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Home » Drink » Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini

Created: October 26, 2020 Updated: April 21, 2022 by Lyuba Brooke 2 Comments *This post may contain affiliate links. Read More...

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Espresso Martini is a perfect after-dinner cocktail that will satisfy your sweet tooth, relax you, and give you a little jolt at the same time. There are only three ingredients and that’s vodka, Kahlua, and espresso.

side view of tall martini glass with the cocktail and coffee beans and espresso shot next to it

What Is Espresso Martini?

When you want an invigorating cocktail, this martini should be your number one choice. It’s the combination of booze with freshly made espresso that will keep you going all night.

This is relatively a young cocktail when compared to something like Cosmopolitan, Hot Toddy, or an Old Fashioned. It 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.”

Let me tell you, this martini will do the trick for sure. It will satisfy any sweet craving you might have (specially if you add a touch of creme de cocoa), it will keep you awake all night, and it’s got some sneaky potency.

What Ingredients and Tools Do I Need?

Vodka – for best tasting cocktails, always choose ingredients that you don’t mind drinking straight. If you like the taste of vodka (or the lack of to be more accurate), you will end up with the best cocktail.

Kahlua – use the brand name or another coffee liqueur but beware the some off-brand ones tent to be either too sweet or too weak in flavor.

Fresh espresso – it’s best to use fresh espresso and I explain why below.

Ice – use crushed or cubed ice to shake the cocktail.

Cocktail shaker

Martini glass

Garnish – if you wish, use 2-3 whole coffee beans to garnish your martini.

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 It

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.

The reason for using fresh, hot espresso in the cocktail is to get he layer of foam at the top.

espresso maker pouring espresso into small mug

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.

Step 2:

Add some ice to the cocktail shaker and pour in vodka, kahlua, and espresso.

pouring clear liquor into the cocktail shaker
pouring the coffee liqueur into the cocktail shaker

Step 3:

Quickly close the shaker with the lid and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. A nice good shake will also help with the layer of foam.

Step 4:

Pour in the espresso martini into the glasses right away.

pouring the light brown cocktail into the martini glass

Step 5:

Garnish the cocktail with a couple of whole coffee beans on top and serve.

garnishing the cocktail with coffee beans

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top view of espresso martini in a tall glass with beans and espresso shot around
side view of tall martini glass with the cocktail and coffee beans and espresso shot next to it

Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini is a perfect after-dinner cocktail that is sweet, strong, and invigorating.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American, British
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 231kcal
Author: Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz Kahlua
  • 1 oz fresh espresso
  • 2-3 whole coffee beans optional
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Brew fresh espresso before starting to make the cocktail.
  • Add ice to the cocktail shaker.
  • Pour in vodka, Kahlua, and espresso.
  • Close the lid and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
  • Strain the cocktail into the martini glass right away.
  • Garnish with a couple of whole coffee beans and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Sugar: 13g
Tried this recipe?Mention @willcookforsmiles and tag #willcookforsmiles
collage of two images of full length martini glass filled with brown cocktail and pouring cocktail into the glass

LYUBA

ABOUT LYUBA

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read more...

524 shares

Filed Under: Cocktail, Drink, Vodka

All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe. Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.

Comments

  1. Hannah says

    March 21, 2023 at 11:41 pm

    5 stars
    Yes, please! Looks so good!

    Reply
  2. Jell Melton says

    March 11, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    If your ice is made from frozen espresso it won’t dilute your drink at all . . . 🙂

    Reply

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Well, hey there!

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read More.

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