The Ultimate Espresso Martini

Craving the perfect espresso martini? This recipe uses real espresso, top-shelf vodka, and a secret for *amazing* foam. Shaken, not stirred – get the recipe!

May 24, 2025
By Olivia.

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Alright, let's dive into crafting the perfect espresso martini . ever had one of those days where you just needed a little.

.. oomph ? yeah, me too. that's when the espresso martini comes to the rescue!

The Espresso Martini: Your New Best Friend

The espresso martini isn't just a drink. it's a vibe . born in london in the '80s (cheers, dick bradsell!), this bad boy is equal parts sophisticated and energizing.

It's easier to make than you think. ready in under 10 minutes and makes just one perfect cocktail, which you'll probably want to double.

Why You'll Adore This Coffee Espresso Martini

Honestly, besides the fact that it tastes amazing, the espresso martini is a sneaky way to get your caffeine fix while feeling fancy.

Plus, the small amount of coffee is great for a little energy boost. it's amazing at dinner parties, but also works just fine as a reward for finally getting the kids to bed.

What makes this recipe special? it's dead easy to make and tastes like a million bucks.

Now, let's get our ingredients ready!

The Ultimate Espresso Martini presentation

The Secret Sauce: Ingredients for the Best Real Espresso Martini Recipe

Here's what you'll need to whip up this little beauty:

2 oz of your fave vodka (I'm a Tito's girl, so Tito's Espresso Martini is often my go-to, but feel free to use Grey Goose or whatever you have).
1 oz of Real Espresso Martini Recipe : strong, freshly brewed espresso. And don't skimp on the quality, mate!
¾ oz of your fave coffee liqueur. Kaluha Martini is classic, but Tia Maria works a treat.
½ oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved). You can get it at the store, or make it yourself.
Ice. Like, loads of it.
And, of course, three coffee beans for garnish. Because why not?

Screwball Espresso Martini? If you really want to spice things up, try a shot of hazelnut liqueur. Trust me on this one, it's a game-changer. You know?

Level Up Your Coffee Martini Recipe Cocktails

Forget watered-down excuses for cocktails. let's make an espresso martini that'll have everyone asking for seconds. maybe even thirds. and if you're thinking about a christmas expresso martini , just add a pinch of cinnamon! easy peasy.

Next, we'll talk about the magical technique of shaking and straining! It's all about creating that perfect foam.

Okay, let's get this espresso martini thing cooking! Honestly, who doesn't love a good cocktail, especially one that gives you a buzz and a caffeine kick? It's like the ultimate grown-up treat, innit?

Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Espresso Martini

Alright, let's break down what you'll need to whip up this liquid gold. We'll keep it simple, yeah?

Main Ingredients: The Martini Dream Team

Listen up, these are the stars of our coffee espresso martini show. get good stuff, it makes a difference, trust me.

I once tried to cheap out on the vodka and, oh my gosh , never again!

Vodka: 2 fluid ounces (60 ml) . Think decent quality. Tito's Espresso Martini ? Class!
Freshly Brewed Espresso (cooled): 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) . Don't even think about instant coffee. We're aiming for a Real Espresso Martini Recipe here, people.
Coffee Liqueur: ¾ fluid ounce (22 ml) . Kahlua or Tia Maria. Kaluha Martini is the classic choice, obvs.
Simple Syrup: ½ fluid ounce (15 ml) . We'll make some proper simple syrup, yeah?

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Magic

It's not just about throwing stuff in a shaker, you know. It's about building flavours.

Espresso Martini Coffee Liquor combos: Coffee liqueur + espresso is the base, but you can add a tiny dash of vanilla extract. Seriously , a tiny dash. It'll blow your mind.
Aromatics: Play with coffee beans. Three of them floating on top just look so elegant.
Substitutions: If you don't have Kahlua? Creme de cacao in a pinch, but it changes the whole vibe.

Equipment Needed: No Fancy Kit Required

You don't need to be Tom Cruise in "Cocktail" to nail this.

Cocktail shaker: A must-have.
Jigger or measuring spoons: No eyeballing, please!
Hawthorne strainer: Or a tea strainer will do in a pinch.
Martini glass (or coupe): For that swanky vibe.
Espresso machine (or moka pot): For that lovely espresso hit.

Christmas Expresso Martini time? No problem, just add some cinnamon. I even tried a Screwball Espresso Martini once, just for the fun of it. It's all about experimenting!

Alright, let's dive into making the ultimate Espresso Martini ! Honestly, it's way easier than you think. This isn't some fancy bartender-only drink. You got this!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Espresso Martini Game Plan

First things first, mise en place, baby! sounds fancy, right? it just means get everything ready. brew your espresso. you absolutely want freshly brewed espresso for the best coffee espresso martini .

Let it cool, though, unless you want a lukewarm martini. no one wants that. make your simple syrup. this is just equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves.

Takes like, 5 minutes . let it cool too. finally, get your vodka, kahlua martini or similar coffee liquor, and your shaker ready.

Oh, and ice! can't forget the ice.

For a time-saver, make a big batch of simple syrup ahead of time. it keeps in the fridge for like, two weeks.

Score! and please, please, please be careful handling hot liquids and using the shaker. don't want any burns or exploding cocktail incidents!

Shaken, Not Stirred: Making Your Espresso Martini Magic

Okay, here's where the magic happens. Follow these steps:

Chill your martini glass. Stick it in the freezer for a few minutes. Seriously, it makes a difference.
Fill your shaker with ice. Loads of it.
Add 2 fluid ounces vodka (Tito's Espresso Martini? Always a good choice), 1 fluid ounce cooled espresso, ¾ fluid ounce coffee liqueur, and ½ fluid ounce simple syrup to the shaker.
Close that shaker tightly .
Shake like you mean it! Vigorously shake it for 15-20 seconds . Until the shaker is ice-cold to the touch.
Double strain into your chilled glass. This gets rid of any ice chips.
Garnish with three coffee beans. Because, fancy.

Espresso Martini Pro Tips: Level Up Your Cocktail

Wanna take your Coffee Martini Recipe Cocktails game up a notch? Here are a few secrets.

First, a good shake is essential . it creates that beautiful, foamy top. second, taste and adjust . if it's not sweet enough, add a tiny bit more simple syrup.

Too strong? add a splash more espresso. the key is to make it yours! lastly, avoid using old espresso. it'll make your martini taste bitter.

Trust me, i learned that one the hard way.

Speaking of mistakes...don't skip the chilling. Warm ingredients equal a sad martini.

Honestly, the Espresso Martini – especially a Christmas Expresso Martini – is just the perfect cocktail for almost any occasion.

There you have it – the only Real Espresso Martini Recipe you'll ever need. Now go forth and shake!

Alright, let's dive deeper into the nitty-gritty! This Espresso Martini isn't just a drink; it’s an experience . We've covered the basics but let’s get real about making it your own .

Recipe Notes

These are the little things that elevate your coffee espresso martini from "meh" to "omg!". trust me, these tips are gold.

You know?, it's kinda like that perfect eyeliner wing – takes practice but so worth it!

Serving Suggestions: Dress to Impress!

Presentation matters, seriously. don’t just chuck your real espresso martini recipe into any old glass. chill a martini glass or a coupe glass first.

It makes all the difference. think sleek and sophisticated.

For plating, float three coffee beans on top. It’s classic! Serve it with a square of dark chocolate for that extra touch of boujee .

Complementary sides? Something simple. Maybe some fancy nuts or a cheese plate. This Coffee Martini Recipe Cocktails is the star; don't overshadow it! As for beverages? Water, darling. Stay hydrated!

Storage Tips: Keep it Cool

Honestly, an espresso martini is best fresh . but if you must make it ahead (i get it, life happens), store it without ice in the fridge.

No more than a few hours, though.

Freezing? Nah, don't even think about it. It'll ruin the texture.

Reheating? Not applicable here. Just give it a good shake with ice before serving. Remember, shaking is your friend!

Variations: Get Creative with Your Kaluha Martini

Wanna shake things up a bit? Try these tweaks.

Dietary Adaptations : For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or almond milk to make your simple syrup. Easy peasy!
Seasonal Swaps : During the holidays, a Christmas Expresso Martini with a sprinkle of cinnamon is next-level cozy. And, hey?, you can even try a Screwball Espresso Martini if you want something wild.

Nutrition Basics: The Truth Hurts (a Little)

Okay, let's be honest: it’s a cocktail. Simplified nutrition? It has calories. A shot has roughly 200 calories . Sugar is the main culprit, but hey, a little treat never hurt anyone, right?

The caffeine will give you a little energy boost, though. So, you know, balance.

Espresso Martini Coffee Liquor really brings the flavor. If you are using a quality Tito's Espresso Martini , you are in for something special.

Now go on and make your delicious Espresso Martini . You've got this!

Stunning Espresso Martini: Coffee Liquor Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my espresso martini foamy enough? It looks a bit sad!

Ah, the foam – the crowning glory of a good espresso martini! The key is a vigorous shake. Make sure your cocktail shaker is filled with plenty of ice and shake it like you're auditioning for a James Bond film – really go for it for about 15-20 seconds. Also, freshly brewed espresso helps create better foam.

Can I make an espresso martini without an espresso machine? My kitchen's not exactly stocked like The Savoy.

Absolutely! No need to break the bank. While freshly pulled espresso is ideal, you can use strongly brewed coffee from a Moka pot or even a French press. Just be sure to let it cool down completely before adding it to your cocktail. Alternatively, you can use a good quality cold brew concentrate.

How can I adjust the sweetness in my espresso martini? I don't want it too sickly sweet.

Great question! The beauty of an espresso martini is its customizability. The simple syrup is your control knob for sweetness. Start with the recipe's suggestion, then taste and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until it's just right for your palate. You could also experiment with different types of sugar for your simple syrup like demerara for a richer flavor.

What's the best way to store leftover simple syrup for my espresso martini nights? Will it keep?

Simple syrup is easy to store. Let it cool completely after making it, then transfer it to an airtight container, like a glass jar. Store it in the refrigerator, and it should last for up to two weeks. Keep an eye out for any signs of cloudiness or mold, which means it's time to make a fresh batch.

I'm feeling adventurous! Any fun variations I can try to spice up my espresso martini game?

You bet! Get your mixology on! A salted caramel espresso martini is a decadent treat – just add a dash of salted caramel syrup. Or, for a warming twist, infuse your vodka with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a spiced espresso martini that's perfect for autumn. You could even try using a different liqueur, like Frangelico, for a hazelnut twist.

Is there any way to make a lower-calorie or healthier version of the espresso martini? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know!

Of course! You can significantly reduce the sugar content by using a sugar-free simple syrup (made with a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol). Also, be mindful of the coffee liqueur you choose – some brands have less sugar than others. Remember, moderation is key, even with a "healthier" cocktail!