Name: Mocha Espresso Martini
Prep time: 4 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces vodka; 1 ounce coffee liqueur (you can use Kahlúa); 1/2 ounce chocolate liqueur; 1 ounce brewed espresso (cooled); Coffee beans or grated chocolate (for garnish)

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There’s something about a good espresso martini that just gets people excited. The first time I made one at home, I thought it would be complicated and messy, like something only a fancy cocktail bar could pull off. But once I tried it, I realized it’s actually one of the easiest “wow” drinks you can make in your own kitchen.

This Mocha Espresso Martini takes that classic coffee cocktail vibe and adds a chocolate twist that makes it taste like dessert in a glass. It’s bold, smooth, and just sweet enough to feel special without being too heavy. And yes, it has that frothy top that makes espresso martinis so fun to serve.

Why You’ll Love This

If you’re the kind of person who orders coffee drinks and dessert, this cocktail was basically made for you. The mix of vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and chocolate liqueur creates a deep mocha flavor that feels cozy but still grown-up. It’s a perfect “treat yourself” drink that doesn’t require any weird ingredients or bartender-level skills.

Here’s why this one is such a win:

Tastes like a mocha latte, but as a cocktail (in the best way).
Quick to make in under 5 minutes.
Great for entertaining because it feels fancy without extra work.
That espresso foam top looks amazing for social shares and photos.
Perfect after-dinner cocktail when you want something sweet but not syrupy.
Easy to adjust if you want it stronger, sweeter, or more chocolate-forward.

Honestly, once you make one, you’ll start thinking of excuses to make it again.

Ingredients

This cocktail works because every ingredient has a clear job. Vodka gives it strength without fighting the flavor, espresso brings that bold coffee bite, and the liqueurs add sweetness and richness. The chocolate liqueur is what turns it into a mocha espresso martini instead of a standard espresso martini.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 1/2 ounces vodka
1 ounce coffee liqueur (you can use Kahlúa)
1/2 ounce chocolate liqueur
1 ounce freshly brewed espresso, cooled
Coffee beans or grated chocolate for garnish

Ingredient notes and quick tips

A few small details make a big difference here:

Vodka: Use a clean, smooth vodka. You don’t need the most expensive bottle, but avoid anything harsh. This cocktail is all about balance.
Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa is the classic choice and gives a slightly caramel-like sweetness. If you like a stronger coffee flavor, you can also use a darker coffee liqueur.
Chocolate liqueur: This adds richness and dessert vibes. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it unless you want it extra sweet.
Espresso: Fresh espresso gives the best flavor and foam. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong coffee can work (more on that in FAQs).
Garnish: Three coffee beans is traditional, but grated chocolate makes it look like a true mocha drink.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The good news is this cocktail doesn’t require rare bottles. Most liquor stores will have everything you need. I always recommend choosing mid-range brands for cocktails like this because the flavors are simple and noticeable. A rough vodka or overly artificial liqueur can throw the whole drink off.

Here are great picks and easy swaps:

Vodka (Tito’s, Ketel One, Absolut): Smooth, clean options that won’t overpower the espresso.
Coffee liqueur (Kahlúa, Tia Maria, Mr Black): Kahlúa is sweet and classic, while Mr Black is more intense and coffee-forward.
Chocolate liqueur (Baileys Chocolate, Mozart Chocolate, Godiva): These give that true cocoa flavor instead of tasting like candy.
Substitute for chocolate liqueur: Use 1/4 oz crème de cacao + 1/4 oz simple syrup if needed.
Substitute for coffee liqueur: Use 1/2 oz strong coffee syrup + 1/2 oz vodka (not identical, but it works in a pinch).
Espresso substitute: Use strong brewed coffee concentrate or cold brew concentrate for similar intensity.

If you want a slightly more dessert-like finish, choose a sweeter chocolate liqueur. If you want it more “coffee shop espresso,” go with a stronger coffee liqueur like Mr Black.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need a full bar setup for this, but you do need a shaker. The shaking is what chills the drink and creates that signature espresso foam on top.

Here’s what I recommend:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger (or measuring spoon/cup)
Fine mesh strainer (optional, but helps)
Martini glass
Spoon (for tasting and adjusting)

Glassware tip

A martini glass is the classic look, but if you don’t have one, a coupe glass works great too. Even a small wine glass can do the job. Just make sure it’s chilled so the drink stays cold and smooth.

How to Make It

This is one of those cocktails that looks impressive but is honestly very beginner-friendly. The key is chilling everything and shaking hard enough to get that creamy foam layer.

Chill Your Martini Glass:
Begin by placing your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill. This step ensures your drink stays cold longer.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso.
Fill the shaker with ice.
Shake It Up:
Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. The shaking process chills the drink and creates a little froth from the espresso.
Strain and Serve:
Strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass. Ensure to leave the ice behind in the shaker.
Garnish:
For a finishing touch, garnish your Mocha Espresso Martini with a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of grated chocolate on top.
Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy the rich flavors of your Mocha Espresso Martini!

Pro Tips

Little details can turn a “good” espresso cocktail into a great one. These tips are the difference between something that tastes fine and something that makes people say, “Wait…you made this at home?”

Here are my best tricks:

Use fresh espresso if possible. It gives the best flavor and the best foam.
Let the espresso cool for a minute. Hot espresso melts ice fast and can water down your cocktail.
Shake hard for full 15 seconds. This is the secret to thick foam.
Chill the glass every time. A warm glass kills the vibe quickly.
Taste before you pour. If it needs more sweetness, add a tiny splash of coffee liqueur.
Don’t skip the garnish. Coffee beans or chocolate instantly make it look bar-quality.
Want it more “mocha”? Add a pinch of cocoa powder into the shaker.
Want it extra smooth? Double strain through a fine mesh strainer.

The fun part is experimenting. Once you find your perfect balance of coffee and chocolate, you’ll start making this one your signature.

Variations

This cocktail is super easy to customize depending on your mood (or what you have on hand). The base is strong enough to handle changes without falling apart.

Try one of these:

Salted Mocha Espresso Martini: Add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the shaker. It makes the chocolate pop.
Vanilla Mocha Espresso Martini: Add 1/4 oz vanilla syrup for a coffeehouse-style twist.
Mint Mocha Espresso Martini: Add 1/8 tsp peppermint extract or use a mint chocolate liqueur.
Creamy Mocha Espresso Martini: Add 1/2 oz Irish cream for a smoother, dessert-like finish.
Mocktail version: Use espresso + chocolate syrup + coffee syrup shaken with ice, topped with a little foam from a milk frother.

If you’re making these for a party, offer 2 variations so guests can pick their favorite.

When to Serve and Pairings

This is one of the best cocktails for the end of the night. It’s bold, cozy, and gives “after dinner treat” energy without needing dessert plates or forks.

Perfect times to serve it:

Date night at home
Holiday parties
Birthday dinners
Girls’ night
New Year’s Eve
Any time you’re craving coffee cocktails

Pair it with:

Chocolate cake or brownies
Tiramisu
Cheesecake (especially chocolate or espresso flavors)
Biscotti or shortbread cookies
Chocolate-covered strawberries

If you want to keep the theme going, pair it with other dessert cocktails like a White Russian or a Chocolate Martini (and link to those if you have them on the site).

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best fresh, especially because the foam is part of the magic. But you can prep parts of it ahead of time if you’re hosting.

Here’s what works:

Brew espresso ahead of time and chill it in the fridge.
You can pre-mix vodka + coffee liqueur + chocolate liqueur in a bottle.
When ready to serve, add espresso and shake with ice.

Important: Don’t shake a batch too early. The foam won’t hold, and the drink can get watery.

Serving size: This recipe makes 1 cocktail, but it doubles easily. For a group, make them one-by-one so each one gets that frothy top.

FAQs

If you’ve never made espresso martinis at home, you’re not alone. Here are the most common questions I get when friends try this recipe.

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Yes. Espresso is best because it’s stronger and creates better foam, but strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate works too. If your coffee is weak, the drink can taste watered down.

More Cocktails to Try

If you loved this Mocha Espresso Martini, you’re probably going to enjoy other coffee cocktails and dessert-style drinks too. Here are a few great ones to try next: