The Four Keys to Making Great Espresso-Based Cocktails Our goal, especially as the weather cools, is to find a way to make great espresso…and then use that knowledge to make some buzzy yet elevated cocktails at home. So we contacted a few baristas, bartenders and other bar pros who had knowledge of both coffee and alcohol to find the right caffeinated mix. Here's what we learned: It all starts with the beans “Select beans that are freshly roasted,” says Martin Hudak, Global Coffee Ambassador for Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. “Avoid big supermarket chains, as they carry coffees without deeper descriptions of origin, processing or date of roasting.” Additionally, you’ll want to buy whole beans in lieu of grounds, which go stale faster. Keep them in airtight containers and, as Hudak says, “Always buy less versus more so you can use them fresh.” | 