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Beanies & Martinis: 3 Recipes to Keep You Buzzing

  • Writer: Tracie Wright
    Tracie Wright
  • Jan 28
  • 4 min read

When it’s too cold to hit the slopes, we hit the espresso martinis instead. For Beanies & Martinis, we’re serving up three takes on this cozy classic: a booze-free version for the designated drivers and pregnant friends, an OG espresso martini, and a bold tequila twist that’s sure to shake things up. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just love a good theme, these drinks are as fun to make as they are to sip. Bonus: I’m sharing my tips for making the presentation as stunning as the drinks themselves.


The Perfect Glassware for Your Martini Flight

Let’s talk presentation. I’m obsessed with the ribbed coupe glasses I found on Amazon. Not only are they perfect for these martinis, but they double as Champagne glasses for a bit of bubbly. They’re chic, versatile, and will make your drink table the talk of the party. Make sure you give these glasses a thorough cleaning before using.


Now, so you’re not stuck playing bartender all night, consider giving guests their own shaker. I grabbed mini shakers on Amazon for everyone, along with a jigger for precise measurements. I did a quick demo for the first few martinis, but after that, they were on their own. That might explain why things got a little extra lively toward the end of the night!


Keeping it Custom

To keep the vibe playful and polished, I made custom drink markers inspired by ski trail difficulty signs. Each martini has a corresponding marker: “Green Circle” for The Bunny Slope, “Blue Square” for The Midway, and “Double Black Diamond” for The Double Black.

The markers are made from 3mm (1/8 inch) acrylic, which I cut using my Glowforge laser cutter. If you want to make your own, you can grab the SVG file here. These markers are reusable, coordinate perfectly with the theme, and add a fun, personalized touch to your party. Alternatively, you can make these from cardstock and laminate them for a budget-friendly option.

I also designed a Canva Template for a bar menu that coordinates with these drinks, which you can snag for your party setup!


The Bunny Slope

This drink is smooth, sweet, and perfect for those who prefer an alcohol free cocktail. It’s a creamy delight that’ll have your guests begging for another run.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz  decaf espresso (chilled in the fridge)

  • 1 oz vanilla almond milk (or your favorite creamy milk alternative)

  • 1.5 oz sugar-free vanilla Torani syrup

  • Ice

  • Garnish: coffee beans

Instructions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine chilled espresso, vanilla almond milk and sugar-free vanilla Torani syrup.

  2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to create a creamy, frothy texture.

  3. Strain into a chilled glass.

  4. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.


The Midway

For those who like a balanced mix of boldness and sweetness, this drink is your "blue square" on the cocktail trail map.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz vodka

  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)

  • 1 oz espresso (chilled in the fridge)

  • Ice

  • Optional: Add 0.5 oz Baileys for additional creaminess

  • Garnish: coffee beans

Instructions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, chilled espresso, sugar-free vanilla Torani syrup, and Baileys (if using).

  2. Add ice and shake for 20 seconds to create a frothy layer.

  3. Strain into a chilled glass.

  4. Garnish with 3 coffee beans


The Double Black

Ready to tackle the "black diamond" of cocktails? This bold and smoky martini is a powerhouse—perfect for the tequila lover in your group.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz tequila (reposado is my go-to for its smooth, smoky flavor)

  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)

  • 1 oz espresso (chilled in the fridge)

  • 0.5 oz sugar-free vanilla Torani syrup

  • Ice

  • Optional: Add 0.5 oz Baileys for additional creaminess

  • Garnish: coffee beans

Instructions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, coffee liqueur, chilled espresso, sugar-free vanilla Torani syrup, and Baileys (if using).

  2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.

  3. Strain into a chilled glass. Rim the glass with smoked salt for an extra touch of flair.

  4. Garnish with 3 coffee beans



Because I don’t have an espresso machine (and honestly, who does?), I grabbed a few shots of espresso from Starbucks and popped them in the fridge to cool. Pro tip: skip the instant espresso if you can—life’s too short for sad coffee. But hey, if instant is all you’ve got, it’ll still get the job done and taste fab.


Alright, let’s settle the Great Coffee Bean Garnish Debate once and for all. An espresso martini should always have THREE beans. Not two. Not a handful. And certainly not none (looking at you, bars with espresso martinis on the menu—you should know better). Three beans symbolize health, wealth, and happiness. Or, as my best friend Paige insists, “the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Either way, it’s three beans or we riot.


Let’s Hit the [Home] Bar

With these martinis, gorgeous glassware, and custom markers, your après-ski party is guaranteed to be a hit. Whether your guests are skiing pros or strictly lodge loungers, everyone will find a favorite among these delicious cocktails. So, bundle up, mix up, and let’s toast to cozy winter nights!




 
 
 

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