A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

When my family comes together at Christmastime, there’s guaranteed to be plenty of love, laughter, and my Aunt Samantha and Uncle Bill’s famed, long-perfected espresso martinis. Come to think of

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

When my family comes together at Christmastime, there’s guaranteed to be plenty of love, laughter, and my Aunt Samantha and Uncle Bill’s famed, long-perfected espresso martinis. Come to think of

When my family comes together at Christmastime, there’s guaranteed to be plenty of love, laughter, and my Aunt Samantha and Uncle Bill’s famed, long-perfected espresso martinis. Come to think of it, they may be the source of all that laughter. But making this drink is no joke. As an editor, I know that details are crucial in good writing — and good martinis. “Trust me,” Aunt Samantha says. “You must use espresso — either homemade or from your local café. You need it for flavor and for the crema that forms when you shake it properly. If you can’t use espresso, don’t bother making it.” You heard the woman. Cheers!


Chocolate Espresso Martini

Yield: 1 large martini.

3 ounces espresso
3 ounces vodka
1½ ounces crème de cacao
¾ ounce Kahlúa

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in all ingredients. Shake vigorously for up to 1 minute. Strain and pour into a large, pre-frozen martini glass. Enjoy after a Christmas feast or by a fireplace on a cold winter night.

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This story was published on Nov 22, 2022

Katie Schanze

Katie Schanze is an associate editor and digital content editor at Our State.