Chocolate cookies and cream, macaroni and cheese… I often find myself wondering what the world would be like if these favorites of my childhood never existed. How would I have survived the first 6 years of my life? Not well, I’m sure. So now, as I stare into the often empty box that I call my freezer, I’ve noticed that many of my favorite things are still just as simple and delicious and several are 70+ proof.

But there is one flavor combination that I crave more than most and it consists of two unlikely mates: espresso and vodka. Fortunately, since Van Gogh produces three versions of this unique pairing — Espresso (decaf), Double Espresso (caffeinated) and EspreXXO 19/90 (extra caffeine) — I can enjoy it as a cocktail or shooter, with caffeine or without, straight or mixed and, go figure, I love them all. Three cheers to the “shot of espresso,” which now holds a new, wonderful meaning and I think it’s delicious!

Cheers!
Shelley

Double Fudge Drop
1 oz Van Gogh Espresso Vodka
1/2 oz Kahlua
1 oz chilled espresso
1/3 oz butterscotch schnapps
1 splash creamPour ingredients into cocktail shaker and add crushed ice. Let stand for five seconds. Shake vigorously for five seconds. Strain into martini glass that has been lined with chocolate syrup and top with chocolate shavings.

Mud Pie Martini
2 oz Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka
1/4 cup coffee ice cream
1 oz chocolate liqueur

Blend ingredients and pour into a chilled martini glass that has been lined with chocolate syrup. Top with whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumbs.

MAXimum Zoom
1 oz EspreXXO 19/90
1 oz creme de cacao

Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for five seconds and serve as a cocktail or shooter!