Why I love this Espresso martini recipe
This espresso martini recipe is simple but seriously impressive.
Just real espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka all shaken up into a smooth, frosty cocktail.
I love how quick it is to make, especially when I want something a little fancy after dinner or when friends are over.
Plus, making a big batch in advance is a total game-changer.
I can prep everything ahead of time and just shake it up when the moment calls for it. No fuss, no mess, and it always looks super elegant.
Ingredients
Here is your shopping list (for 1 cocktail):
- Alcohol – 2 oz Vodka, ½ oz Coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa).
- Flavoring – 1 oz Freshly brewed espresso (cooled). I like to use a Nespresso machine to make this since it’s quick and easy.
- Sweetener – ½ oz Simple syrup. If you like sweeter or less sweet coffee, you can adjust this amount to taste.
- Garnish – coffee beans (for garnish)
Substitutions & Additions
- Instead of actual brewed espresso, you can use espresso cocktail mix or dark roast coffee in a regular coffee machine. Regular coffee won’t give you the same froth that espresso does, but it still tastes good.
- If you like your coffee black, you may want to eliminate the simple syrup.
How to make an Espresso martini with Kahlua
1 | Prep work
To keep the martinis colder for longer, put the martini glasses in the freezer for a couple of hours ahead of time.
Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
Or use pre-made cold brew if you want a quicker option.
If you’re in a hurry, just pop the espresso in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up cooling.
2 | Make the drink
Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice
Then measure and pour in the vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
Shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds.
This is called a ‘hard shake’ and helps to chill the mixture thoroughly while creating a slight froth on top, which makes the drink look appealing.
To shake properly, hold the shaker tightly with both hands and shake with quick, firm movements.
Pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
To keep the froth on the espresso, pour the shaken drink into the glass rather than straining it.3 | Garnish
Finish by placing three coffee beans on top of your martini for a classic look.
How to make a big batch
To make a big batch ahead of time:
- Combine 3 cups vodka, 1½ cups espresso, ¾ cup coffee liqueur, and ¾ cup simple syrup in a pitcher.
- Chill until you are ready to serve.
- If you want froth on the top of the glasses, shake before pouring. Otherwise, you can skip this step.
This will make about 12 martinis.
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Freshly brewed espresso cooled
- ½ oz Coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa
- ½ oz Simple syrup adjust to taste
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Equipment
- jigger
- cocktail shaker
- 5-ounce martini glass
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.Ice
- Add the vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker.2 oz Vodka, 1 oz Freshly brewed espresso, ½ oz Coffee liqueur, ½ oz Simple syrup
- Shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Pour the mixture into a martini glass.
- Top with 3 coffee beans for garnish.3 coffee beans
Notes
- If you don’t have espresso, you can use an espresso cocktail mix. Or substitute with dark coffee (although it won’t froth like espresso does).
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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