The espresso martini is a modern classic cocktail that blends coffee and vodka into a rich, creamy drink.
You only need four ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and simple syrup.
London bartender Dick Bradsell created the drink in 1983 for a customer who wanted something to wake her up.
The mix of coffee and alcohol quickly became popular and spread worldwide.
This drink works well for both happy hour and after-dinner sipping.
Fresh espresso adds bold flavor, while coffee liqueur brings sweetness.
A good shake creates the drink’s signature foamy top that coffee fans enjoy.
Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Martini glass
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Coffee maker or espresso machine
- Ice
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz 45ml premium vodka
- 1 oz 30ml fresh espresso, cooled
- 1 oz 30ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 0.5 oz 15ml simple syrup
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
- Ice cubes for shaking
Instructions
- Brew espresso and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour vodka, cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup into the shaker.
- Shake very vigorously for 20 seconds to create foam.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Place three coffee beans on top as garnish.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
An Espresso Martini delivers a rich blend of coffee and vodka flavors with a smooth, velvety texture.
The coffee taste stands out, balanced by sweet notes from the coffee liqueur.
The first sip highlights the fresh espresso’s bold character.
This wakes up the taste buds, followed by the warming presence of vodka.
Sweet undertones from the coffee liqueur add depth without making the drink too sugary.
The cocktail balances bitter and sweet elements.
The foamy crema creates a luxurious mouthfeel.
This silky layer adds an extra dimension to each sip.
Key flavor notes:
- Fresh espresso (bitter, roasted)
- Coffee liqueur (sweet, rich)
- Vodka (clean, crisp)
- Crema foam (smooth, creamy)
Serve the drink very cold, around 32°F (0°C), to bring out the best flavors and keep the foam.
The finish leaves a pleasant coffee aftertaste that lingers briefly.
Caffeine and alcohol together create a unique sensation that makes this cocktail stand out.
Substitute
You can make an espresso martini without coffee liqueur. Use 1 ounce of cold brew coffee concentrate mixed with 1/2 ounce simple syrup instead of Kahlúa.
No espresso machine? Cold brew coffee or strong brewed coffee works well.
Use 1 ounce of either option.
Replace vodka with rum or bourbon for a different twist. Dark rum adds rich notes.
Bourbon brings smoky warmth to the drink.
For a non-alcoholic version, mix 2 ounces cold brew coffee, 1 ounce coffee syrup, and 1 ounce vanilla syrup.
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass.
Quick Coffee Syrup Recipe:
- Mix 1 cup hot strong coffee with 1 cup sugar.
- Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Cool and store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Garnish the drink with 3 coffee beans. You can also use chocolate-covered coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
