The Harvest Espresso cocktail is what happens when an Espresso Martini puts on a sweater. It keeps the deep, roasted backbone you expect from a coffee-forward drink but replaces sugar and creaminess with something more seasonal and grounded. Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur brings bold espresso bitterness, while Bulleit Bourbon adds grain, spice, and warmth instead of neutral vodka.

Apple cider is the quiet hero here. It softens the edges of the coffee without masking it, adding natural fruit sweetness and a subtle orchard note that feels unmistakably autumnal. Served straight up in a martini glass, The Harvest Espresso feels rich but not heavy, indulgent without tipping into dessert territory. It’s a cocktail for cooler evenings, post-dinner pours, and anyone who likes their coffee drinks dry, layered, and grown-up.

Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. Shaking chills the drink quickly and lifts the cider and coffee aromatics while keeping the texture clean and smooth.