In a recent British Vogue video, “Harry Potter” star Emma Watson spilled the beans on her perfect espresso martini recipe. Having delved into the spirits industry by launching Renais Gin with her brother Alex last year, the actress also demonstrated her expertise in crafting various classic cocktails featuring her sustainably produced spirit.

The video kicks off with Watson chatting over the phone with Editor Edward Enninful about the purported origins of the espresso martini. As she explained it, one story for the iconic drink’s genesis claims it was created for models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, who allegedly requested a cocktail that would “pick me up and f*** me up.”

Watson then gets right to the first cocktail recipe, revealing that since she loves sweet things, she likes to add a secret twist to her espresso martinis: a splash of cacao syrup paired with a pinch of salt for balance. After straining her shaken concoction into a chilled glass, Watson tops it off with three coffee beans, each representing health, wealth and happiness.

The video continues with Watson exhibiting her approach to a variety of classic gin cocktails, all crafted with Renais Gin. The lineup includes a Bramble where the ice is crushed using Watson’s Prada heel, a Gin Sour with a splash of her dad’s wine, a Vesper Martini with a special appearance by Alex Watson and finally, the “Emma Spritz.” The latter combines elderflower cordial from Watson’s grandmother with her father’s wine once again, adding a heartwarming familial element to the refreshing drink.

How to Make Emma Watson’s Espresso Martini

1 pony (approximately 30ml) of freshly brewed espresso

15ml sugar syrup

60ml vodka

A pinch of salt

25ml cacao syrup

Ice cubes

Garnish: 3 coffee beans

Before starting, brew a strong espresso shot and allow it to cool to room temperature. Next, place your martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice to ensure it’s nice and cold in preparation for serving the cocktail. In a shaker, combine the cooled espresso with the sugar syrup, vodka — and Watson’s secret twist, a pinch of salt and cacao syrup.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds. Strain the shaken mixture into your now-chilled martini glass. Finish off your cocktail by placing three coffee beans on top of the drink, which, per Watson, represent health, wealth and happiness.

About Renais Gin

(Photo: Renais Gin)

Debuted in May 2023 as a co-owned brand between English actress Emma Watson and her brother Alex Watson, Renais Gin draws inspiration from the Chablis vineyards in France, where their family has been making wine for the past 30 years. The spirit offers a blend of repurposed grand cru grape skins, juniper berries, Kimmeridgian stone, linden flowers, acacia honey, cubeb berries and rock salt. In November, Renais released a limited-edition bottling that featured artwork created by Emma Watson.