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    Home » Recipes » Drinks » Espresso Martini

    Espresso Martini

    Published: January 22, 2021 · Modified: Jan 22, 2021 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    How to make a classic Espresso Martini! This coffee cocktail is strong, sweet, and delicious with a creamy, foamy top and topped with coffee beans. It makes the perfect after-dinner drink after a big meal but is just as good to get the party started!

    An Espresso martini on a gray surface with coffee beans scattered around
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    A pinterest graphic of an espresso martini
    A pinterest graphic of an espresso martini
    A pinterest graphic of an espresso martini
    A pinterest graphic of an espresso martini
    A pinterest graphic of an espresso martini
    A pinterest graphic of an espresso martini
    A pinterest graphic of an espresso martini
    A pinterest graphic of an espresso martini
    A pinterest graphic of an espresso martini

    If you love coffee I urge you to try any coffee lover’s dream cocktail…Espresso Martini! Technically it’s not a true martini like a classic French Martini because it doesn’t contain any gin or vermouth but it’s served in traditional martini glasses and has become just as iconic.

    It’s strong but sweet, rich, smooth, and utterly delicious it’s pretty much like your after-dinner coffee, liqueur, and dessert all in one. If an Irish Coffee is your thing you’re guaranteed to love this! The best part is how quick and easy it is to make, all you need is four easy ingredients and a cocktail shaker.

    If you want to impress at your next dinner party serve this alongside your dessert to really blow your guests away or serve it at the start of the night to really kick things off!

    What you need to make this recipe

    An overhead shot of all the ingredients you need to make an espresso martini

    Coffee – make sure to use strong espresso coffee preferably brewed in a machine with plenty of froth! One kind of coffee to avoid for making this cocktail is instant coffee, it just won’t taste like a true Espresso Martini without proper espresso.

    Kahlua – this is a wonderful coffee and rum liqueur that tastes amazing it really gives this cocktail the best flavor.

    Vodka – use your favorite vodka here it doesn’t need to be expensive!

    Simple syrup – this is used to sweeten the cocktail and mellow the flavors of the strong coffee and vodka. You can buy simple syrup in bottles or make it by bringing equal amounts of water and sugar to a boil then leaving it to cool completely.

    Coffee beans – these are a traditional and fun garnish but not necessary for taste.

    How to make an Espresso Martini

    Coffee getting poured into a bowl and vodka getting poured into a cocktail shaker

    1. Brew the coffee then pour into a bowl to cool quickly.

    2. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice then add the cooled coffee, vodka and simple syrup.

    Kahula getting poured into a cocktail shaker and a close up of a hand shaking the cocktail

    3. Then add the Kahula.

    4. Shake the cocktail very hard in the cocktail shaker.

    Two photos of a cocktail getting poured into a glass and topped with coffee beans

    5. Strain the espresso martini into martini glasses.

    6. Top with three coffee beans, serve.

    An overhead shot of two espresso martinis topped with coffee beans

    Pro tips for making this recipe

    • Make sure to cool the coffee completely after brewing it or it’ll melt the ice and you won’t have a nice chilled cocktail.
    • To cool your coffee quickly you can put it in the freezer for a few minutes.
    • Make sure to shake the cocktail extra hard so you create that lovely foam on top.
    • When pouring the cocktail into your glass do it swiftly to ensure the foam ends up on top!
    • If you don’t have bottled simple syrup you can make it by bringing equal amounts of sugar and water to boil until the sugar has dissolved. Turn it off the heat and leave it to cool completely before using.

    Two espresso martinis in martini glasses topped with coffee beans

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What makes an espresso martini frothy?

    The secret to a frothy espresso martini is to use machine brewed espresso. You’ll notice that when using a coffee machine the coffee has foam on top (called Crema in Italian), you won’t get that by using a French press or instant coffee (please don’t use instant coffee for this).

    Alternative to a coffee machine – If you don’t have a coffee machine you can add one egg white to the cocktail shaker, it doesn’t affect the taste of the cocktail but is used to give a beautiful foam on top. 

    Alternative to egg whites – If the thought of raw egg whites put you off you can buy cocktail foam in small bottles online. You only add one or two drops to each cocktail and it creates a lovely foam on top of your cocktail after shaking.

    What do the three coffee beans on top mean?

    The three coffee beans were the traditional garnish of Sambuca in Italy. Called La Mosca (the fly) it’s meant to represent health, wealth, and happiness!

    Can I use something else instead of Kahlua?

    Although I recommend using Kahula for an authentic flavor you can substitute it for any coffee-based liqueur such as Tia Maria.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • A chocolate martini topped with shaved chocolate.

      Chocolate Martini

    • Two glasses of French martini with lemon garnish on a marble surface.

      French Martini

    • Two Irish coffees topped with whipped cream

      Irish Coffee

    • Two glasses of cucumber martini with one in front of the other. Both has a thin slice of cucumber as garnish.

      Cucumber Martini

    • A glass of lemon drop martini with a lemon peel in the glass and a sugared rim.

      Lemon Drop Martini

    If you’ve tried this Espresso Martini then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A close up of an espresso martini
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    5 from 255 votes

    Espresso Martini

    A super delicious Espresso Martini that's super easy to make. Don't forget to check out my step by step photos and tips above.
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine British
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1 drink
    Calories 318kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces vodka
    • 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur usually Kahlúa
    • 1 ounce espresso freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate)
    • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
    • Garnish: coffee beans

    Instructions

    • Brew the coffee and let it cool completely.
    • Add ice to a cocktail shaker then add the cooled coffee, simple syrup, kahlua and vodka.
    • Shake very hard so the foam is formed then strain it quickly into a martini glass. Top with coffee beans, serve.

    Video

    https://youtu.be/U4WJ7Ljy4K0

    Notes

    • Make sure to cool the coffee completely after brewing it or it'll melt the ice and you won't have a nice chilled cocktail.
    • To cool your coffee quickly you can put it in the freezer for a few minutes.
    • Make sure to shake the cocktail extra hard so you create that lovely foam on top.
    • When pouring the cocktail into your glass do it swiftly to ensure the foam ends up on top!
    • If you don't have bottled simple syrup you can make it but bringing equal amounts of sugar and water to boil until the sugar has dissolved. Turn it off the heat and leave it to cool completely before using.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 1002mg | Sugar: 17g | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
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    Comments

    1. Julie says

      January 22, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      Are you trying to get people to try your German Cake recipe? I keep getting all these pop-up ads for it and I wonder if other people are too.
      I would try it but I HATE coconut.
      Thank you.
      PS: I love you! 🌻🌷💙

      Reply

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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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