Coffee meets cocktail in the most AMAZING Espresso Martini. Made with just 4 ingredients, it’s the ideal after dinner drink and a coffee lover’s dream. It’s slightly sweet, packed with amazing flavor, and guaranteed to be the perfect end to your night!
Every now and then, you taste something you just KNOW you need in your life. And this Espresso Martini was one of them.
It was last summer, in Austin, at a restaurant that had been recommended to me by the hotel staff. I had just finished an amazing dinner with a friend, and since neither one of us was ready to go back to the hotel, we decided to order an after dinner drink.
From the first sip, we were both in heaven. So much so that we each ordered two. And so much so that I couldn’t leave without asking the bartender for the recipe.
And… this is IT! The BEST Espresso Martini ever. Guaranteed to satisfy both the coffee lover AND the cocktail lover in you!
What is an espresso martini?
The espresso martini is a coffee-flavored cocktail made with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. It is served cold in a martini glass and garnished with espresso beans.
what you’ll need for this recipe
- 4 ounces vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
- 1/2 ounce vanilla simple syrup
- 2 shots espresso
- ice
how to make an espresso martini
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and espresso.
- Shake well; strain into martini glasses.
- Spoon extra foam on top of each drink.
- Garnish each with 3 espresso beans.
Recipe Variations
- Use cold brew, strong brewed coffee, or instant coffee in place of espresso
- Substitute Kahlua, Tia Maria, St. George Nola, or your favorite coffee liqueur
- Use more or less simple syrup (or omit altogether) according to your tastes
- Add a creamy liqueur like Baileys to the mix before shaking
- Use a flavored vodka like whipped cream, vanilla, coffee, or espresso
- Garnish with cocoa powder instead of espresso beans
Origin
The Espresso Martini was invented in 1983 by a London bartender named Dick Bradsell. According to Dick, it was created based on a request from a famous model who entered the bar and asked him to make a drink that would “wake me up.”
Pairings
This drink would pair well with any of the following desserts:
tips for success
- For the best flavor, use freshly brewed espresso
- If you don’t have an espresso machine, substitute strong cold brew or freshly brewed strong coffee
- Use plenty of ice and shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds to create a nice foam
- Strain it briskly from the shaker into a chilled martini glass
- Spoon extra foam on top of the martini
- Experiment with amounts – just like everybody likes their coffee a little different, you may prefer more or less of one ingredient or another
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces coffee liqueur
- 1/2 ounce vanilla simple syrup recipe below
- 2 ounces espresso
- ice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and espresso.
- Shake vigorously, then strain into martini glasses.
- Spoon extra foam on top of each drink.
- Garnish each with 3 espresso beans.
Love a good cocktail with a kick! Looking forward to winding down with this after dinner!
Two of my very favorite things in one tasty treat?!?! I. Can’t Wait!!
I love espresso. And this cocktail sounds very inviting!
YES, please!! This looks SO fabulous!!
Fantastic! Love the flavors of this drink with the coffee liqueur!
Yuk! No syrup for me. It’s sweet enough without!