The Shaft is a cold coffee cocktail associated with Victoria, British Columbia. It combines coffee, vodka, coffee liqueur and cream for a drink that sits between an iced coffee and an Espresso Martini.
Shaft cocktail recipe
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz chilled espresso or strong cold coffee
- 1 oz cream or half-and-half
- ¼ oz simple syrup, optional
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly to chill and aerate.
- Strain over fresh ice in a short glass.
- Garnish lightly with coffee beans.
How it differs from an Espresso Martini
The Shaft is usually served over ice and includes cream, creating a softer, longer drink. An Espresso Martini is typically shaken and served up without dairy.
How to improve it
- Cool the coffee before shaking to avoid rapid dilution.
- Taste before adding syrup because coffee liqueur is already sweet.
- Use a clean vodka and freshly brewed coffee.
- For dairy-free service, use a barista-style oat or coconut product.
Browse vodka and coffee liqueurs.
Sources
The drink’s Victoria association is widely documented in Canadian cocktail coverage, although competing origin accounts exist. Recipe proportions vary by bar, so this version prioritizes balance rather than claiming one definitive formula.
