This Scrappy Espresso Martini Recipe Uses Upcycled Coffee Grounds

Trends come and go, but

cocktail fads are forever. Even after their popularity wanes, buzzy beverages linger in our collective memory, a sippable sign of the times. This year's ongoing homage to all things retro made the resurgence of the (almost kitschy) espresso martini an inevitability. The evening-time energy assist doesn't hurt, either—especially if you're hoping to make it to midnight.

The espresso martini—comprised of espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka—is thought to have originated in the 1980s

in a London bar. Now, it can be found everywhere, the copious DIY recipes on social allowing you to make your own at home.

The cocktail is a fairly straightforward one, but includes opportunities for extra eco-friendly execution. Start by ensuring that your coffee is

sustainably sourced (look for

USDA Organic and

Fair Trade Certified seals when buying beans), and even opt for a

vegan take on Baileys if you so choose.

Also, make your espresso martini using upcycled

food scraps. Carleigh Bodrug of

Plant You recommends utilizing spent coffee grounds to create the coffee liqueur. "All you have to do is combine coffee grounds from your morning coffee with vodka to make a coffee liqueur,"

she says.

Alcohol can be changed up, too; switch vodka for whiskey or tequila to better suit your mood. But in terms of tradition, don't forget to top each espresso martini with three coffee beans, the garnish symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness—an ideal sentiment for ringing in a new year.

Here, Bodrug's easy-to-adapt (and sustainable!) espresso martini recipe.

Coffee Liqueur (creates 10 servings):

1.5 cups vodka
3 tablespoons spent coffee grounds

Espresso Martini:

1 fluid ounce coffee liqueur
1.5 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup oat, almond or cashew milk
1 cup ice
Pinch of cinnamon

1. To make the coffee liqueur, combine vodka with the spent coffee grounds in a jar. Allow to soak for half an hour up to overnight.

2. Drain and

compost the leftover coffee grounds. Store in the fridge for up to one month.

3. To make the scrappy espresso martini, combine the 1 fluid ounce of coffee liqueur with maple syrup, oat milk, and ice in a shaker cup.

4. Shake for one minute and serve in a martini glass with cinnamon sprinkled on top.

5. Top with three espresso beans and serve.

Craving more sustainable meals? You can find more of Carleigh's simple plant-based recipes like this at

plantyou.com or purchase her cookbook at

plantyoucookbook.com.