Cocktail Week: Café Caramel Martini

You scream, I scream, we all scream for… cocktails? It's true, even the avid WinoBee deviates from her lavish glass of tannin every once in a while. And why wouldn't I? Dessert drinks have been a huge trend in the restaurant and bar industry throughout the past year and are only gaining popularity (especially those delectable after-dinner treats served so trendy in martini glasses - I love drinking in style!)

According to TheFoodChannel.com, the top 10 trends for 2009 included dessert drinks as number two. So, I figured it was only appropriate to implement "Cocktail Week" for my fellow winos looking for something a little different this Fall season. Have no fear, we'll be back on the grape juice before you know it!

Throughout the week, I'll post a few recipes for sippable sweets that you can enjoy sans spoon. Check back each day for a lil' something new

Café Caramel Martini

Created by Rene Matos, Beverage Director, NYC Marriott Marquis
(recipe provided by Talbert Communications)

• 2-1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka
• 1/2 oz Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka
• 1/4 oz House-made caramel sauce
• 1 oz Vanilla ice cream, softened
• Garnished with a cholive

Add all ingredients into a shaker and shaker vigorously to ensure the caramel is well blended. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a cholive.