Espresso Martini Recipe

When I say that I make this cocktail a couple of times a week, I am underestimating. Espresso martini is not just my go-to cocktail to make on a Friday night, it’s also the most requested with family and friends.

• I prefer my espresso martini the classic way so I perfected my recipe (after making it a few hundred times.) There are only three ingredients but they are balanced just right!
• I’ve also experimented (extensively) with some additional flavors and I made sure to include those below.
• Did you know that this cocktail was created in 1983 by a legendary British bartender, Dick Bradsell. The legend has it that he created this iconic cocktail for a world-famous model, Kate Moss. Apparently she requested a cocktail that would “wake me up and then f*** me up.”

Key Ingredients and Substitution Options

Vodka – use your favorite vodka here but I recommend NOT using flavored vodka. There is enough coffee flavor from the other two ingredients, no need to make it even more with flavored vodka.

Espresso – this is important: to get the best foam layer, you do need a freshly brewed espresso. You won’t get the frothy layer on top from instant espresso powder and not as much from brewed ahead of time.

Kahlua – this is a coffee liqueur and you can substitute another coffee liqueur if you don’t with to use the Kahlua brand.

Gluten free option – vodka is the main ingredient that may contain gluten so make sure to use gluten free vodka. Kahlua should already be gluten free but double check your bottle against their website.

Why use fresh espresso?

The only reason to use freshly made, hot espresso is to get that beautiful layer of foam at the top of the cocktail.

If you use cold, premade espresso, powdered instant espresso, or another coffee then you won’t get much of the foam at the top.

So if the foam doesn’t matter to you, then free free to use instant espresso, prepare it ahead of time, or even decaf.

How To Make Espresso Martini

This is a very simple cocktail where you just combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake it well. The only extra step is making espresso first.

• Step 1: Make espresso right before preparing the cocktail and use fresh hot espresso. Yes, it will melt some of the ice and dilute the cocktail slightly but that is the best way to get the layer of foam at the top. (User tip: if you feezed espresso into ice cubes and use that to shake the cocktail, it won’t dilute the martini.)
• Step 2: Add some ice to the cocktail shaker and pour in vodka, Kahlua, and espresso.

• Step 3: Quickly close the shaker with the lid and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. This is where you will be creating that distinct foam layer, so do take time to shake it well! Turn on some music and have some fun!
• Step 4: Pour in the espresso martini through the strainer into the martini glass right away.

• Step 5: Garnish the cocktail with a couple of whole coffee beans on top and serve.

Variations Of Espresso Martini

I’ve experimented with every one of these flavors and all are great options to flavor this classic coffee flavored martini. Through testing, I found that 1/2 – 3/4 oz of one of these liqueurs (except Bailey’s) is enough to flavor the cocktail.

• Hazelnut – this is my personal favorite, Frangelico will give the martini a distinct hazelnut flavor.
• Creamy – this is also a more modern version of the classic espresso martini. This is where you add 1 oz of Bailey’s Irish cream to it. You can also sue Godiva chocolate liqueur, or a splash of half and half if you don’t want extra alcohol.
• Chocolate – you can turn the espresso martini into a dessert by adding either some Godiva chocolate liqueur or creme de cacao. Godiva is usually creamy while creme de cacao is not.
• Almond – a little Disaronno or another almond flavored liqueur will give this flavor hint.
• Raspberry – yes, coffee is good with raspberry! If you like that idea, try adding some Chambord or another raspberry liqueur.
• Less strong – if you don’t like your martini to be as strong, feel free to use 2 oz of espresso instead of 1 oz.
• Decaf – use decaf espresso to lower the amount of caffeine but note that Kahlua and other coffee liqueurs do contain caffeine.

PIN THIS RECIPE

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE leave a 🌟 star rating! Let me know how you liked it by leaving the 📝 comment below or share and tag me on social media @willcookforsmiles. DON’T FORGET to subscribe to my newsletter!

Some More Martini Recipes

• Chocolate Martini
• Lemon Drop Martini
• Cosmo Martini
• Pear Martini
• Mudslide
• Irish Coffee

Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles in October 2020.