Ep. 34: Interview with Hellqueen Cocktails, Elissa Dunn - tequila espresso martini
Welcome to the episode 34 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle with special guest Elissa Dunn from Hellqueen Cocktails
What are we drinking?
Elissa Dunn, formerly known as The Badass Bartender is now known as HellQueen Cocktails. She’s bartending at the famous Merc Bar in Phoenix and loves to see her fans while she’s working, just don’t get grabby with the garnishes. We talked with Elissa today about making an espresso martini, with tequila - mind blown! And then she opens our eyes to a whole new world with a variety of takes on the espresso martini. Of course we get into her story, war stories, and end (as always) with tips.
Tip: how to shake
Espresso Martini Recipe
What do I need?
Coupe Glass
Tin-on-tin Cocktail Shaker
Jigger
Strainer: Hawthorne & fine mesh strainer
Tequila, blanco or resposado
chilled espresso
coffee liqueur
simple syrup
salt
Ice
3 espresso beans, to garnish
How do I make it?
Chill your coupe glass
In shaker add:
2oz Tequila
1oz chilled espresso
1oz coffee liqueur
.5oz simple syrup (more or less depending on the coffee liqueur you use)
Pinch of salt
Big chunk(s) or ice fresh from freezer (no wet ice - ICE MATTERS!)
Double strain into chilled coupe glass
Garnish with 3 espresso beans
Time for our special guest
Meet Elissa:
Formally “The Badass Bartender.” At 18 years of age, Elissa told her parents she wanted to bartend and own a bar; they said, “over our dead body.” After graduating college, Elissa worked as a professional horse trainer, a career she had been training for since she was a child. When that fell through, she did what any rational person would do, got a desk job. But after only a couple of years, Elissa decided sitting behind a desk was just not for her. With nothing left to lose, she decided to try her hand at bartending. Seven years later, Elissa is now the fastest-growing bar personality in the business.
This year alone, she was featured in Imbibe magazine, was top 10 at the Liquor 43 competition, and a semi-finalist in the Jack Daniels whiskey sour competition. In just seven years, she has bartended in 5 different states working anywhere from local pubs to award-winning craft cocktail bars. In Phoenix, AZ, Elissa consults for local bar programs, hosts mixology classes for fortune 500 companies, and creates content for brands on social media.