Top 12 Espresso Cocktails to Try

Refreshing and full of flavor, espresso cocktails are a favorite for good reasons.

They range from delightful, after-dinner drinks to bold brunch beverages.

They can be warm and rich, perfect for a cold winter’s night, or frozen and laced with fruit flavors.

Knowing how to make a great one might take some practice, and you may need to hunt down a few unique ingredients.

But the results are more than worth it. 

Best Espresso Cocktails

Espresso Martini

A trendy bar staple, the espresso martini is the perfect after-dinner drink. You can create an indulgent cocktail that takes the place of dessert using rich espresso, coffee liqueur, and a shot of vodka.

The trick is to shake this drink hard and fast. That’s what creates the impressive foamy topper on this beverage.

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Affogato Cocktail

Fans of coffee ice cream will love this espresso cocktail. Crafted using grappa, coffee liquor, creme de cacao, espresso, and ice cream, this recipe requires more than your standard bar fare. But the results are worth the effort.

Try it after your next Italian-themed dinner in place of dessert.

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Espresso Old-Fashioned

This stiff take on a coffee cocktail isn’t for the faint of heart. It combines a double shot of espresso with rye whiskey, simple syrup, bitters, and a lemon twist. 

Far from a creamy, after-dinner drink, this is one you might consider after a hard day’s work. Or, serve it up sans alcohol for a mid-morning pick-me-up.

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Mocha Espresso Martini

Chocolate and coffee lovers rejoice! This cocktail is designed with you in mind.

This would be a great alternative to the standard mimosa with brunch, featuring coffee liquor and espresso over ice. As an icy cocktail, it’s also fantastic in the summer months. 

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Insomniac Cocktail

Sweet, creamy, and oh-so-caffeinated, this cocktail is perfect for those nights you don’t want to end. Crafted from hazelnut liquor, coffee liquor, vodka, cream, and espresso, this is an ideal dessert drink.

Plus, it’s easy to whip up, even if you don’t have an espresso machine. Cold brew or strong-brewed coffee work as the perfect substitutions.

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The Dark Velvet

The Dark Velvet cocktail takes a few extra steps, but the results are worth it. Rich, creamy, and decadent, this beverage relies on amaretto, espresso, rum, and heavy cream to create a stunning drink.

The hardest part is getting the cream to float on the espresso and rum mix. But with a bit of patience, anyone can do it.

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Tequila Espresso Martini

You might think tequila and espresso would only go together sometimes, but this cocktail recipe will prove you wrong. It uses Kahlua, tequila, and espresso to create a martini that pays tribute to Kahlua’s Mexican roots.

Plus, it’s super easy to make. Simply shake everything together over ice and strain.

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Iced Dark Chocolate Orange Espresso

If you’re a fan of chocolate and orange, you’ll love this take on the espresso cocktail. Bold espresso with rich chocolate undertones and bright orange zest come together beautifully in a chilled cocktail glass.

This recipe doesn’t include alcohol, but you could add a vodka shot if you choose.

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Wake Up Call

The Wake Up Call features fruity rum with a smokey chili kick. This unique espresso cocktail is bright and exciting, perfect for a weekend brunch.

You might not have chili bitters in your regular bar inventory, but if you’re a fan of rum-based cocktails, it’s worth seeking out. It plays with the rum and espresso exceptionally well.

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Frozen Salted Espresso Martinis

The Frozen Salted Espresso Martini is the perfect pick for a sunny day. It will take some preparation, as you’ll need to freeze your espresso in advance, but the results are epic. 

Best of all, this recipe makes enough for two, making this salty-sweet treat perfect for sharing with a friend at the pool.

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But First, Coffee

If you’re a fan of cold brew, you’ll love this modern take on the traditional espresso martini. The recipe uses reposado tequila and a unique Coca-Cola reduction to create a unique cold-brew-flavored cocktail.

It’s not an easy one to put together, as you’ll have to seek out Mexican Coke and reduce it down to syrup. But if you like the deep flavors of cold brew coffee, it’s worth the extra effort.

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Espress Ya’self

If the bitter notes in a typical espresso martini aren’t your jam, this recipe might be a better option.

It’s a little complex, and you’ll have to search for ingredients, but a recipe like this will impress your friends.

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Cheers!

Espresso cocktails come in all sorts. Frozen, warm, sweet, or complex, these cocktails work as after-dinner drinks, brunch treats, and everything else.

Do you have a favorite espresso cocktail? We’d love to hear about it.

Leave a comment below and tell us what it is.