This recipe makes a classic espresso martini! It’s the perfect after-dinner drink. It’s tastes strong, balanced and has a creamy, foamy top. If you love coffee cocktails, you have to try this recipe.
Making cocktails at home does NOT have to be intimidating. This one is super delicious and super easy, and it only calls for three ingredients! An espresso martini is a great to serve to guests just before or after dinner.
This martini grew popular in the 1980s, and it’s easy to see why! Combining the rich, strong coffee flavor with alcohol makes for a delicious drink.
Related: White Russian, Cosmo Recipe, Lychee Martini, Manhattan, Irish Coffee, and 12 Easy Martini Recipes
Looking For More Espresso-Flavored Recipes?
Before making your espresso martini, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you will want to use espresso instead of brewing coffee or using instant coffee. It’s important for the flavor profile.
Next, it’s important to let the espresso chill before adding it to the ice and alcohol so that it does not melt the ice.
The foam is an important part of this cocktail, both for flavor and presentation. It’s kind of like when you order a latte, the more foam the better! The foam comes from shaking in a cocktail shaker.
Espresso Martini Ingredients
- Espresso 1 shot (about 1.5 ounces) espresso
- Vodka 2 ounces vodka
- Kahlua 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
- Simple Syrup 1/2 ounce simple syrup (this is optional but I recommend it)
- Coffee Beans for garnish
This will make one drink. You can easily make two at once in the same shaker by doubling the ingredients.
Espresso Martini Recipe
- Make your espresso and allow to cool (otherwise, it will melt your ice). If you’re in a hurry, you can put it in the refrigerator.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the espresso, vodka, Kahlua and simple syrup (optional).
- Shake until chilled. This will also create the froth for foam.
- Stain and pour into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a few coffee beans.
Bonus points if you chill your martini glasses in the freezer ahead of time.
Home Espresso Makers
We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:
- Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine – My current machine. It uses any whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you’ll get high quality espresso. It makes espresso shots automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. We’ve used this machine almost every day since we got it seven months ago and we love it! It comes in three colors.
- Breville Barista Touch – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they love it. It’s a higher end machine that you will need some barista skills to operate, but it’s an excellent home espresso maker.
- Nespresso Vertuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending what pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.
- MiniPresso machine will make you a single shot of espresso by adding boiling water into one end, your grinds into the other, and then you pump a button that pops out.
Not only is this espresso martini delicious, but it can be a great conversation starter. I know I’m a little bit more talkative when I have a little jolt of caffeine in my system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What vodka is best for an espresso martini?
I like to choose a mid-priced vodka such as Tito’s or Grey Goose. Very high end vodka is not necessary because the Kahlua is the top flavor in this recipe.
What are the ingredients in an espresso martini?
Espresso, vodka, coffee liquor and simple syrup. You can garnish with espresso beans if you like.
Can I use Bailey’s for an espresso martini?
You can swap Kahlua for Bailey’s, but Kahlua is our top choice. Kahlua is more flavorful and creates a more rich, stiff cocktail. Bailey’s creates a creamer and less flavorful drink.
Other Martinis To Try:
- Easy Chocolate Martini
- Spiced Pumpkin Pie Martini
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Key Lime Martini
- Classic Gin Gimlet
Now you know how to make a classic espresso martini- perfect for coffee lovers! Guests will be super impressed by the chilled glasses and coffee bean garnish. It’s the little things, right? Happy cocktail making! xo. Emma
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Ingredients
- 1 shots espresso (about 1 ½ ounces each )
- 2 ounces vodka
- ½ ounce Kahlua
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- coffee beans (for garnish)
Equipment
- 1 espresso machine optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Make your espresso and allow it to chill.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the espresso, vodka, Kahlua and simple syrup.
- Shake until chilled.
- Strain and pour into a chilled glasses.
- Garnish with a few coffee beans and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
The only suggestion I would make is to upgrade the garnish. Instead of using coffee beans, use finely ground coffee. Just a little strip of powdered coffee across the top really ups the aromatics of the drink!
Please clarify the amount of espresso powder to use and any revision to the recipe for this substitution. Thx!
Perfect recipe. I love espresso martinis!
Such a delicious little pick-me-up cocktail!
I love espresso martinis! The first night I got one I stayed up until 3 in the morning on Pinterest. It is very much a classy (and much tastier) Red Bull/Vodka!
I love this! Definitely trying this recipe, was actually thinking of having a dinner party and wanted something nice to serve.
Mmm, this looks delicious! Perfect for fall.
Okay this sounds too good not to try. Thank you for sharing!
xx
youngmildandfree.com
Delicious!
Lulu xx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
How perfect! I love your martini recipes, so keep them coming! This looks so fun. I’ve only chilled beer glasses, so chilling martini glasses will be great to try! 🙂
http://sometimesgracefully.com
This looks DELICIOUS!
Sounds perfect, will have to get some Kahlua and give this a try 🙂
Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten
I make a similar cocktail at my bar, but like to put the espresso in the freezer for a minute before shaking it on ice, just so it doesn’t immediately dilute the drink heavily 🙂 soooo yummy!
I love coffee and this cocktail sounds like a great combo!
This weekend I visited a friend of mine in Dublin and she spent the whole weekend drinking Espresso Martinis! Well, we stopped for lunch and we did some sightseeing too, but yes, lots of cocktails were involved 😉
Anyway! This recipe comes in really handy because she is coming to visit soon, so I’ll be perparing her favourite drink!!
Thanks girls!
xx,
E.
www.theslowpace.com
As a coffee lover… this is straight to the top of my list of ‘things to try!’. Can’t wait! xo Jess
Your Daily Break
what a classy cocktail! i have never had coffee and alcohol together (believe it or not!) but this is a must-try!
xx
I love all of your recipes! : )
Lovely Idea
Those look so yummy, I will have to make them for my hubby, he is an espresso man :). Thanks!
Rachael xx.
these are amazing! although don’t have one too late or you’ll be buzzing all night! and shush don’t tell the kids i think these are stronger than all the drugs they do nowadays!
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