I love an espresso martini. In fact, I love them so much that we served them at my wedding after the main course instead of a wedding cake. It certainly got everyone on the dance floor quicker than any fruit cake could.
So, naturally, I was intrigued by M&S’s latest addition to The Marksologist range. The decaf espresso martini made its debut at last week’s Christmas Showcase and, as someone who still wants all the fun of a frothy coffee cocktail without committing to a night of staring at the ceiling, it certainly appeals to me.
M&S The Marksologist Decaf Espresso Martini
M&S is billing The Marksologist Decaf Espresso Martini as ‘the first decaf pre-made espresso martini in the UK’. It’s in stores now and costs £3.50 for an individual 150ml serving – although MOTH is also launching its own decaf version this year, so it seems the big cocktail brands are clearly on to something.
But how does it compare with the original? The Marksologist Decaf Espresso Martini is made with decaffeinated espresso coffee and decaffeinated coffee liqueur, with maple syrup and Madagascan vanilla extract added for sweetness, resulting in a smooth, creamy finish.
I’m pleased to report that caffeine is the only thing lacking in this ‘decaf’ version, with the vodka still very much present. Mine was served ice-cold in a proper coupe, and I’d never have guessed it was decaf – or from a tin, for that matter.
It was delicious: rich, just the right side of bitter and not sickly sweet. Compared with a regular espresso martini, it has all the same coffee flavour and boozy warmth, just without the caffeine-fuelled consequences. I would happily buy it again. In fact, I can’t think of a better way to round off a meal.
The caffeine, though, has always been the catch. An evening espresso martini can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and suddenly remembering an embarrassing thing you said in 2014 at 2am. It begs the question, why don't we offer them at brunch instead? Until that day, M&S’s decaf version offers the same coffee-cocktail mood without the risk of a sleepless night.
And while I’m not suggesting it will replace the full-caffeine version for everyone – after all, sometimes the buzz is exactly what you’re after – for those of us who want to enjoy a martini and still be capable of functioning the next day, it’s ideal. Cheers!
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
