NightOwl Canned Cocktail

How to Serve a NightOwl Canned Cocktail

Ordering an espresso martini feels sophisticated and tastes indulgent. But how can you bring that classic feeling home for a dinner party, book club, or solo nightcap? 

NightOwl Espresso Martini is a canned cocktail that allows you to treat yourself and your guests to high-quality libations without the time, money, or effort. 

We always recommend serving NightOwl cocktail chilled, but here are other ways to serve the canned cocktail: 

Drink straight out of the can

NightOwl Martini offers two types of martinis. The Original is an espresso tequila martini, while the Classic is an espresso vodka martini. Both offer a shot of alcohol, two shots of espresso, hints of vanilla, and no bad sh*t. NightOwl Martini is gluten and dairy free and made with no artificial sweeteners or flavors. 

These award-winning recipes can be dressed up, but dressed down and straight out of the can works too!

Serve in glassware

Serving your canned alcoholic drinks in glassware is not only stylish but also positively impacts the temperature, aroma, and overall experience.

What kind of glassware is best for an espresso martini? You have a few presentation options, including the classic martini glass, stemless martini glass, and coupe glass. While a classic martini glass has a V-shape, a coupe glass has a stem with straight sides and a round bowl ideal for sipping and inhaling aromas.

NightOwl espresso martinis cans are 200ml or nearly 7oz, so make sure you have martini glasses that accommodate the whole serving plus garnishes. 

Pro Tip: Chill your glass beforehand!

Shake and strain

The best part of a coffee-based martini is the delectable foam. Creating the element of foam adds a light touch to what would otherwise be a dense drink. Plus, all of the best espresso martinis have foam, it’s just a fact. 

The trick to adding this perfect layer is all in the shake plus high-quality espresso. Shaking the cocktail introduces air to the espresso and creates tiny bubbles that build a creamy froth.

We suggest pouring the can into a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes, shaking it vigorously for at least 20 seconds, and then straining it into a coupe glass. 

Voilà, foam! 

Decorate with garnishes

Did you know the espresso martini’s traditional garnish of coffee beans is rooted in Italian history and folklore? 

In the 1950s, Italians created a digestif with Italian anise liqueur and garnished it with three coffee beans. Italian tradition believes these coffee beans represent health, wealth, and happiness. Garnishing your NightOwl canned cocktail with coffee beans is an homage to its roots in Italy. 

While you can never go wrong with a coffee bean garnish, spicing it up with different elements can elevate your drinking experience. 

For a brunch occasion, add hints of maple syrup or bacon. When the temperature drops, elevate your martini with ground spices or chocolate shavings. Are you feeling zesty? Try a bright citrus peel to juxtapose the dark and earthy espresso martini. 

Pair with a dessert

The best part of a vodka or tequila espresso martini is that it works for almost any occasion, including as a pick-me-up before going out, a nightcap, and a dessert pairing. 


Although a coffee-based martini can be a stand-alone dessert, why not both? There is no better way to end an evening or party than with a sweet touch of espresso and a dessert mashup - plus vodka or tequila.


Ideal pairings typically include chocolate, like chocolate cake, tiramisu, or truffles, but don’t forget creme brulee, cheesecake, or biscotti. The possibilities are endless!


How big is your coupe? Can it accommodate a dollop of ice cream? If so, we recommend (no, we demand) joining your dessert and ready-to-drink espresso martini into one delectable cocktail called the Espresso Martini Affogato. An Affogato is like a rootbeer float, but with alcohol and espresso. 

Did you hear? Dressing up your best canned cocktails is a new form of self-care, and we’re here for it. 

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