Espresso Martini

by Taylor December 30, 2023

If coffee and vodka had a baby, it would be named Espresso Martini. Fresh espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, & sugar syrup make a sweet dessert cocktail with a foamy top. Perfect for coffee lovers and one of my all-time favorite cocktails!

What you will need to make an espresso martini

Vodka – Any kind will work, but I do recommend using a decent vodka. My favorite vodka is Ketel One, but Grey Goose and Absolut Vodka are great too!

Fresh Espresso (cooled to room temp) – If you have an espresso machine, that will be your best bet. If not, stop by your local coffee shop and order a few shots of espresso to-go and keep it in your fridge until you are ready to use. Please don’t use instant coffee lol.

Coffee Liqueur – I use Kahlua because it’s cheap and easy to find, but you can definitely upgrade to a nicer bottle if you want a strong coffee flavor. Mr Black Coffee Liqueur would be great too.

Simple Syrup – Use a store-bought sugar syrup or, to make your own at home, just boil equal parts water and sugar until dissolved and then let cool.

Cocktail Shaker – This is important! If you want to get the signature foamy top, you must shake this drink in a cocktail shaker and then pour it into martini glasses. The foamy top adds great texture and allows you to float three espresso beans on top. Get a cocktail shaker Here

Simple Ingredients for a Classic Espresso Martini

2 oz Vodka

1 oz Espresso

1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur

1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Do I have to use Vodka?

Nope! Here are the best substitutes using bourbon or tequila that still highlight the espresso flavor.

Bourbon Espresso Martini

2 oz Bourbon

1 oz Espresso

1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur

1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Tequila Espresso Martini

2 oz Tequila – my secret is Kirkland Tequila if you have a Costco nearby. No one ever believes that it’s Kirkland!

1 oz Espresso

1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur

1/2 oz Agave Nectar

Will Espresso Martinis keep me awake?

Yes! This will definitely give you a small boost of energy. This espresso martini recipe has caffeine, making it a perfect after-dinner drink if you need a little pick-me-up after a big meal. 1 oz of espresso typically has about 60mg of caffeine in it.

Tips for Best Results

Use a frother before using your cocktail shaker. This will add some extra air to the drink giving it that great foamy top.
Use a large chunk of ice in your cocktail shaker. Small ice cubes tend to melt faster and will dilute the drink.
Don’t use hot espresso. Have your espresso cool to at least room temperature. This is not a hot drink, we want it to be cold!
Give it a HARD SHAKE for at least 20-30 seconds. This is what makes the foam. Don’t be lazy with it!

Pairs Well With

Marinated Olives, Penne Pasta, Everything Bagel Cheese Ball or try this Prickly Pear Margarita!