Ever wonder how we could make the most important meal of the day a little more fun? Nope, we don’t mean adding an extra bowl of sugar-laced cereal or an extra drizzle of maple syrup poured over your toaster waffles. We mean adding a little happy hour twist to kick off your day with a boozy bang!

These rich, fluffy Espresso Martini Pancakes are chocolaty, indulgent, and the perfect addition to your next bottomless mimosa brunch. And to take things, as Drake said, ‘all the way’ up a notch, we’ve added a splash of sparkle with Original Bubbles to get a light & fluffy pancake that’s about to make your mornings feel like it’s five o’clock somewhere before 11 am. 

What You’ll Need…

For the Pancakes:

• 2 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (to make, mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice with milk and let sit for 5 minutes)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cold Original Bubbles (keep it sealed until you’re ready to use)

For the Espresso Martini Syrup:

• 5 oz espresso-strength coffee 
• ½ cup tbsp brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese 
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 6 tablespoons icing sugar
• 2 oz coffee liqueur 
• Large handful of dark chocolate chips
• Butter for the pan
• Dark chocolate shavings for garnish 

What You’ll Do…

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside and try not to snack on the flour.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cold Original Bubbles.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! A few lumps never hurt no body.

4. Heat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or non-stick spray. When the pan is hot, pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the underside is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side.

5. In a small saucepan, combine the espresso coffee, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat over low until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone, vodka, icing sugar, and coffee liqueur (if using) until smooth.

6. Stack those fluffy pancakes high on a plate, drizzle with your espresso martini syrup, and top with a dollop of the mascarpone mixture. Sprinkle with dark chocolate chips and shavings for that extra ‘umphhh’!

7. DIG IN!