Espresso Martini

What is an Espresso Martini?

Quick fun fact for you! Did you know that the first espresso martini was invented in the 1980s? Legend has it that an aspiring supermodel asked a bartender at Dick Bradsell's bar to give her a cocktail that would wake her up. He mixed together coffee liqueur with some sugar and a shot of espresso.

The classic espresso martini is so popular today that there is even a holiday for it. Yup, Espresso Martini Day is March 15th. So mark it down and enjoy this drink!

What does an espresso martini taste like?

An espresso martini has rich, nutty flavors from the espresso shot. The creamy Kahlua subdues the bold espresso flavors. Vodka gives it the kick you love in mixed drinks and the simple syrup creates a dance of sweetness on your tongue.

What alcohol is in an espresso martini?

A classic espresso martini is made with coffee liqueur and vodka. However, there are many variations to make this martini creamy, chocolatey, or give it an extra punch of flavor or alcohol. See variations below.

Why This is the Best Espresso Martini Recipe

This recipe is so easy to make that anyone can make it! You don't need an espresso machine, just use really strong coffee.

Plus, it's really easy to change up to suit your taste. In fact, we shared some of our favorite add-ins below.

This simple espresso martini recipe has rich, deep flavors with just the right proportions of liquor to espresso.

Espresso Martini Ingredients

• Vodka
• Coffee Liqueur
• Espresso - see notes and other options below
• Simple Syrup
• Egg white (for making without espresso machine)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Vodka - The best vodka for an espresso martini is the one you enjoy. Absolut, Grey Goose, Ketel One, Chopin, Tito's, Van Gogh, and Smirnoff are all great ones to use.

Coffee Liqueur - The best coffee liqueur for an espresso martini is Kahlua, Tia Maria, or Mr. Black coffee liqueur. Cafe Patron is the best choice if you are making an espresso martini with tequila.

Espresso - The best espresso for an espresso martini is machine-brewed. This is great if you have a real espresso machine to make it from ground espresso beans or use a Nespresso or other espresso capsule machine.

If you don't have a machine, you use canned espresso such as Starbucks double shot espresso or High Brew double espresso.

You can make an espresso martini without espresso. You can make an espresso martini with coffee (strongly brewed) or an espresso martini with cold brew.

If you don't use machine-brewed espresso, you'll need to make your espresso martini with egg white to get the foam layer on top.

Equipment Needed

• Espresso Machine - is optional but makes the best espresso martini
• Cocktail Shaker
• Martini Glasses

How to Make an Espresso Martini

1. Pour Kahlua and vodka into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add simple syrup. Use more or less depending on how sweet you like your coffee.
3. Pour in espresso that has been chilled.
4. Finally, top with the egg white for foam. Omit this step if you are making this cocktail with fresh espresso.

5. Place top on cocktail shaker.
6. Shake without ice for 30 seconds to provide the most foam.
7. Add ice.
8. Shake again for 30 seconds.

9. Strain into two martini glasses.

10. Top with three coffee beans and serve immediately.

How to Make an Espresso Martini Frothy

Using machine-brewed espresso is the best way. Machine-brewed espresso has foam on top which is called creama in Italian.

If you don't use machine-brewed espresso, using an egg white is the second best method. If you are concerned about drinking raw egg white, you can use pasteurized egg white.

The third method is to use cocktail foam. Add a couple of drops to the mixture and vigorously shaking it will create the foam. You can get cocktail foamer on Amazon.

Espresso Martini Garnish

The most common garnish for an espresso martini is 3 whole coffee beans. Using three coffee beans originates from the traditional garnish for Sambuca in Italy. The three beans represent health, wealth, and happiness and is called La Mosca which translates to "the fly".

Here are some other garnish options:

• Mix equal parts of finely ground coffee beans. Dip the rim of the glass in simple syrup and then in the coffee-sugar mixture.
• Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the martini glass.
• Lightly sprinkle cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix on top.

Recipe Variations - Alcohol

There are multitudes of variations for an espresso martini. If you want to make an espresso martini without Kahlua or vodka, you have plenty of options:

• Creamy Espresso Martini - make an espresso martini with a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream, Amarula, or RumChata. Or you can make an espresso martini with cream, just add 2 ounces of heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Espresso Vodka - Give your cocktail an extra punch of espresso flavor.
• Gin Espresso Martini - substitute the vodka with gin. Use a mild-flavored dry gin so the herbal notes won't compete with the coffee flavor.
• Godiva Espresso Martini - substitute the Kahlua with Godiva chocolate liqueur.
• Licor 43 Espresso Martini - substitute the Kahlua with Licor 43 or add a half shot of it.
• Rum Espresso Martini - substitute the vodka with rum. Add a shot of Rumchata to make it creamy.
• Tequila Espresso Martini - substitute the vodka with tequila (Patron or Patron XO are great ones). Add a shot of Cafe Patron coffee liqueur to make it creamy.
• Vanilla Vodka - Gives the martini a touch of vanilla flavor.
• Whiskey Espresso Martini - substitute the vodka with whiskey. This is also known as an Irish Espresso Martini.

Recipe Variations - Flavors

• Almond Espresso Martini - Add ½ shot of Disaronno amaretto.
• Caramel Espresso Martini - Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup.
• Chocolate Espresso Martini - Use Godiva Chocolate Liqueur instead of or in addition to Kahlua.
• Hazelnut Espresso Martini - Add 1 shot of Frangelico hazelnut liqueur.
• Mocha Espresso Martini - Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup.
• Peppermint Espresso Martini - Add 2 or 3 drops of peppermint extract.
• Salted Caramel Espresso Martini - Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of salted caramel syrup.
• Vanilla Espresso Martini - Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or use vanilla vodka instead of regular vodka.
• White Chocolate Espresso Martini - Use white chocolate liqueur instead of Kahlua.

Serving Variations

Instead of pouring it into a martini glass, you have a couple of other options for serving an espresso martini.

• Espresso Martini Shots - Pour into shot glasses.
• Frozen Espresso Martini - Blend the ingredients with a cup of ice or coffee ice cubes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Frozen Mudslide
• Ranch Water Drink
• Raspberry Daiquiri
• Iced Coffee with Kahlua & Baileys from Beryl's Kitchen
• Texas Margarita

Find lots of easy and tasty cocktail recipes right here on 2CM!