Espresso martini

Espresso martini: A delicious boozy coffee cocktail

Cheers to the weekend and enjoy a tipple or two of this easy-as espresso martini recipe. Made from only three ingredients, this creamy cocktail is the perfect elegant beverage to enjoy at your next dinner party or to impress your guests at Friday night drinks.

Invented in the 1980s by British bartender and mixologist Dick Bradsell, the espresso martini cocktail has grown in popularity over the past 30 years and is well-known across the globe. While it isn’t a true martini as it does not contain gin or vermouth, this simple recipe puts a delicious decadent coffee twist on a classic cocktail. For more alcoholic cocktail ideas, check out our collection of easy alcohol recipes.

Other coffee liqueur cocktails include a classic white Russian and Irish coffee, or other inventive drinks such as a bitter-with-a-touch-of sweet Negroni, a spiced white hot chocolate or a coffee-spiked dark and stormy. 

The three essential espresso martini ingredients you’ll need

As this cocktail only calls for three ingredients, it’s important to choose the best quality products for an elevated drinking experience. The best espresso martini ratio is 1/3 cup of vodka to 2 tablespoons of coffee liquor and 2 tablespoons of espresso coffee.

Choose freshly brewed espresso coffee for a delicate balance of sweetness, bitterness and sourness. However, if you don’t have access to an espresso machine, you can use other kinds of coffee, such as cold brew for a strong coffee flavour, or your favourite blend of instant coffee. You can also choose to use decaffeinated coffee to reduce your caffeine intake. 

We opt for Kahlua liqueur in this espresso vodka martini for its milky mouthfeel and notes of coffee and sweet vanilla to compliment the other flavours. Lastly, use premium unflavoured vodka for a clean and smooth finish to let the coffee notes sing.

Looking for more vodka ideas? Check out our collection of great vodka recipes for inspiration. 

How to make an espresso martini

When it comes to espresso martini preparation, you’ll need ice, a cocktail shaker and a strainer. Avoid overloading the shaker as this can cause a mess, and tighten it by giving it a slight twist and tap. Hold the shaker with two hands horizontally and instead of simply shaking back and forth – think of it as flipping the ice in a circular motion to help both mix and chill the drink.

To achieve the coffee martini cocktail’s signature thick and glossy crema, shake hard for 20-30 seconds and pour into a chilled glass. As the drink warms, the froth will disappear so be sure to have your glasses ready. 

The best way to serve espresso martinis

Serve your homemade espresso martinis simply and elegantly in a martini glass garnished with three coffee beans to represent health, wealth and happiness.

If you want to put your spin on this classic cocktail, opt for different liqueurs, such as Baileys or Frangelico. Choose flavoured vodkas such as salted caramel, or go all out with the bold flavours of coconut cream, caramel sauce or vanilla syrup. You can also add your creative touch to the presentation by serving your cocktail with cappuccino powder, a rim of desiccated coconut, an orange-peel twist, or even whipped cream with a sprinkling of cinnamon powder. 

Place the vodka, coffee liqueur, coffee and ice into a cocktail shaker and shake until well chilled and slightly frothy. Strain into a chilled serving glass. Top with coffee beans to serve.