Smirnoff Espresso Pop Up Bar

“Smirnoff Espresso Pop Up Bar is now open on Twitter! Curious? Thirsty? Follow this hashtag #smirnoffespressoAU”

That was my first tweet that kicked off the Smirnoff Espresso Pop Up Bar on Twitter. Prior to the launch, a select group of tweeters were invited to attend the session that started at 5.30pm.

A sizeable package containing all the ingredients and bar accessories necessary to mix cocktails was delivered in advance. Chocolate topping, coffee, cocoa, milk, honey, Coke, chocolate-coated coffee beans and raspberries were among the 1 litre bottle of the limited edition Duty Free Smirnoff Espresso and Baileys Irish Cream with Coffee.

Under expert guidance from mixologist Kenji Jesse, we were all set to mix a selection of cocktails with instructions streaming via Twitter and Twitvids.

Cocktail # 1 – Smirnoff Espresso and Cola

The first cocktail was an easy mix and set to introduce the palate to the coffee and caramel notes. We filled the highball glass with ice, poured 40 ml of Smirnoff Espresso over it and topped it with Cola, about 1:3 ratio. As a garnish, a thick slice of orange zest was twisted and added to the drink to allow the flavours to blend in. We gave the drink a good stir and tasted.

@Gourmantic Tweeted:

“Nice coffee and caramel notes with a Vodka kick! Orange zest lifts the taste… easy to drink! #smirnoffespressoAU”

“The orange zest gives it a lift so you don’t get too much of a coffee hit #smirnoffespressoAU”

Cocktail #2 – Smirnoff Espresso White Russian

Next up was Smirnoff Espresso White Russian, Kenji’s twist on the classic creamy white cocktail.

We filled a rocks glass and a mixing glass with ice. We then poured 30 ml of Smirnoff Espresso into the mixing glass, 30 ml of Baileys Coffee and 30 ml of milk – 3 equal parts of each. We gave it a good stir for about 5 seconds to make sure the ingredients were blended together. Using a Julep strainer, we strained it into the rocks glass over ice and garnished with 3 chocolate-coated coffee beans.

@Gourmantic tweeted:

I like the combination of Baileys Coffee w Smirnoff Espresso. Smooth & creamy. If you enjoy Baileys as I do, you’ll like it!#smirnoffespressoAU

Cocktail #3 – Smirnoff Raspberry and Chocolate Martini

Next up was a luxurious Smirnoff Espresso Raspberry and Chocolate Martini, a rich and indulgent drink that marrieds the tartness of the raspberries with the sweetness of the chocolate.

@Gourmantic tweeted:

Nothing like having @MrGourmantic as my bar assistant… @EspressoPopUp #smirnoffespressoAU

Mr Gourmantic joined me part way through the making of this cocktail. I had run out of ice and in my quest to tweet, mix, tweetpic, taste and take photos with another camera at the same time, the table was a mess and the ingredients were scattered everywhere.

We poured 40 ml of Smirnoff Espresso into a Boston glass, add a handful of raspberries, about 5-6, and 20ml of chocolate syrup. We then added a lot of ice, put the tin on top of the glass and gave it a good hard shake for about 5 seconds. Using a Hawthorn strainer that fits over the tin, we poured the drink with its rich colour of raspberries and chocolate into a double espresso cup and sprinkled a little cocoa powder on top to complement the flavour.

As a classic Martini aficionado, I opted for an alternate presentation. Mr G quickly mixed another cocktail and poured it in a Martini glass garnished with a raspberry.

@Gourmantic tweeted:

Smirnoff Raspberry and Chocolate Martini – served 2 ways http://twitpic.com/5wk5vb http://twitpic.com/5wk5yh #smirnoffespressoAU

@Gourmantic tweeted:

The Smirnoff Raspberry & Choc martini is decadent – strongest so far, if you like chocolate. A little too sweet for me. #smirnoffespressoAU

A little less chocolate syrup would be better. #smirnoffespressoAU

Cocktail #4 – Smirnoff Espresso Martini

The fourth and optional cocktail was the Smirnoff Espresso Martini. We poured 30 ml of Smirnoff Espresso, 30 ml of Baileys Coffee, a single shot of espresso, 10 ml of honey into a Boston glass. We filled it with ice, covered it with the tin and gave it a good shake.

Using the Hawthorn strainer on top of the tin, we strained the cocktail into a double espresso cup. The liquid was frothy and we garnished with a sprinkling of chocolate power on top.

Looking more like a caffe latte sprinkled with cocoa powder, MrGourmantic declared this cocktail as dangerous once you start drinking it.

@Gourmantic tweeted:

“Smirnoff Espresso Martini is a dangerous one” @MrGourmantic said. It can hit hard if you have a couple. #smirnoffespressoAU

@Gourmantic tweeted:

Smirnoff Espresso Martini has a strong coffee kick if you need a buzz w your drink. And I drink Martinis like water! 😉

Fave cocktails tonight was Smirnoff Espresso White Russian. @MrGourmantic liked Smirnoff Raspberry & Chocolate Martini #smirnoffespressoAU

 

Mr Gourmantic’s Cocktail – The “MrG Spot Smirnoff Espresso Martini“

When @BenShipley tweeted, “Anyone keen for a freestyle mystery box challenge?” I was in. After trying the creamy, fruity and syrupy combinations, I was after something little more spirited.

And so the MrG Spot Smirnoff Espresso Martini was born.

Based on the classic Vodka Martini and Vermouth combination, the MrG Spot Martini for 2 (of course) has 60 ml of Smirnoff Espresso and about 20 ml of José Cuervo Silver Tequila, poured over ice. The mixture is shaken, poured in a classic Martini glass and garnished with a chocolate-coated coffee bean. The MrG Spot Martini derived its name when Mr G made it and it “hit the right spot” when I tasted it.

@Gourmantic tweeted:

A @MrGourmantic drink: MrG-Spot Martini, Smirnoff Espresso & Jose Cuervo Tequila, coffee bean http://twitpic.com/5wktkq #smirnoffespressoAU

The Smirnoff Espresso Pop Up Bar Masterclass and Twitter Launch was a fun-filled event held on Wednesday 27 July 2011 at 5.30pm on Twitter. Smirnoff Espresso is a limited edition Duty Free vodka and is available exclusively at key international airports around the world.

Gourmantic attended the pop-up bar masterclass as a media guest.