The Espresso Martini is a bold, smooth, and slightly sweet coffee cocktail that combines freshly brewed espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. This elegant drink delivers the perfect balance of caffeine and alcohol, making it an excellent choice for a post-dinner treat, cocktail hour, or a stylish pick-me-up.
Despite its name, the Espresso Martini contains no vermouth or gin like a traditional martini. Instead, it is shaken with ice to create a silky, frothy texture and served in a chilled martini glass with a signature garnish of three coffee beans, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness.
If you’re looking to impress guests or elevate your home bartending skills, this guide will show you how to craft a perfect Espresso Martini, including variations and expert tips for the best results.
What Makes an Espresso Martini Special?
✔ Strong coffee kick – The freshly brewed espresso brings out rich, bold flavors.
✔ Smooth and slightly sweet – The coffee liqueur and simple syrup balance the vodka’s sharpness.
✔ Creamy, frothy texture – Shaking with ice creates a beautiful foam layer on top.
✔ Classic and sophisticated – Served in a martini glass with coffee bean garnish for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients for the Perfect Espresso Martini
✔ 1.5 oz (45ml) vodka
✔ 1 oz (30ml) freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
✔ 0.75 oz (22ml) coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
✔ 0.5 oz (15ml) simple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
✔ Ice cubes
✔ 3 coffee beans for garnish (optional, but traditional)
✔ Espresso machine, Moka pot, or AeroPress
✔ Cocktail shaker
✔ Strainer
✔ Martini glass (chilled for best results)
The key to a great Espresso Martini is using freshly brewed espresso to create a rich coffee flavor and a foamy texture when shaken.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Espresso Martini
Step 1: Brew Fresh Espresso and Let It Cool
✔ Use a freshly brewed shot of espresso for a strong and aromatic coffee base.
✔ Let the espresso cool for 2-3 minutes before mixing—it should be warm but not hot.
✔ Tip: If you don’t have an espresso machine, a Moka pot or AeroPress can produce a similar bold coffee.
Step 2: Prepare the Cocktail Ingredients
✔ Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
✔ Add 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz espresso, 0.75 oz coffee liqueur, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
✔ Tip: Adjust the simple syrup to your taste—reduce for a bolder coffee flavor, increase for a sweeter cocktail.
Step 3: Shake Vigorously
✔ Secure the shaker lid and shake hard for 15-20 seconds to create a frothy texture.
✔ The ice will chill the mixture and help form the signature creamy foam on top.
✔ Tip: The harder you shake, the better the foam!
Step 4: Strain into a Chilled Martini Glass
✔ Use a fine mesh strainer to filter out ice shards and pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
✔ The foam should settle beautifully on top, creating a silky, creamy layer.
✔ Tip: Chill the martini glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving to keep the drink extra cold.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
✔ Place three coffee beans on top of the foam as a traditional garnish.
✔ Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, smooth, and elegant cocktail.
Espresso Martini Variations to Try
✔ Classic Espresso Martini – Made with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
✔ Vanilla Espresso Martini – Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for a smooth, aromatic touch.
✔ Chocolate Espresso Martini – Mix in ½ teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate liqueur for a mocha twist.
✔ Salted Caramel Espresso Martini – Drizzle caramel syrup into the glass before pouring the cocktail.
✔ Baileys Espresso Martini – Substitute coffee liqueur with Baileys Irish Cream for a creamier version.
✔ Spiced Espresso Martini – Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, seasonal flavor.
Tips for the Best Espresso Martini Experience
✔ Use fresh espresso – The foam is best achieved with hot, freshly brewed coffee.
✔ Shake hard for a creamy froth – The key to a perfect Espresso Martini is a strong shake to aerate the drink.
✔ Chill the glass – This keeps the cocktail at the perfect cold temperature.
✔ Experiment with different coffee beans – Each roast brings a unique taste to the drink.
✔ Adjust sweetness to taste – If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, reduce the simple syrup.
When to Serve an Espresso Martini
✔ After dinner – The perfect coffee-infused dessert cocktail.
✔ At cocktail parties – A sophisticated and stylish choice.
✔ As a night-out starter – The caffeine provides an energy boost.
✔ During festive occasions – A crowd-pleaser at holidays and celebrations.
Final Thoughts
The Espresso Martini is a bold, luxurious, and stylish coffee cocktail that’s easy to make yet incredibly impressive. With a strong espresso kick, smooth vodka base, and creamy foam top, this drink is the perfect combination of caffeine and indulgence.
Try making a classic Espresso Martini or experiment with different flavors to find your perfect version. No matter how you enjoy it, this drink is sure to elevate your cocktail game with every sip!