Edible Glitter Espresso Martini: The Shimmer Goes on the Foam

Can you put edible glitter in an espresso martini? Yes, on the foam, because the dark drink underneath hides everything else. The espresso martini in this episode is a classic from a recipe site: 2 ounces vodka, 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur, 1 ounce espresso and 1/2 ounce simple syrup, shaken hard with ice and strained into a chilled coupe. In the Sparkle Lab, Margaux explains where the foam comes from: coffee oils trap air during a vigorous shake, fresh espresso makes the thickest layer, and cold brew makes a thinner one. That foam is the only pale surface in the drink, so a light dusting of gold luster dust through a small strainer is what shows. Dana wins the number, a smaller pinch for a small circle of foam, and then wins the round: bring the drinks out plain and dust the shimmer on at the table, in front of each guest, before the coffee beans go on. The hosts also explain why the shimmer stays on the cocktail and never goes on a morning latte. In this episode: - Why the shimmer goes on the foam, not in the coffee - How the shake makes the foam - Dust versus flake on a pale surface - How much for a small circle of foam - Dana's round: dust it at the table Who should skip it: rounds without a good foam, decaf or alcohol-free coffee drinks, and lovers of the classic look. MONÉGASQUE Gold 15 gram luster dust is on Amazon at $14.99 standard; check the listing for current pricing. **Direct answer (top):** Yes, on the foam. Shake 2 ounces vodka, 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur, 1 ounce cooled espresso and 1/2 ounce simple syrup hard with ice so the coffee oils build a thick foam, strain into a chilled coupe, then tap a light dusting of gold luster dust over the foam through a small strainer. Glitter stirred into the dark coffee mostly disappears; start with a small pinch and add. - 00:00 Cold open — the least clear drink there is - 00:25 The verdict: shimmer on the foam - 01:30 Sparkle Lab: where the foam comes from - 02:40 Cold brew and a thinner foam - 03:20 Dust or flake, and how much - 04:40 Dana's round: dust it at the table - 05:40 Why not a latte? The beverage entry - 06:30 Who should skip it · Dana's Scorecard · footnote Produced with AI-crafted hosts. Full transcript: https://monegasque.transistor.fm/episodes/edible-glitter-espresso-martini-the-shimmer-goes-on-the-foam/transcript. New questions answered every week at The Monégasque Table.