Ingredients
- 2 oz Champagne
- 2 oz Coffee Vodka
Instructions
Pour the Coffee Vodka:
- Start by pouring 2 oz of coffee-flavored vodka into a chilled cocktail glass.
Add Champagne:
- Gently fill the glass the rest of the way with 2 oz of champagne.
Stir and Garnish:
- Stir the drink gently to combine. For an added touch, garnish with a coffee bean or a sugar rim.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Caribou Martini!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Caribou Martini is a modern creation, likely emerging in the early 2000s as coffee flavored spirits gained popularity. Its specific origin is murky, a common fate for many simple, two-ingredient builds. It is a drink born more from bartenders experimenting with new products than from a classic cocktail lineage.
This drink technically sits within the “Martini” family by name only, leveraging the classic glassware. It has little in common with the gin or vodka Martini, nor the Espresso Martini which is a shaken, richer drink. Its closest relatives might be other champagne-topped cocktails like the Kir Royale, but with a much bolder base spirit.
You would find this served as a unique offering at a more contemporary cocktail bar or a high-end lounge looking to offer something beyond the usual. It is also an easy one to batch and serve at a home gathering where you want to impress without a lot of fuss behind the bar.
What it tastes like
The first sip of a Caribou Martini hits with the distinct, often slightly sweet, notes of coffee vodka, followed quickly by the dry, sparkling acidity of the champagne. The finish is a clean blend of coffee bitterness and a lingering effervescence, leaving the palate refreshed but with a subtle roasted aftertaste. It is a surprisingly balanced interplay between two strong flavors.
With 2 oz of coffee vodka (typically around 30-35% ABV) and 2 oz of champagne (around 12% ABV), this drink packs a respectable kick. Assuming a 30% ABV coffee vodka, the drink is roughly 21% ABV. That is significantly stronger than a standard beer, and on par with or slightly above many shaken cocktails. Treat it like a proper drink, not a session sipper.
The technique
Building a Caribou Martini is as simple as it gets. Start with a chilled cocktail glass, pour in your coffee vodka, then gently top it off with cold champagne. A quick, gentle stir helps integrate the two without knocking out too much of the champagne’s fizz. Garnish with a coffee bean for aroma and visual appeal, then serve it up promptly.
The most critical technique here is ensuring your champagne is properly chilled and poured gently. Warm champagne goes flat faster, and aggressive pouring will kill its effervescence before it even reaches the drinker. The bubbles are a key textural component of this drink, so treat them with respect.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Coffee Vodka
- Use
- Good quality coffee-flavored vodka, like Van Gogh Espresso, Three Olives Triple Espresso, or even a house-infused version. Aim for something with authentic coffee flavor, not overly sweet. Standard vodka is typically 40% ABV, but coffee vodkas vary widely, often lower, around 30-35% ABV.
- Skip
- Using a coffee liqueur like Kahlua or Tia Maria. These are much sweeter and lower in alcohol, turning the drink into a cloying dessert cocktail rather than a crisp martini.
- Why
- This is the primary flavor driver. Its robust coffee notes need to stand up to the champagne’s acidity and effervescence, providing the “caribou” character.
Champagne
- Use
- A dry Brut Champagne or a quality Cava or Prosecco. The goal is crisp acidity and strong bubbles to cut through the coffee vodka.
- Skip
- Sweet sparkling wines like Asti Spumante or demi-sec options. They will make the drink unbalanced and overly sugary, losing the sophisticated edge.
- Why
- Champagne provides the necessary effervescence, acidity, and dryness to balance the coffee vodka. Without it, the drink would be flat and one-dimensional.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Caribou Royale
- A Fruity Twist
- Add a small dash of crème de cassis or raspberry liqueur to the coffee vodka before topping with champagne for a berry undertone.
Dark Caribou
- Richer Coffee Notes
- Use a cold brew coffee concentrate (about 0.5 oz) with standard vodka (1.5 oz) instead of coffee vodka for a deeper, less sweet coffee flavor.
Spiced Caribou
- Aromatic Warmth
- Infuse your coffee vodka with a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods for a day or two to add a layer of warm spice to the drink.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use 2 oz of good quality vodka and add 0.25 oz of coffee liqueur or a splash of cold brew concentrate. The flavor profile will shift, but it works.
A dry Prosecco or Cava will do the job adequately. The flavor will be slightly different, but the effervescence and dryness are key.
A small wine glass or a coupe will work just fine. Presentation might be different, but the drink will taste the same.
A lemon twist or a simple sugar rim can add visual appeal, though you lose the aromatic element of the coffee bean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Caribou Martini?
A Caribou Martini contains 2 oz of coffee-flavored vodka and 2 oz of champagne.
Is the Caribou Martini a strong drink?
Yes, it is a relatively strong drink. With an estimated ABV around 21%, it is more potent than a standard beer and should be enjoyed responsibly.
What kind of coffee vodka should I use?
Opt for a coffee vodka that has a genuine coffee flavor and is not overly sweet. Brands like Van Gogh Espresso or Three Olives Triple Espresso are good choices.
Can I use a different sparkling wine instead of champagne?
Yes, a dry Prosecco or Cava can be used as a substitute. Ensure it is brut or extra dry to maintain the drink’s balance.
Why is it called a Caribou Martini?
The name likely comes from the “Caribou Coffee” chain, known for its coffee offerings, combined with the “Martini” glass it is typically served in, though it is not a classic martini.
Is this a hot or cold drink?
The Caribou Martini is served cold, with chilled ingredients, making it a refreshing cocktail.
What garnish works best for a Caribou Martini?
A few coffee beans are the classic choice, adding an aromatic touch. A sugar rim is also a popular option.
Is this drink sweet?
The sweetness largely depends on the specific coffee vodka and champagne used. Generally, if using a dry champagne and a balanced coffee vodka, it is not overly sweet, leaning towards bittersweet and effervescent.
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