Some holiday drinks are an afterthought. A green beer here, a themed shot there. Sean "Doeboy" Verrett doesn't do afterthoughts.
For St. Patrick's Day at Roch's Reprieve, Sean put together a Mint Espresso Martini that stopped our owner mid-sip. His exact words: "This tastes just like an Andes Candy." Then, after another taste: "Like a peppermint patty for sure."
He wasn't wrong.
The build is deceptively simple. Vodka, a touch of simple syrup, RumChata for that creamy body, crème de menthe for the mint and the color, and of course — cold brew from CR Coffee, brewed right here in the market. If you're familiar with their cold brew, you already know it brings bittersweet chocolate notes to the party. In this drink, that's exactly what ties everything together.
Shaken and strained into a coupe, garnished with fresh mint leaves and three coffee beans. It comes out this beautiful pale green that looks like St. Patrick's Day without trying too hard.
What makes it work is the balance. The crème de menthe doesn't overpower — it rides alongside the coffee instead of fighting it. The RumChata rounds everything out with just enough sweetness and cream to make the whole thing dangerously smooth. If you've ever bitten into an Andes mint and thought "I wish this was a cocktail," Sean just answered your prayer.
This is the same bartender who created The Verrett, his bourbon and Chambord twist on a Manhattan. The man knows his way around a shaker. And if you're looking for an excuse to come by the market this week, a Mint Espresso Martini at Roch's Reprieve is a pretty good one.
Happy St. Patrick's Day.
