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.
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