Tequila Espresso Martini

Midnight cravings don’t always mean snacks. Sometimes you just want something cold, strong, and coffee-forward, and that’s exactly where a Tequila Espresso Martini shines. I first started making this when I wanted the vibe of an espresso martini but didn’t feel like reaching for vodka. Swapping in tequila sounded odd at first, but once I tried it, it made total sense.

Tequila, especially reposado, has warm notes that play really well with espresso. You get a little oak, a little caramel-like richness, and that clean agave backbone underneath the coffee. I love this because it tastes like a real “treat” drink, but it still feels grown-up and balanced, not sugary or heavy. This is one of those cocktails that fits a lot of moments. It’s great for dinner parties when you want a dessert drink that wakes people up a bit.

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Why You’ll Love This

A Tequila Espresso Martini is a fun twist on a classic. It has that smooth, frothy espresso top, but the tequila gives it a deeper, slightly warmer finish than vodka. If you like coffee cocktails and you like tequila, this is an easy win.

• It’s bold, coffee-forward, and still smooth
• Tequila adds a fresh twist that stands out from typical espresso martini cocktails
• Great after dinner when you want a dessert-style drink
• Easy to make at home with a shaker and a few ingredients
• The foam top and coffee bean garnish look great in photos
• You can adjust sweetness fast with simple syrup

Once you try it, it’s hard not to start thinking of tequila as a coffee-cocktail option, not just a margarita base.

Ingredients

This cocktail is all about balance: strong espresso, a little sweetness, and a spirit that can hold its own. Tequila works surprisingly well here because its agave flavor adds depth behind the coffee. The coffee liqueur bridges everything, and the simple syrup lets you dial in the sweetness.

• 2 oz tequila you can use a reposado tequila for a smooth oak-aged flavor
• 1 oz espresso freshly brewed and cooled
• 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
• 1/4 oz simple syrup adjust to taste
• Coffee beans for garnish

Ingredient notes that help:

• Tequila choice: Blanco is crisp and clean, while reposado adds a softer, warmer finish that pairs beautifully with espresso. If you’re new to tequila in coffee cocktails, reposado is usually the easiest starting point.
• Espresso: Fresh espresso gives the best foam and the best flavor. Let it cool so it doesn’t melt ice too fast during shaking.
• Coffee liqueur: This adds sweetness and coffee depth. If your liqueur is very sweet, keep the simple syrup light.
• Simple syrup: Start at 1/4 oz. You can always add more next time.
• Garnish: Coffee beans are classic, and they add a nice aroma when you sip.

Warning: Hot espresso will melt ice quickly and water down your drink. Cool it first for the best foam and flavor.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You don’t need expensive bottles to make this taste good, but smoother tequila and a decent coffee liqueur will make the final drink taste cleaner. This section is also where you can customize based on what you already have.

• Tequila (reposado): Espolòn Reposado, Olmeca Altos Reposado, or Herradura Reposado for a smooth, oak-kissed finish that matches coffee well.
• Tequila (blanco): Espolòn Blanco or El Jimador Blanco if you want a brighter, sharper tequila note.
• Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa is classic, but any coffee liqueur works. If yours is very sweet, reduce the simple syrup.
• Simple syrup substitute: Use agave nectar (start with a little less than 1/4 oz since it can be sweeter). It also matches tequila naturally.
• Espresso substitute: Strong cold brew concentrate can work in a pinch. The drink may be less foamy, but the flavor still hits.
• Extra-rich option: Add a tiny pinch of salt to the shaker to make the coffee and tequila taste deeper. Go tiny.

If you’re serving guests, reposado tequila is usually the crowd favorite because it tastes smoother and blends more naturally with the espresso.

Equipment and Glassware

This is a shaker drink, and the shake is what gives you that chilled, slightly frothy finish. A martini glass is the classic look, but a coupe works too if that’s what you have.

What you’ll need:

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Martini Glass

Optional but helpful:

• Fine mesh strainer (for a cleaner, smoother top)
• Espresso machine or moka pot (for fresh espresso)

Home tip: If you don’t have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works. Just strain carefully when you pour.

How to Make It

This cocktail is simple, but the order matters. Chill the glass first, cool the espresso, then shake hard. That’s how you get a cold drink with a nice foam cap.

1. Chill your glass.
   Put your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. This keeps the cocktail cold longer and helps it feel more “bar-style.”
2. Mix the ingredients.
   In a shaker, combine the tequila, freshly brewed espresso (cooled), coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
3. Shake it up.
   Add a handful of ice cubes. Seal the shaker and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds. You’re chilling it and building that light froth on top.
4. Strain and serve.
   Take the chilled glass out of the freezer. Strain the mixture into the glass. If you want the smoothest texture, double strain through a fine mesh strainer.
5. Garnish.
   Add three coffee beans on top for the classic look and aroma.
6. Enjoy.
   Sip while it’s cold and the foam is fresh.

Common tweak: If it tastes too bitter, add a touch more simple syrup. If it’s too sweet, reduce syrup next time or use a less sweet coffee liqueur.

Pro Tips

This drink is easy, but it gets noticeably better when you focus on temperature and shake technique. These tips help you get more foam, better balance, and a cleaner finish.

• Cool the espresso before shaking. Hot espresso melts ice fast and waters the drink down.
• Shake harder than you think you need to. A strong shake builds more foam and chills the drink better.
• Use fresh ice in the shaker. Old freezer ice can add off flavors to coffee cocktails.
• Start with 1/4 oz simple syrup. You can always go sweeter later, especially if your coffee liqueur is already sweet.
• Try reposado tequila first. It usually blends more smoothly with espresso than blanco.
• Double strain for a cleaner top. It keeps out ice chips and makes the foam look nicer.
• Keep your garnish simple. Three coffee beans look classic and add aroma with every sip.
• Tiny pinch of salt can make the coffee flavor pop and smooth the tequila edge. Do not overdo it.

Once you nail your favorite sweetness level, you can experiment with different tequilas and coffee liqueurs to find your perfect combo.

Variations

The base recipe is strong, but there are a few easy ways to switch it up without turning it into a totally different drink. These are great if you’re making cocktails for different tastes.

• Spiced version: Add a small dash of cinnamon or a tiny pinch of chili powder for a warm finish. Go light.
• Creamy version: Add 1/2 oz of cream liqueur for a softer, dessert-style drink.
• Smoky version: Use mezcal for 1/2 oz of the tequila to add gentle smoke behind the coffee.
• Extra strong version: Reduce simple syrup and add an extra 1/2 oz espresso for a bolder coffee hit.
• Mocktail version: Use a zero-proof tequila alternative and decaf espresso. Add a splash of vanilla syrup to round it out.

If you’re serving a group, the creamy version is usually the biggest crowd-pleaser, while the smoky version is the “wow” one for tequila fans.

When to Serve and Pairings

This is a great after-dinner cocktail. It’s basically dessert and coffee in one glass, with tequila giving it a fun twist. It’s also a strong pick for holidays and dinner parties because it looks fancy without taking long to make.

Best times to serve it:

• After dinner as a dessert drink
• Holiday gatherings and parties
• Date night at home
• Brunch, if your group likes coffee cocktails (it happens)

Pair it with:

• Chocolate truffles, brownies, or tiramisu
• Cheesecake or vanilla cake
• Salted nuts to balance the coffee bitterness
• A simple fruit plate with strawberries or oranges
• Other coffee-forward cocktails, like a classic espresso martini or a coffee White Russian style drink

Storage and Serving Notes

This drink is best served right away. The foam fades quickly, and the texture changes as it warms up. If you want the best flavor and look, shake and pour each one fresh.

That said, you can prep parts of it:

• Brew espresso ahead of time and chill it in the fridge.
• Pre-measure the tequila, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup into a small bottle and keep it cold.
• When you’re ready, add chilled espresso, shake with ice, and serve.

Batching note: If you’re making multiple cocktails, do them in rounds of two. Overfilling a shaker makes it harder to get good foam.

FAQs

A tequila espresso martini is a twist, so it’s normal to have questions the first time you make it. These answers help you get the flavor and foam right.

Does tequila really work in espresso martini cocktails?
Yes. Tequila, especially reposado, has warm notes that pair well with coffee. It adds depth without tasting like a margarita.

Should I use reposado or blanco tequila?
Reposado is usually smoother and blends nicely with espresso. Blanco is brighter and more sharp. Both work, but reposado is the easier starting point.

Why do I need to cool the espresso?
Because hot espresso melts ice quickly, which waters down the drink. Cooling helps you keep strong flavor and better foam.

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
Yes. Use cold brew concentrate for stronger flavor. The drink may be less foamy, but it will still taste great.

How do I get more foam on top?
Use fresh espresso, cool it, and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds. A fine mesh double strain also helps the top look smoother.

How do I adjust sweetness?
Start with 1/4 oz simple syrup, then adjust. If it’s too bitter, add a little more syrup. If it’s too sweet, reduce syrup next time or use a less sweet coffee liqueur.

More Cocktails to Try

If you liked this Tequila Espresso Martini, you’ll probably enjoy other cocktails that lean coffee-forward, creamy, or tequila-based.

• Espresso Martini: The traditional version with vodka and coffee liqueur.
• Chocolate White Russian: Creamy, coffee-forward, and perfect as a dessert drink.
• Spicy Jackfruit Margarita: Tropical and spicy, great for tequila fans who like bold flavors.
• Mezcal Paloma: Citrus-forward with a smoky finish that’s easy to sip.
• Strawberry Sweetheart Martini: A fun, creamy pink martini with a festive rim.