Espresso Martini Recipe

This classic espresso martini recipe is made with 4 ingredients and is the perfect way to end a night out or impress your dinner guests.

Espresso Martini

The espresso martini is a trendy cocktail and it is easy to see why it is so popular once you taste one. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and brewed espresso, this drink is intensely flavorful and provides a caffeinated kick. It makes a great after dinner cocktail instead of just sipping regular coffee.

Another thing that makes the espresso martini so delightful is the layer of rich foam, called “crema” in espresso terms. When you brew espresso, it should have a thick crema on top, and the espresso martini is no different. It should be shaken vigorously and made with real espresso to re-create that crema in your cocktail. The finishing touch is a pinch of coffee beans on top.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur
• 2 ounces espresso, chilled
• Splash of milk or cream

Optional Garnish Ideas

• Coffee beans
• Chocolate drizzle

Helpful Bartending Tools

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• Cocktail Jigger (for measuring liquor amounts)
• Boston Cocktail Shaker Set (contains shakers, jigger, strainer)
• Martini Glass (an appletini is traditionally served in a chilled martini glass)

Recipe intended for readers 21+; please enjoy responsibly!

Instructions

1. Brew a double shot of espresso and place in the fridge to chill.
2. Once the espresso is no longer hot, add to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, along with the rest of the liquid ingredients.
3. Shake well to mix and chill.
4. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Top with three espresso beans.

Prep Tips

• Espresso – This works best with espresso that is chilled because hot coffee would melt the ice and water down the beverage. You can make the espresso well ahead of time and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to start mixing drinks.
• Garnish – The traditional garnish for an espresso martini is a few espresso beans floating on top of the foam in the glass. I also love to make a drizzle of chocolate syrup on the inside of the martini glass before I pour the drink, if I’m really feeling like making a decadent treat.
• Milk – This gives the drink a little creaminess and richness. You can use any type of milk you like, even non-dairy milks. You could also use heavy cream or Bailey’s Irish Cream. Just a splash will do!
• Sweetness – I generally don’t add sweetener to my espresso martini because I don’t add sweetener to my coffee. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add 1/2 ounce simple syrup when you’re shaking the cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use Regular Coffee In An Espresso Martini?

Yes, you can use regular coffee in an espresso martini, but keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different simply because regular coffee and espresso taste different. Espresso is a concentrated type of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. This creates a strong, flavorful coffee with a thick crema on top, and this crema is one of the best parts of an espresso martini!

However, in a pinch you can absolutely use regular coffee. I do recommend adding a little bit of sweetener because regular black coffee is often a little more bitter than espresso.

Another great option is using cold brew coffee, which is strong and concentrated in flavor.

What Is The Best Vodka To Use In An Espresso Martini?

You can use any vodka you like for this recipe. You can also use a chocolate flavored vodka, as it really plays well with the strong espresso flavor.

More Martini Recipes To Try

• Apple Martini
• Cosmopolitan Recipe
• Classic Gin Martini

Espresso Martini Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

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