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This really is The Best Espresso Martini Recipe! This is an impressive cocktail that comes together in just a few quick minutes. It’s sweetened just right, has the perfect amount of coffee flavor, and is finished with a layer of crema.
Did you know that The Best Espresso Martini Recipe could be made right in your own kitchen in just a couple of minutes?
Mike makes the best espresso martini and now you can, too!
This mouthwatering cocktail is one of my favorite after-dinner drinks—whether I’m enjoying it on my own or serving it to guests. It’s perfect for coffee lovers with the perfect amount of espresso flavor, a hint of vanilla, and a deliciously creamy texture.
Enjoy this coffee cocktail with your favorite dessert or simply serve it as dessert!
Bonus: since it’s made without Bailey’s, it’s dairy-free!
What is an Espresso Martini?
An espresso martini is a medley of vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso shaken together, then served chilled and topped with coffee beans. It’s the perfect cocktail for coffee lovers!
Espresso Martini Ingredients
- Vanilla Vodka: I like to use vanilla vodka for a little bit of extra sweetness and flavor! Feel free to use plain vodka if that’s what you prefer, OR make your plain vodka a little sweeter with a drizzle of simple syrup.
- Kahlúa: The classic coffee liqueur used in espresso martinis. If you can’t find Kahlúa, you can use another type of coffee liqueur, such as Tia Maria.
- Espresso: Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor and texture.
- Ice: To make sure that your cocktail is nice and chilled.
- Coffee Beans: In Italy, a traditional espresso martini is garnished with three whole coffee beans! These are optional but do make an excellent presentation.
How to Make an Espresso Martini
- Prep the glass and espresso: First up, place your serving glass in the freezer or add some ice cubes to allow it to chill for a few minutes. Brew a shot of espresso.
- Combine and shake: Fill a martini shaker with ice, then pour all of the ingredients over the ice. Place the lid on top tightly, then shake a lot.
- Strain and serve: Discard the ice cubes in the glass, then strain the drink into the chilled glass. Garnish with coffee beans and serve immediately.
What Liquor is Best for an Espresso Martini?
The traditional liquor blend for an espresso martini is a combination of vodka and coffee liqueur—usually Kahlúa.
For this recipe, I use both vodka and Kahlúa, but I like to make it just a touch sweeter by using vanilla vodka instead of regular!
Do You Need to Chill the Espresso?
That’s up to you! You totally can if you want—and some recipes recommend that you do—but I don’t find it necessary. I just throw the hot espresso in with the rest of the ingredients, give it a really good shake with the ice, then serve it. The cocktail is the perfect temperature without the extra step!
Who has time to wait anyway? Not chilling your espresso just means you get to enjoy your drink sooner!
What Makes An Espresso Martini Frothy?
The key to that delicious frothy top is machine-brewed espresso. Espresso has a layer of foam on top, also known as “crema,” which plays a significant role in the frothiness of the espresso martini.
In a pinch, you can use strongly brewed coffee in place of the espresso. Your martini may not be quite as frothy, but it will still taste good.
I do not recommend using instant coffee.
Froth Tip!
While the crema in the espresso does play an essential role in the frothiness of your cocktail, it is also so important to shake it REALLY WELL. That will make it extra frothy, creamy, and delicious!
Can I Make a Batch of Espresso Martinis?
I don’t recommend it. Batching espresso martinis makes it really difficult to achieve that classic frothy top. For the best texture, I recommend just mixing one, maybe two, at a time.
Fortunately, they don’t take long to whip up, so you can easily make multiple in just a few minutes!
Tips and Notes
- Chill the glass. A chilled glass is a great way to take the cocktail up a notch and help it stay cold longer. You can chill your glass by adding ice cubes to your glass to sit for a few minutes. You can also chill your glass by simply sitting it in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Serve immediately. Once the cocktail is nice and frothy in the shaker, pour it into your serving glass quickly and enjoy it right away. This ensures that you’re getting the best possible texture!
- Customize! This recipe is a great guide, but feel free to play around with amounts to make this cocktail the best flavor for you!
Variations
- Make it decaf. Use your favorite decaf espresso!
- No vanilla vodka? You can use regular vodka, then sweeten it with an optional 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
- Make it extra sweet. Add 1/2 ounce of simple syrup along with the vanilla vodka.
Serving Suggestions
Espresso martinis make an excellent after-dinner drink! Enjoy them on their own or serve them alongside your favorite dessert. Here are a few ideas:
How to Store
I do not recommend storing this drink. It is best served right away for the ultimate flavor and texture!
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
- Mulled Wine
- NYE Holiday Champagne Punch
- Orange Cranberry Margarita
- Raspberry Gin Cocktail
- Mike’s Gin Fizz Cocktail
The Best Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlúa or coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso
- ice
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Chill your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice cubes to chill.
- Brew a shot of espresso.
- Fill a martini shaker with ice, then pour all of the ingredients over the ice.
- Cover and shake vigorously! Seriously, a lot!
- Strain into the chilled glass, garnish with coffee beans, then serve!
