Espresso Martini

Some cocktails are all about slow sipping. The Espresso Martini is not shy like that. It shows up cold, bold, and topped with a thick foam that makes the first sip feel like a treat. The first time I made one at home, I was shocked by how “bar quality” it tasted with just a few ingredients and a good shake.

I love this because it is the perfect bridge between coffee and cocktails. It has that deep espresso flavor, but the sweetness from coffee liqueur and simple syrup keeps it balanced. Plus, it is one of those drinks that makes people pull out their phones, because a good espresso martini foam always looks impressive. This cocktail fits so many moments: pre-dinner drinks, late-night hangs, brunch, holidays, and parties when you want something that feels a little fancy without being complicated.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Espresso Martini is a classic for a reason. It tastes rich and smooth, it looks great in a coupe glass, and it gives you that coffee kick without tasting like a sugar bomb. When it is made right, the foam is thick, the drink is chilled, and every sip feels clean.

• Big coffee flavor: Fresh espresso gives it that deep, roasted taste.
• Smooth and balanced: Vodka keeps it crisp, while the liqueur adds sweetness.
• That iconic foam: Shaking creates the creamy top that makes this drink famous.
• Fast to make: Once your espresso is ready, it comes together in minutes.
• Perfect for hosting: Easy to scale for a small group.
• Great for photos: The foam layer and three coffee beans look polished.

If you want a cocktail that feels like a night out without leaving your house, this is the move.

Ingredients

This recipe is simple, but it is built on smart choices. Vodka provides a clean base, espresso adds real coffee intensity, coffee liqueur brings sweetness and depth, and simple syrup lets you control the final balance. The coffee bean garnish is classic and adds a little aroma right at the top.

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh espresso
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Garnish: 3 coffee beans

A few ingredient notes:

Fresh espresso makes a real difference here. It gives the drink a stronger coffee taste and helps create better foam. Coffee liqueur also varies a lot by brand. Some are sweeter, some are stronger, so you may adjust your simple syrup slightly after your first try.

Warning: Hot espresso can melt your ice fast and water down the drink. Let the espresso cool for a minute or two before shaking.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Since this cocktail has only a few ingredients, quality matters, especially for vodka and coffee liqueur. You do not need the fanciest bottles, but you do want smooth spirits and a coffee liqueur that tastes like actual coffee.

• Vodka picks: Tito’s, Absolut, Ketel One, or Grey Goose all work well and taste clean.
• Coffee liqueur picks: Kahlua is the standard and easy to find. Tia Maria is a good option if you want a slightly different coffee vibe.
• Sub for espresso: Strong cold brew concentrate works if you do not have an espresso machine. Use 1 oz cold brew concentrate and expect a lighter foam.
• Sub for simple syrup: Use agave syrup or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Start with a little less since they can taste stronger.
• Stronger coffee option: Use a darker roast espresso shot for a bolder taste.
• Lower-sugar option: Reduce simple syrup to 1/4 oz, especially if your coffee liqueur is sweet.

If you want to keep it classic, start with Kahlua and a clean vodka. Then tweak sweetness based on your taste.

Equipment and Glassware

You do not need a full bar setup, but a good shaker and a fine mesh strainer help a lot. The goal is cold, smooth, and foamy.

You will need:

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Martini Glass

Tip: Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes. A cold glass helps the foam stay thicker and keeps the drink crisp.

How to Make It

This drink is all about the shake. You want enough time to chill the cocktail and build that rich foam. A short shake can taste fine, but it will not look as good.

1. Add the ingredients to a shaker.
   Pour into a cocktail shaker:
   • 2 oz vodka
   • 1 oz fresh espresso
   • 1 oz coffee liqueur
   • 1/2 oz simple syrup
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
   Use plenty of ice to chill fast and reduce dilution.
3. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
   Shake hard until the shaker feels very cold. This helps build foam and smooth out the drink.
4. Double strain into a chilled glass.
   Strain through your shaker strainer and a fine mesh strainer into a coupe or martini glass. This removes ice chips for a smooth finish.
5. Garnish with three coffee beans.
   Place them gently on the foam so they float.
6. Serve immediately.
   Espresso martinis are best right away, while the foam is thick.

Common tweaks are simple. If it tastes too sweet, cut the simple syrup. If it tastes too strong, increase the coffee liqueur slightly or use 1.5 oz vodka instead of 2 oz.

Pro Tips

A great Espresso Martini comes down to foam, temperature, and balance. These tips help you get that bar-style result at home.

• Cool your espresso slightly: Hot espresso melts ice fast and makes the drink watery.
• Shake longer than you think: 30 seconds is what builds the foam most people want.
• Use fresh espresso when possible: It gives stronger flavor and better foam.
• Chill the glass: A cold glass helps the foam sit nicely and last longer.
• Double strain: This keeps the texture smooth and removes tiny ice chips.
• Adjust sweetness after your first try: Coffee liqueurs vary a lot, so simple syrup is your control knob.
• Use plenty of ice: More ice usually means less dilution, since it chills faster.
• Keep garnish simple: Coffee beans look classic and do not clutter the top.

Once you nail your base recipe, you can play with different coffee beans and liqueurs to find your favorite flavor.