The espresso martini is a classic after-dinner drink that’s not only delicious but can also give you extra energy. If you don’t know where to get started, this guide explains how to mix a classic espresso martini.
Espresso Martini Recipe Overview
Gather all these ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce fresh espresso coffee
- 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Coffee beans to garnish
Take a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour all your ingredients. Shake for a few seconds, then strain to a martini glass, and add three coffee beans on top.
Sip and enjoy!
Is the Espresso Martini an Actual Martini?
This isn’t a true martini since it doesn’t contain any vermouth. Vodka Espresso would be a more accurate name for it, and many bars and restaurants use this term in the menu instead of “martini.”
Either way, if you love coffee, this cocktail will tick all your boxes.
Cocktail Nutrition Facts
One order of espresso martini has:
- 239 calories
- 0.2g saturated fat
- 12g carbs
- 7.5mg sodium
- 0.1g protein
- Around 20% ABV
Espresso Martini Serving Tips
Serving good Espresso Martinis requires:
- Cocktail shaker: Unlike other types of martinis, this version is always shaken and never stirred. If you don’t have a shaker, you can add the ingredients to a mason jar.
- Espresso machine: To make an espresso martini, you need to make an actual espresso to get the flavor just right. If you can’t make a machine-brewed espresso, try a French press or an espresso powder to get the coffee flavor, but this won’t make the espresso martini frothy.
- Martini glasses: This cocktail should also make a visual impression, and that means serving it in martini glasses. If you don’t have those, a coupe glass is a good alternative.
- Vodka bottle: The espresso martini is vodka-heavy, so choosing a high-quality brand is essential to getting a great cocktail.
Food Pairings to Try
This cocktail is usually an after-dinner drink, but it can also be served along with desserts like cheesecake, tiramisu, or ice cream.
You can also add it to some aperitifs like bruschetta or a cheese platter before serving the main course.
Espresso Martini Recipe Variations
If you love this martini, you’ll also enjoy any of the following recipe variations:
- Cold Brew Martini: If you don’t have an espresso maker, or don’t want a frothy Espresso Martini, use cold brew concentrate or use freshly brewed regular coffee instead. Coffee lovers can still enjoy the flavor.
- Frozen Martini: Use a blender and add all your ingredients plus ice to get a frozen consistency, similar to a smoothie. You can add extra sugar syrup to make it sweeter and serve it in a chilled glass with a few coffee beans on top.
- Chocolate Martini: If you don’t like the stronger coffee flavor, swap it for chocolate to get a sweet dessert drink instead.
- Syrups: You can balance out the strong coffee flavor by adding simple syrup, caramel, vanilla, and more. It’s better to taste the coffee liqueur first, however, to avoid making this drink too sweet.
Final Thoughts
The Espresso Martini is a classic coffee cocktail most people should try at least once. Even if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still brew a delicious pot of coffee and mix it to get a sweet, bitter, and booming drink.
Just stay away from instant coffee, and you’ll be good!
