This Espresso Martini is cold, sweet, and just a little kicky from the espresso. The recipe only uses a handful of ingredients and is so easy to make.
Whip one up for happy hour or as an after dinner treat!
Looking for more martini recipes? Try my Raspberry Martini or Limoncello Martini!
Jump to:
🌟 Why You'll Love This Recipe
These martinis taste great. They're sweet and smooth, with a little energizing kick!
They're easy to make. It's very easy to shake up an espresso martini.
They look and taste super fancy. Despite being easy to make, they look super elegant.
💭 What is an espresso martini?
There's some debate over the origins of the espresso martini, but it's believed to have its origins in the 1980s. It's a cold, caffeinated martini made with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
Espresso martinis really started to make a comeback in the 2020s. And it's easy to see why.
📝 What is in an espresso martini?
- Vodka: Use a plain, unflavored, vodka here. Use something that's good, but not exactly top shelf liquor, since there are other strongly flavored ingredients in the mix. I tend to use a vodka like Smirnoff.
- Kahlúa: Kauhlúa liqueur is a rum and coffee liqueur that hails from Mexico.
- Espresso: If possible, use freshly brewed espresso.
- Simple syrup: You can use store bought simple syrup, but homemade is so easy!
☕️ What is the difference between espresso and regular coffee?
Full disclosure: I leaned pretty heavily on this article from The Kitchn for the following information. The Cliff's Notes version is that espresso is much stronger than regular coffee. Read on for more info, though.
As it turns out, the differences between espresso and regular coffee don't have to do with the type of roast or the beans. The difference is all in the preparation.
As you likely know, you can make coffee in a number of ways: drip coffee maker, Chemex, French press, just to name a few. At its most basic, hot water is dripped through coffee grounds to yield ... get this ... brewed coffee.
But espresso needs to be made using an espresso machine. This involves hot water at high pressure, being forced through finely ground beans. It results in a smaller quantity of liquid, which is much more intensely flavored than brewed coffee.
You'll also see what's called the crema on top of an espresso. Basically, it's a layer of foam, somewhat resembling the head on top of a draught beer.
👩🏻🍳 How to make an espresso martini
Vodka, Kahlúa liqueur, espresso, and plain simple syrup get shaken up in a cocktail shaker with *lots* of ice. Using a lot of ice is key, especially if your espresso is freshly brewed and still hot. No one wants a hot martini.
Strain that drink into a fancy glass and garnish with a few coffee beans, if you're so inclined.
🛠️ How to make an espresso martini without an espresso machine
I wouldn't say that this would be my recommended way of preparing this cocktail (or just espresso, in general), but you can technically use some instant espresso powder to make liquid espresso for this drink.
Again, not the best way to go about it. BUT if you do try this, make sure to grab a good quality instant espresso powder.
You could also use a super strong cold brew coffee.
❓ FAQs
You can use super strong cold brew coffee as a substitute. It won't be exactly the same, but it beats missing out on this martini altogether!
Sure! For instance, if you want to make two at a time, just double the ingredients in your shaker. Shake it up and divide it evenly between two glasses.
Other martini recipes
Looking for more martini recipes? Click through the photos below to find a new favorite. OR try this Chai Espresso Martini (because, drool).
✨ Recipe
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz espresso freshly brewed
- ½ oz Kahlúa liqueur
- ½ oz simple syrup
- coffee beans for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the vodka, espresso, Kahlúa, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with lots of ice.
- Shake until very cold and strain into a coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a few coffee beans, if desired.
Notes
- Use homemade or store bought simple syrup
- It's recommended to garnish this martini with three coffee/espresso beans
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
Leave a Reply