Recipe

• 1.5 oz Espresso (or Cold Brew concentrate)
• 1 oz Cognac
• 1 oz Blackberry Liqueur (or Raspberry)
• .25 oz Coffee Liqueuer
• .25-.5 oz Green Chartreuse to taste
• Optional dash of salt
• Garnish: blackberry

Shake with ice until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with the blackberry.

* * * *

September 29 is Michaelmas, the great feast of St. Michael the Archangel, now shared with Gabriel and Raphael. Once a major holy day in medieval Europe, Michaelmas was marked by parades, fairs, and feasting. An old Irish legend tells us that when Michael cast Satan from heaven, the devil landed in a blackberry bush, spat upon it, and soured its fruit. This led many people to eat blackberries on Michaelmas, but not after.

Michael himself is remembered as the protector of the Church, the one who drives back the powers of evil and bears the banner of heaven. He is the the governor of heaven — the holy counterpoint to Lucifer, the self-styled ruler of hell. And as befits a warrior feast day, we drink to those who fight for us and we strengthen ourselves for the spiritual fight ahead!

So why an espresso martini? Because this day is about wakefulness and vigilance. Michaelmas arrives as the nights grow longer, and it calls us to be alert: watchful against darkness, strengthened for the battles of the spirit. Espresso jolts us awake, both in body and in soul, a reminder that “the Church militant” does not sleep on its watch.

The cognac anchors the drink with warmth and gravity, evoking the dignity of heaven’s general. The blackberry liqueur brings both sweetness and bite, a nod to the old legend of the cursed bramble. The coffee liqueur evokes purgation and penitence. The green Chartreuse, the herbal elixir made by monks, brings angelic mystery to mind; it’s the holy herb garden of heaven condensed into liquid. Finally, the garnish: a blackberry skewered on a pick, recalling the sword of St. Michael.

Altogether, it’s dark and strong, sweet and energizing — exactly what a feast of archangels deserves. This is no gentle nightcap; it’s a drink for vigilance, courage, and joy in the triumph of light over darkness.

Raise your glass this Michaelmas—and do it before the blackberries turn sour.

Ingredient Notes

I like Espresso Martinis, but I admit: all I’ve got is a Nespresso Vertuo machine (which isn’t really proper “espresso”—but it works for cocktails). You can also use Cold Brew concentrate to get the strong shot of coffee flavor.

For the Cognac, use whatever you have, but make sure it can make its presence known. I recommend a more assertive, younger, or higher-proof expression so it stands up against the espresso.

Another admission: I didn’t have Blackberry Liqueur. I used Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur, and it worked beautifully. I’m guessing any any quality blackberry brandy or liqueur will do. You could even probably muddle fresh blackberries with simple syrup in a pinch.

You probably don’t need to add Coffee Liqueur, but it adds a touch of extra coffee flavor and sweetness. It also keeps it closer to a traditional espresso martini. Chartreuse: Start with 0.25 oz and go up if you want it bolder. I know it’s hard to find. You could use any of the alternative herbal liqueurs out there. You could also go without it, but it’ll be a less complex drink without the nice herbal note. Salt reduces bitterness, makes the flavors pop, and ties the drink together.

The blackberry on a cocktail pick is more than decorative garnish—it’s the sword of St. Michael in miniature, thrust into the cursed bramble. And a nice treat after finishing the drink!

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