make a small batch of simple syrup ahead so you can adjust quickly.

Product facts

• Ex-Wife Espresso Blend: Ex-Wife Espresso Blend is the strongest blend in the Code Black lineup, with mild acidity and dark chocolate and caramel sweetness. This strength and flavor profile helps the coffee hold its own in milk drinks and cocktails without becoming harsh.