Inspired by the wild ride of the Polar Express, “The Polar Expresso” is a festive espresso cocktail blending brandy, kirsch, chocolate, vanilla, and orange liqueur, shaken to a frothy finish and garnished like Santa’s golden bell for a spirited holiday boost.
(Recipe Below)
The Polar Expresso
1.5 oz (45mL) Brandy
.5 oz (15mL) Mount Rigi
.25 oz (7.5mL) Liquor 43
1.5 oz (45mL) Espresso
.5 oz (15mL) Vanilla Simple
Maraschino Cherry
Gold Luster Dust
In a shaker, combine 1.5 oz Brandy, .5 oz Mount Rigi, 1.5 oz Expresso and .5 oz Vanilla Simple Syrup. Add ice, a spring and more ice and shake vigorously until chilled. Double strain into a coupe. Garnish with a cordial cherry flourished with gold for a bell.
Cocktails and Videos created by Boozy Movies
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Christian Brothers Brandy
Country: United States
ABV: 80 proof/40%
Brand: Christian Bros
Spirits Type: Brandy & Cognac
Taste: Vanilla, Caramel and a Dried fruit finish
Price Category: $
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Mount Rigi Kirsch Liqueur
Country: Switzerland
ABV: 40 proof/20%
Brand: Mount Rigi
Spirits Type: Amaro, Aperitif & Vermouth
Taste: Sweet cherries with a dash of citrus
Price Category: $
Mellow and sweet, this liqueur tastes of sweet cherries and light citrus. This kirsch liqueur is made from cherries that have been mashed and fermented then distilled. Botanicals and herbs are added to steep in the distillate then filtered and water from the Swiss Alps and sweeteners are added to balance the flavor and alcohol content.
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Licor 43
Country: Spain
ABV: 62 proof/31%
Brand: Diego Zamora Group
Spirits Type: Liquers/Cordials/Schapps
Taste: Bitter and Citrus, Vanilla and Spices
Price Category: $
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Espresso
A great flavor anchor and with its silky texture, it makes espresso a popular base for a cocktail. Bold flavors, some fruit, and a roasty, nutty bitterness allow it to balance strong, or rich spirits while enhancing floral and fruity flavors in others.
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Vanilla Simple Syrup
Vanilla Simple Syrup adds a recognizable tropical floral sweetness that is buttery, light and brings out the sweetness of other flavors. It can easily be made by adding White Mexican Vanilla into simple syrup.
To Make It:
4 oz (120mL) Water
.5 cup (200g) Organic Cane Sugar
.5 oz (15mL) White Mexican Vanilla
In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add sugar and remove from heat, stir until sugar is dissolved. Once dissolved, stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature and pour into a syrup bottle.
The Polar Express Cocktails: Two Magical Christmas Drinks Inspired by the Holiday Classic
All aboard for a magical Christmas adventure as Boozy Movies celebrates Robert Zemeckis's beloved animated holiday film The Polar Express (2004) with two original cocktails inspired by mysterious train rides, unforgettable musical numbers, and the wonder of believing in Santa Claus. First up is The Polar Espresso, a festive twist on the classic espresso martini combining brandy, rich espresso, cherry liqueur, vanilla syrup, and Licor 43, creating a smooth, coffee-forward Christmas cocktail with hints of chocolate-covered cherries and a sparkling garnish inspired by the film's magical bell. Next, We Got It brings the movie's spectacular hot chocolate musical number to life with a rich, creamy blend of coconut rum, coffee liqueur, and decadent hot chocolate, delivering the ultimate boozy winter warmer for a cozy Christmas movie night. Along the way, we explore the groundbreaking motion-capture animation that gave The Polar Express its distinctive appearance, debate whether the Hero Boy's extraordinary journey might actually be a dream, and celebrate the film's memorable soundtrack featuring Alan Silvestri, Tom Hanks, and Josh Groban. Whether you're hosting a Christmas movie marathon, planning a festive holiday cocktail party, or searching for creative espresso martini and spiked hot chocolate recipes, discover how these two deliciously nostalgic drinks capture the magic, music, and childhood wonder of The Polar Express—because the best way to spread Christmas cheer might just be believing in a little holiday magic, one cocktail at a time!
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