Sandals Resorts offers a wide variety of dining and drink options at its all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean. With numerous restaurants, bars, and lounges across its resorts, Sandals aims to have something for every taste and craving. This includes classic tropical cocktails like pina coladas and mai tais, as well as more contemporary options like espresso martinis. But with so many offerings, it can be hard to know exactly what cocktails are available at each location. So does Sandals make espresso martinis? Let’s take a closer look.
What is an espresso martini?
An espresso martini is a cocktail that combines vodka, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. It has a bold, rich flavor profile from the meeting of espresso and liquor. The espresso martini was invented in London in the 1980s and became popular as a stylish after-dinner drink.
Some key features of the espresso martini:
– Uses vodka as the primary spirit
– Includes freshly brewed espresso
– Uses coffee liqueur like Kahlua to enhance the coffee flavor
– May be shaken hard to create a frothy foam top
– Has a bold, bitter espresso taste balanced by sweet liqueur
It’s a sophisticated cocktail that coffee and alcohol lovers alike enjoy. It’s also become a staple offering at many bars and restaurants around the world.
Espresso martinis at Sandals Resorts
Sandals makes it a priority to source premium liquors and ingredients to create top-notch cocktails at its bars and lounges. This includes all the fixings to make espresso martinis.
Here is an overview of where you can find espresso martinis at some popular Sandals properties:
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Several bars at this resort offer espresso martinis, including:
– Piano Bar: This lively lounge serves martinis on its cocktail menu. Guests can enjoy live music as they sip their drink.
– Kelly’s Dockside Bar: Located right on the water, this bar serves up espresso martinis along with gorgeous ocean views.
– Soy Sushi Bar: The pan-Asian restaurant offers a creative touch with sake-infused espresso martinis.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
Guests can sip espresso martinis at:
– Balmoral Lobby Bar: This elegant bar offers martinis and other cocktails in the resort’s grand lobby area.
– The Cricketer’s Pub: For a more casual vibe, the pub offers espresso martinis on its extensive drink menu.
– Baccarat Bar: Located in the casino, this lively bar serves perfectly shaken espresso martinis.
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
Several bars at this Jamaica property offer the coffee cocktail:
– The Lobby Bar: Swing by the lobby lounge for delicious espresso martinis day or night.
– Legends Sports Bar: Catch the game at the sports bar while enjoying an invigorating espresso martini.
– The Latitudes Overwater Bar: This overwater bar makes stunning backdropped espresso martinis.
Sandals Regency La Toc
– Sunset Bluff: Perched on a bluff overlooking the sea, this romantic bar shakes up espresso martinis.
– The Oasis Bar: Tucked away in the gardens, this lush bar mixes top-notch martinis.
So in summary, yes Sandals Resorts definitely makes espresso martinis! They are a staple cocktail offering at nearly all of the bars across Sandals properties in the Caribbean. Guests can enjoy this coffee-infused cocktail in lively lounges or relax with one in a tranquil beachside setting. It’s the perfect drink choice for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or cocktail-filled vacation.
How Sandals makes their espresso martinis
Sandals takes pride in making crafted cocktails with care and high-quality ingredients. Their espresso martinis are no exception. Here is an overview of how Sandals bartenders make each component of the drink:
The espresso
– Uses high-quality locally sourced espresso beans
– Beans are freshly ground before extracting each shot
– Pulls freshly brewed espresso shots for each cocktail
– Timing and ratios carefully controlled for bold, rich flavor
The vodka
– Uses premium vodka brands like Tito’s or Ketel One
– Vodka is combined with the espresso at a ratio of approximately 3:1 vodka to espresso
The coffee liqueur
– Uses renowned coffee liqueurs like Kahlua
– A dash of coffee liqueur enhances the espresso’s roasted notes
The simple syrup
– A touch of syrup helps balance out the drink’s bitterness
– Sandals makes homemade simple syrups on-site at many locations
Shaking and presentation
– Bartenders shake vigorously with ice to create an icy cold, frothy texture
– Garnished with coffee beans or chocolate shavings
– Served either straight up or on the rocks depending on guest preference
So in summary, Sandals uses high-quality liquors, fresh espresso, and attentive shaking techniques to craft an excellent espresso martini. This results in a cocktail that looks, smells, and tastes like a true gourmet espresso martini.
Pairing food with espresso martinis at Sandals
In addition to their cocktail programs, Sandals Resorts also offer outstanding dining experiences. Guests can perfectly pair gourmet meals with their espresso martinis:
Dessert pairings
The natural complement to an espresso martini is, of course, dessert! The cocktail’s lightly sweet and bold coffee flavors pair nicely with options like:
– Tiramisu: Alternate sips of the martini with bites of the coffee-soaked Italian dessert.
– Chocolate lava cake or chocolate soufflés: The rich chocolate flavors match beautifully.
– Crème brûlée: Crack the crispy caramelized shell and enjoy with smooth sips of the martini.
Savory pairings
While sweets are the obvious choice, espresso martinis can also pair well with rich savory dishes like:
– Pasta carbonara or mushroom risotto: The earthiness of the cuisine aligns with the martini’s coffee notes.
– Seared scallops or lamb chops: The espresso martini helps cut through the richness.
– Steak au poivre: The drink matches well with flavorful peppercorns.
Cuisines that pair well
Some specific cuisines that pair beautifully with espresso martinis include:
– Italian: Shared coffee flavors, plus dishes like ossobuco or tiramisu
– French: The martini matches French onion soup, coq au vin, crepes
– American or British pub fare: Think shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, burgers
So feel free to get creative and enjoy an espresso martini alongside nearly any Sandals meal! The possibilities of food and cocktail pairings are endless.
Cocktail classes at Sandals
In addition to ordering espresso martinis at various bars, guests at many Sandals resorts can also take cocktail classes to learn how to make them. These classes allow guests to:
– Learn insider tips and tricks from expert bartenders
– Ask questions and understand the cocktail layers of flavors
– Sample the ingredients and provide feedback during shaking trials
– Get hands-on experience actually making and tasting the cocktails
Some locations offering cocktail classes include:
– Sandals Grande Antigua: Mixology classes held at the resort’s lively Sly Mongoose pool bar.
– Sandals Negril: Weekly cocktail workshops held at the laidback Sunset Beach Bar.
– Sandals Royal Bahamian: Classes led by expert mixologists at the Balmoral Lobby Bar.
– Sandals Grenada: Interactive cocktail classes held at the beachfront Latitude Bar.
So check the schedules at your Sandals resort of choice to see if cocktail classes are offered during your vacation. Learning directly from the Sandals bartenders is a fun way to improve your espresso martini making skills.
Ordering tips for getting the best espresso martini
Here are some tips to order the perfect espresso martini during your Sandals vacation:
– Ask about the bar’s current espresso martini recipe – some add unique twists.
– Request to have it made with fresh espresso for the boldest flavor.
– Ask what coffee liqueur they use – you may have a favorite like Kahlua or Bailey’s.
– Specify if you prefer it served straight up or on ice.
– Order a side of coffee beans or chocolate shavings for garnish.
– Ask the bartender to shake it extra hard to achieve maximum frothiness!
– For alcohol strength, order it as the standard recipe or ask for light/extra shots as desired.
– Pair it with a dessert you love, like tiramisu or creme brûlée.
– Take a photo of the beautiful cocktail once it’s garnished and served up.
– Sip slowly and enjoy every velvety sip of coffee, booze, and froth!
The bartenders at Sandals are experts at achieving the perfect balance and presentation for an espresso martini. Following the tips above will ensure your cocktail experience is as sublime as your Caribbean vacation overall.
Health and safety protocols at Sandals bars
In addition to providing exceptional service and craft cocktails, Sandals Resorts also prioritizes guest health and safety through rigorous protocols. Some ways they keep bars and lounges safe include:
– All bartenders and servers wear protective masks and gloves.
– Drinks are handled with care to prevent cross-contamination.
– Bartops and service areas are sanitized frequently using medical-grade cleaning solutions.
– Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the bars for guest and staff use.
– Tables, chairs, and stools are sanitized after each guest.
– Occupancy limits allow for appropriate distancing between groups.
– Contactless digital menus and ordering options are available at many bars.
– Indoor lounges follow enhanced air circulation and filtration procedures.
So guests can feel at ease sipping espresso martinis knowing Sandals implements safety standards in all facets of the resort experience. Visitors get to relax with their favorite cocktails without having to worry.
Espresso martini recipes to make at home
To keep the espresso martini party going once home from vacation, here are some recommended recipes to make them yourself:
Ingredients
– 2 ounces (1/4 cup) high-quality vodka
– 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) dark coffee liqueur
– 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) freshly brewed espresso, cooled
– 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) simple syrup
– Coffee beans or chocolate shavings for garnish
Directions
1. Chill a martini glass by filling with ice water and setting aside.
2. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
4. Empty ice from the martini glass and strain in the cocktail.
5. Garnish with 3 coffee beans or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
6. Serve and enjoy your homemade espresso martini! Adjust ratios if you prefer more sweetness or less bitterness.
You can also reference Sandals’ own espresso martini recipes for inspiration once you’re craving that vacation flavor at home. Sipping one may just transport you right back to the Caribbean’s beautiful beaches and bars.
Conclusion
Espresso martinis are clearly a beloved cocktail offered across the bars at Sandals Resorts. Guests can discover takes on the coffee-based drink ranging from classic to creative. Sipping this sophisticated yet laidback concoction matches the overall Sandals vibe perfectly. So next time you’re planning a vacation at a Sandals property and want to indulge in coffee and cocktails, be sure to keep the espresso martini on your radar. Let the expert bartenders shake you up a refreshing espresso libation to complement the rest of your amazing island experience.
