Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 0.5 oz cherry liqueur
  • 1.5 oz heavy cream
  • 2 Maraschino cherries
  • 1 cup large ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Chill your glass. Place your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before starting. Note: This prevents the ice from melting the second it touches the glass.
  2. Add the ice. Drop 1 cup of large ice cubes into the glass. Checkpoint 1: You want the ice to reach about 3/4 of the way up the glass.
  3. Pour the spirits. Add the 2 oz vodka and 1 oz coffee liqueur over the ice. Aroma Check: You should smell a deep, roasted coffee scent immediately.
  4. Introduce the fruit. Gently pour the 0.5 oz cherry liqueur into the mix. Aroma Check: The scent will shift, becoming slightly sweeter and more floral.
  5. Initial stir. Give the spirits a quick swirl with your bar spoon. Checkpoint 2: 10 full rotations is enough to chill the spirits without over diluting.
  6. The spoon trick. Hold the bar spoon just above the surface of the liquid, back side up.
  7. Layer the cream. Slowly pour the 1.5 oz heavy cream over the back of the spoon. Note: This breaks the fall of the liquid, allowing it to sit on top.
  8. Observe the marble. Watch as the cream starts to bleed into the dark spirits. Aroma Check: The heavy scent of the coffee is now softened by the creamy, dairy notes.
  9. Garnish. Drop 2 Maraschino cherries on top.
  10. Final temp check. Checkpoint 3: The drink should be served at approximately 2°C for the best mouthfeel.