The Espresso Martini is a sophisticated, bold, and energizing cocktail that perfectly fuses the richness of espresso with the smoothness of vodka and coffee liqueur. With its velvety crema and balanced sweetness, this drink has become a staple in cocktail bars worldwide, offering the perfect pick-me-up for an evening out.
Despite its name, the Espresso Martini contains no actual martini ingredients like gin or vermouth—it was named for its sleek, elegant presentation in a martini glass.
What Makes an Espresso Martini Special?
🔹 A Perfect Coffee-Cocktail Hybrid – Unlike other coffee cocktails that use whiskey or cream, the Espresso Martini is vodka-based, making it crisp, bold, and refreshing.
🔹 Rich, Velvety Crema – When shaken properly, an Espresso Martini develops a thick crema on top, mirroring the golden crema of a well-pulled espresso shot.
🔹 A Balance of Bitter & Sweet – The espresso provides deep coffee notes, while coffee liqueur and simple syrup add a touch of sweetness for a smooth, well-rounded sip.
How to Make an Espresso Martini
☕ Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) freshly brewed espresso
- ¾ oz (22ml) coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- ¼ oz (7ml) simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- 3 coffee beans (for garnish, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness)
🌡 Temperature Guide
- Espresso: Freshly brewed, slightly cooled
- Vodka: Chilled
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
1️⃣ Brew a Fresh Shot of Espresso
- Prepare 1 oz (30ml) of fresh espresso and let it cool slightly before shaking.
2️⃣ Fill a Cocktail Shaker with Ice
- Use a shaker filled with ice cubes to properly chill the drink.
3️⃣ Add Vodka, Espresso, Coffee Liqueur & Simple Syrup
- Pour 2 oz (60ml) of vodka, 1 oz (30ml) of espresso, ¾ oz (22ml) of coffee liqueur, and ¼ oz (7ml) of simple syrup into the shaker.
4️⃣ Breathe It In
- ☕ Breathe it in. The bold aroma of fresh espresso mingling with smooth vodka is an invitation to awaken—not just the body, but the soul. That’s why we encourage you to take that extra second or two to pause and enjoy the moment before shaking, thinking, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
5️⃣ Shake Vigorously for 15 Seconds
- Shake hard to create the signature creamy froth on top.
6️⃣ Strain into a Chilled Martini Glass
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to pour the drink smoothly, leaving the ice behind.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Place three coffee beans on top for a classic Espresso Martini presentation.
Espresso Martini vs. Other Coffee Cocktails
✔ Espresso Martini vs. Irish Coffee: Irish Coffee is served hot with whiskey and cream, while an Espresso Martini is cold, shaken, and vodka-based.
✔ Espresso Martini vs. Baileys Coffee: Baileys Coffee is a warm, creamy, and cozy drink, while an Espresso Martini is a bold, chilled cocktail with no dairy.
✔ Espresso Martini vs. Black Russian: A Black Russian is simply vodka and coffee liqueur, while an Espresso Martini adds espresso and a creamy foam texture.
Why Choose an Espresso Martini?
- For a Bold, Energizing Cocktail – With fresh espresso and smooth vodka, this drink is both invigorating and indulgent.
- A Perfect Evening Pick-Me-Up – Whether at a cocktail bar or a dinner party, an Espresso Martini is a sleek, stylish choice.
- Rich Coffee Flavor with a Velvety Texture – The balance of espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka creates a smooth, satisfying experience.
