Invented in the 1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell, the Espresso Martini quickly became a classic.
It stood out with its bold mix of vodka, rich coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso.
Once seen as a trendy after-dinner drink, it’s now a popular choice for parties and social gatherings.
What makes it unique is the perfect balance of strong coffee flavor, a touch of sweetness, and a frothy top.
This cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience, blending caffeine and alcohol in one irresistible sip.
Here’s how to make this delicious drink at home!
How To Make An Espresso Martini: At A Glance
- Brew and Cool the Espresso
- Add Ingredients to Shaker
- Shake Vigorously
- Strain and Garnish
Ingredients Breakdown
Vodka
To achieve a smooth Espresso Martini, it’s important to use high-quality vodka.
Brands like Grey Goose or Absolut work well, providing a clean, neutral base that complements the strong coffee flavors.
Coffee Liqueur
Kahlua is the go-to choice for most Espresso Martinis, offering a rich, sweet coffee flavor.
For a less sweet alternative, try Tia Maria or an artisan liqueur like Mr. Black, which can bring deeper, more complex coffee notes.
Espresso
Freshly brewed, cooled espresso is key to achieving the best flavor and frothy top.
Cold brew concentrate can be used as a substitute, but nothing beats the richness and crema of real espresso.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup adds sweetness to balance the bitterness of the coffee.
You can experiment with variations like vanilla or maple syrup for a different twist.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
- 1 oz (30ml) freshly brewed espresso, cooled
- 0.5 oz (15ml) simple syrup
- Ice
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Brew and Cool the Espresso: Prepare a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool for a few minutes to avoid melting the ice.
- Add Ingredients to Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
- Shake Vigorously: Shake the mixture hard for 15-30 seconds until it’s well chilled and frothy.
- Strain and Garnish: Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans.
Tips for the Perfect Espresso Martini
Shaking Technique
For an Espresso Martini to achieve its signature frothy top, vigorous shaking is essential.
When you shake the ingredients, the friction from the ice helps create tiny air bubbles, giving the drink its velvety foam.
Shake the cocktail for at least 15-30 seconds, ensuring everything is well-mixed and chilled.
The key is to shake hard until the shaker feels frosty on the outside.
This step not only blends the flavors but also produces the perfect texture for your martini.
Cool Your Espresso
One crucial step often overlooked is cooling the espresso before mixing.
If you add hot espresso to the shaker, it will melt the ice, diluting the flavors and ruining the consistency of the drink.
Brew your espresso first, then let it cool for a few minutes.
Some even recommend putting it in the fridge or freezer for a short time to speed up the process.
By using cooled espresso, you preserve the drink’s rich flavor while keeping the froth intact.
Egg White Option
If you’re having trouble achieving that frothy layer or want a little extra texture, consider adding egg white to the mix.
This is a common technique used in cocktails to enhance foam without altering the taste.
Simply add about half an egg white to the cocktail shaker along with the other ingredients.
Shake vigorously, and you’ll notice an even thicker, creamier foam on top.
Don’t worry—it won’t affect the flavor, but it will give the martini a beautiful frothy finish.
Variations of the Espresso Martini
Baileys Espresso Martini
For a creamy and indulgent twist on the classic Espresso Martini, add Baileys Irish Cream.
This variation blends the smooth coffee flavors with the rich, velvety texture of Baileys, giving the cocktail a dessert-like feel.
Simply substitute 1 ounce of Baileys for half the amount of coffee liqueur or simple syrup.
The result is a creamier, sweeter version of the Espresso Martini, perfect for those who enjoy a more luxurious drink.
Decaf Version
If you want to enjoy an Espresso Martini without the caffeine kick, a decaf version is an easy solution.
Just swap regular espresso for decaf espresso.
This option allows you to savor the bold coffee flavors without staying up all night.
Frozen Espresso Martini
For a refreshing take on the cocktail, try making a Frozen Espresso Martini.
This variation is perfect for warm days or when you’re looking for something more refreshing than the traditional version.
To create this, blend the standard ingredients—vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso—with ice in a blender until smooth and slushy.
The result is a chilled, icy drink that’s just as flavorful, but with a unique texture that feels like a coffee-flavored slushie.
Chocolate Espresso Martini
For chocolate lovers, adding crème de cacao transforms the Espresso Martini into a mocha-inspired delight.
Replace part of the coffee liqueur with ½ ounce of crème de cacao to introduce a hint of chocolate, which pairs beautifully with the bold coffee flavors.
This variation adds a rich, slightly sweet depth to the cocktail, making it the perfect choice for pairing with desserts or for those who enjoy a sweeter drink.
When to Serve an Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a versatile cocktail that fits into several occasions.
It’s a perfect after-dinner drink, thanks to its rich coffee flavor and smooth, slightly sweet finish.
This makes it an ideal companion for dessert, especially when paired with treats like tiramisu or chocolate cake, where the coffee notes complement the flavors of these indulgent sweets.
On the other hand, the cocktail’s caffeine kick makes it a great choice as a party starter, providing both a buzz and a boost of energy.
It’s also an excellent happy hour pick-me-up, offering a refreshing alternative to more traditional cocktails.
Conclusion
The Espresso Martini is a bold and versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed in various ways, whether you’re looking for a strong after-dinner drink or a fun party starter.
Its unique combination of coffee, alcohol, and froth makes it a standout option for any occasion.
Try out the different variations to find your favorite twist, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments!
FAQs
Can I make an Espresso Martini without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can still make an excellent Espresso Martini without an espresso machine.
Cold brew concentrate or strong stovetop espresso are great alternatives.
These options provide a rich coffee flavor and the necessary depth, but make sure the coffee is chilled before mixing.
How much caffeine is in an Espresso Martini?
The caffeine content in an Espresso Martini mainly comes from the espresso and any coffee liqueur used.
A shot of espresso typically contains about 63 mg of caffeine, while Kahlua has only a small amount, around 5 mg per serving.
So, depending on your ingredients, you can expect around 60-80 mg of caffeine per cocktail.
What is the significance of the three coffee beans garnish?
The three coffee beans traditionally used to garnish an Espresso Martini symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.
This classic garnish adds a touch of elegance while also bringing a small, meaningful tradition to each glass.
