Junior High Bryan
Espresso martini with dark chocolate, gold shimmer & a single violet — confidence built from doubt
He still refers to 'junior high Brian' — a version of himself that has not disappeared so much as been managed
Why this cocktail? Bryan's confidence is built on managed insecurity. This dark, shimmering martini is doubt transformed into beauty.
The Story
Rafanelli admits that 'junior high Brian' — insecure, driven, not always convinced he belonged — has never fully disappeared. The confidence that defines his work is constructed, reinforced through preparation and systems. This espresso martini is that transformation: dark and intense for the doubt that never leaves, gold shimmer for the confidence built on top of it, and a single violet because vulnerability, when managed, becomes beauty.
Read Full Story →Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz espresso
- 0.5 oz dark chocolate liqueur
- Gold shimmer powder
- Edible violet
- Coffee beans
Preparation
- 1.Shake vodka, espresso, and chocolate liqueur with ice.
- 2.Add gold shimmer to the glass.
- 3.Strain cocktail in — shimmer activates.
- 4.Garnish with edible violet and three coffee beans.
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