Vanilla Coffee Martinis with Salted Cocoa Rims

I posted a rather personal message on Instagram earlier this afternoon, and your love and kind words came pouring in. I hear you, I see you. Thank you – from the bottom of my heart. I find mega-comfort and strength in your presence.

This post is sponsored by Lavazza. It is the last post in our four-part series together. My first post featured these espresso-braised onions. The second highlighted this raw coffee chocolate tart, and the third was this dreamy coffee glaze. Today I’m leaving you with these naturally vegan, lightly sweetened, coffee martinis. Flavored with notes of vanilla and a salted cocoa rim that pulls it all together. Perfect for the holidays, and equally tasty with or without the booze! I used Lavazza’s Gran Selezione – a premium blend with intense flavor, chocolate undertones and full-bodied taste.

This is will be my last post in 2015. I’m looking forward to some quiet time to heal, and quality time with my family. I’ll see you back here in January, but until then you can keep up with me over on Instagram. I’m wishing you all a warm, healthy, happy holiday season.

p.s. a big thanks to the Midwest Influencer Network for naming With Food + Love 2015’s Best Vegan/Vegetarian St. Louis Food Blog!

Vanilla Coffee Martinis with Salted Cocoa Rims {print me!}

Notes: the coconut milk is really ideal to order to give these martinis a nice creamy texture, but if you don’t have any on hand any milk {dairy or non-dairy} will do. The salted cocoa rim brings the drink together, be sure not miss this step. Feel free to use as much or as little maple syrup as you’d like, depending on how sweet you like your cocktails. Makes 4 drinks.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coffee, freshly brewed + chilled
• 1 1/2 cups light canned coconut milk
• 1 – 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ounces vodka {optional}
• handful ice
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa or raw cacao powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• orange wedge

In a cocktail shaker combine the coffee, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla and vodka with ice. Shake until frothy and set aside while you rim your martini glasses.

Mix together the cocoa and salt on a plate. Run an orange wedge around the top of each martini glass, then gently dip each glass in the cocoa rub.

Divide the martini mixture evenly into 4 glasses.

Enjoy responsibly!

This post is sponsored by Lavazza; all opinions are my own. Big thanks to W&P Design for sending me a new Mason Shaker!