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If you’re looking for a cocktail that feels a little extra special, this Espresso Martini is it. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso, it’s smooth, slightly sweet, and topped with a frothy layer that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
“This Classic Espresso Martini recipe tastes like something you would order at a high end cocktail bar, but it is surprisingly simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.“
Becky
This cocktail is perfect for dinner parties, holiday entertaining, date nights, girls nights, or anytime you want an easy but impressive drink. The rich coffee flavor paired with the creamy foam on top makes every sip delicious!
Love this Espresso Martini? Be sure to try my Limoncello Spritz, this sweet Peach Mimosa, Lemon Drop Martini, or this classic Mojito. They’re all easy cocktail recipes that are perfect for parties, holidays, and celebrating life’s special moments.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- vodka: Use your favorite vodka.
- coffee liqueur: Kahlúa or Mr. Black both work well.
- fresh espresso: Fresh espresso creates the best flavor and frothy top.
- simple syrup: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. It’s really easy to make your own with this Simple Syrup recipe!
- Coffee beans for garnish: Optional, but they give the cocktail its classic look.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
How to Make Espresso Without an Espresso Machine
Don’t have an espresso machine? No problem. There are several easy ways to make this cocktail at home.
- K-Cup Machine: This is the method I use most often. Just brew the smallest cup size available on your Keurig or pod coffee maker. I usually brew a 4-ounce dark roast coffee and use 1 ounce of that coffee in the cocktail. It works beautifully and still creates a delicious espresso martini.
- Instant Espresso Powder: Mix 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder and 2 tablespoons hot water together, until dissolved.
- Strong Brewed Coffee: Brew your favorite coffee at double strength and allow it to cool completely before adding it to the cocktail shaker.
- Cold Brew Concentrate: Cold brew concentrate is another great substitute. Use the same amount called for in the recipe.
Espresso Martini Variations
- Vanilla Espresso Martini: Use vanilla vodka for a warmer, slightly sweeter flavor.
- Creamy Espresso Martini: Add a splash of Baileys for a dessert style cocktail.
- Mocha Espresso Martini: Add chocolate liqueur or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: Add salted caramel syrup for a rich coffeehouse style twist.
- Irish Cream Version: Add a splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream for a richer cocktail that tastes almost like a grown up iced coffee.
- Tequila Espresso Martini: Swap the vodka for tequila for a fun twist with a slightly warmer flavor profile.
How to Make an Espresso Martini
- Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker is ice cold and the cocktail becomes frothy.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass. Top with fresh espresso beans and serve immediately.
How Do You Get the Perfect Frothy Top?
The secret to that beautiful foam is using freshly brewed espresso and shaking the cocktail vigorously. For the best results:
- Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
- Fill the shaker with plenty of ice
- Shake for at least 20 seconds
- Serve immediately
Tips for the Best Espresso Martini
- Chill your martini glass before serving.
- Use fresh espresso whenever possible.
- Shake longer than you think you need to.
- Garnish with three coffee beans for a classic presentation.
- Serve immediately while the foam is at its best.
Espresso Martini FAQs
Kahlúa is sweeter and smoother while Mr. Black is stronger and more coffee forward. Both work great depending on your preference.
Yes. Strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate can work, although espresso creates the richest flavor and thickest foam.
You can combine the ingredients ahead of time, but shake with ice right before serving for the best foam topping.
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
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Cherry Bombs
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Mai Tai
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Limoncello Spritz
Drinks
Banana Pudding Shots
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Recipe is intended for adults 21 and over, when alcohol is added. Please drink responsibly and follow the legal drinking age in your country or region.
Espresso Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce espresso
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
optional: coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker, filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until the shaker feels ice cold and the drink is foamy.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass, using a fine mesh strainer.
- Garnish with three coffee beans, gently floating on top of the foam.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
One of my favorite cocktails for date nights and dinner parties.