Since restaurants began closing due to COVID-19, Alcove—located on Lovejoy Wharf—has turned into a one-stop shop for cocktail enthusiasts, selling supplies like bitters, blue cheese-stuffed olives, and cocktail mixes via pick-up and delivery. Its mixes include classics like the Bloody Mary, the Margarita, and the Daiquiri, plus one cocktail that’s a TFL favorite—the Espresso Martini.

The mix, which is sold by the pint, includes espresso and a house-made cardamom syrup. All you need to do is add one ounce of spirit. And while you can’t go wrong with vodka, Alcove owner Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli encourages home bartenders to experiment.

“Most people probably think of [the Espresso Martini] as vodka-based, but it’s great with Scotch; it’s great with mezcal; it’s great with rum and rye,” Schlesinger-Guidelli says. “One of the really fun parts of this particular drink is if you like the Espresso Martini flavor profile, you can try [the mix] with a bunch of different things on your home bar.”

The mix makes a great base, but it’s by no means vanilla; thanks to the cardamom syrup, it packs an interesting flavor punch of its own.

“I think cardamom functions in the same way that chicory does in coffee,” says Schlesinger-Guidelli. “It brings out more floral notes and a little bit of nuttiness at the same time.”

Espresso Martini
2 ounces Alcove Espresso Martini mix
1 ounce vodka (or other spirit)

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a glass over ice.