Risa Weaver-Enion is a professional photographer based in Sacramento, California. Through her company Risa James Photography, she specializes in food and beverage photography, specifically cocktails. She works with small distilleries, wineries, and purveyors of cocktail accessories to create beautiful imagery for them to use in their marketing efforts. Her book, Cocktails for Everyday Drinking, was published in 2022 and is available at all online booksellers.
When she’s not photographing cocktails, Risa and her husband love to travel, both within the United States and internationally. Many of their trips have been wine-focused, but they’ve visited their fair share of distilleries around the world as well.
Anyone who wants to reach out to Risa to ask questions about photography, cocktails, or anything else, can find her on Instagram @risajamesphotography, on the web at risajamesphoto.com, or over email at risajamesphoto [at] gmail.com. She’s always happy to answer questions and give advice.
a little bit about the recipe
The Espresso Martini has been having a moment for at least a couple of years now. There are a variety of recipes out in the world, but this one by Katy McAvoy uses chocolate bitters to give it an even dessert-ier feel. A light sprinkle of Selefina Black Cacao Powder leans into the chocolate notes.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Espresso machine or Moka Pot, Cocktail shaker, strainer, Jigger
ACTIVE: 10m
INACTIVE: 20m
TOTAL: 30m
PRINT RECIPE
directions
For the Cocktail
Place a coupe or martini glass in the refrigerator. Brew espresso using either an espresso machine or Moka Pot. Place freshly brewed espresso in the freezer for about 20 minutes to chill.
Combine 1 ounce vodka, 2 ounces chilled espresso, 3/4 ounce coffee liqueur, and 4 dashes chocolate bitters in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for about 15 seconds. Strain into chilled glass. Sprinkle a light dusting of black cacao powder on top of the foamy crema.
For the Garnish
If you’re feeling fancy, use a cake stencil to make a design with the cacao powder.
expiry
Consume immediately
tips
You can use cold brew coffee if you don’t have a way to make espresso. You can also buy an espresso at a local coffee shop and bring it home to use in the cocktail.
Recommended brands for coffee liqueur: Kahlúa, Mr. Black, Misceo, St. George, and Tia Maria.
