Best Espresso Martini Recipe
I absolutely love this Espresso Martini recipe because it combines my two favorite things: the rich, bold flavor of coffee and the smooth, spirited kick of vodka. Plus, shaking it up feels like a mini workout that ends with a delightfully sophisticated, indulgent treat that’s perfect for those late-night gatherings with friends.
As someone who loves coffee, I think you’ll enjoy this Best Espresso Martini recipe. It’s a delightful blend of 2 oz vodka, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, and 0.5 oz coffee liqueur, like Kahlúa.
I love adding 0.25 oz simple syrup for the right touch of sweetness, but if you don’t have that on hand, go ahead and skip it. Shake everything with ice in a cocktail shaker, and serve in a nice glass with three coffee beans as garnish.
Ingredients
Neutral spirits base boozy cocktails.
Vodka is the neutral spirit that does all these things.
Espresso that has just been brewed: Allows for a rich and robust coffee flavor, with slight bitterness and a deep coffee character.
Kahlúa, a coffee liqueur, contributes sweetness and heightens the coffee flavor.
Syrup that is simple: Balances, alleviates the bitterness, enhances sweetness; adjust to taste.
Chill the drink, ensuring it’s refreshing and cold: Ice cubes.
Beans of coffee (garnish): Traditional adornment, supplying the appearance and olfactory charm of fresh coffee.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 0.25 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- 3 coffee beans (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool a bit.
2. Halfway fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill your mixture while you prepare the drink.
3. Add 2 oz of vodka to the shaker over the ice.
4. Pour 1 oz of the freshly brewed espresso into the shaker.
5. To the shaker, measure and pour 0.5 oz of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa.
6. To the mix, add 0.25 oz of simple syrup. Adjustment to the amount can be made to taste if a sweeter drink is desired.
7. Fasten the cover onto the shaker tightly and shake it with all of your might for approximately 15-20 seconds until the contents are thoroughly mixed, very cold, and a bit bubbly.
8. Pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, making sure to strain it well to leave behind any ice and ensure the smoothest, silkiest texture possible.
9. Precisely place three coffee beans on top of the foam for garnish, conventionally symbolizing well-being, prosperity, and joy.
10. Enjoy your correctly blended Espresso Martini the instant it leaves your grasp.
Equipment Needed
1. Espresso machine or coffee maker
2. Cocktail shaker
3. Measuring jigger or small measuring cup
4. Strainer
5. Martini glass
6. Ice cube tray (for making ice)
7. Spoon (for stirring if needed)
FAQ
- What type of vodka should I use?Any vodka of good quality will work quite nicely, but a top-shelf vodka will really accentuate the flavor profile of your espresso martini.
- Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?Although it is recommended that you use freshly brewed espresso for its rich and bold flavor, strong instant coffee can stand in for it in a pinch.
- What coffee liqueur is best?Kahlúa is a widely chosen brand known for its smooth and sweet flavors; however, you might opt to use a different store-bought coffee liqueur or a homemade version.
- How can I adjust the sweetness?Adjust the simple syrup according to your taste; begin with 0.25 oz and increase the amount if you want a sweeter cocktail.
- Should I shake or stir the cocktail?To create a frothy texture and properly chill the drink, it is recommended to shake it with ice.
- Can I prepare it in advance?The optimal way to enjoy it is fresh; however, the components can be mixed in advance, stored, and shaken when it is time to serve. Mix everything together, except the ice, and put it in the refrigerator for a brief time.
- Why are coffee beans used as garnish?The three coffee beans symbolize health, wealth, and happiness. They add a classic touch and a subtle aroma.
Substitutions and Variations
Vodka: If you replace it with rum, you get a slightly different flavor profile.
Espresso brewed to order: Use very strong coffee made with an infusion method as an alternative.
Liqueur de café : Substituer un chocolat liqueur pour un mocha twist.
Simple syrup: For a natural sweetness, you can use agave syrup or honey instead.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Glass: Before you start making your cocktail, chill the martini glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water. This will keep your Espresso Martini colder for longer when served.
2. Use Fresh Espresso: For the best flavor, brew your espresso fresh right before mixing. Allow it to cool slightly to prevent melting the ice too quickly and diluting the drink.
3. Shake Vigorously: Ensure you shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to create a nice foam on top of your martini. This foam is a signature aspect of an Espresso Martini.
4. Adjust Sweetness: Taste your drink before serving. You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup to suit your preference—start with less and add more if needed.
5. Fine Strain: After shaking, use a fine mesh strainer to pour the cocktail into the glass. This will ensure a smooth texture by removing any small ice shards from the drink.
Best Espresso Martini Recipe
My favorite Best Espresso Martini Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Espresso machine or coffee maker
2. Cocktail shaker
3. Measuring jigger or small measuring cup
4. Strainer
5. Martini glass
6. Ice cube tray (for making ice)
7. Spoon (for stirring if needed)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 0.25 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- 3 coffee beans (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool a bit.
2. Halfway fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill your mixture while you prepare the drink.
3. Add 2 oz of vodka to the shaker over the ice.
4. Pour 1 oz of the freshly brewed espresso into the shaker.
5. To the shaker, measure and pour 0.5 oz of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa.
6. To the mix, add 0.25 oz of simple syrup. Adjustment to the amount can be made to taste if a sweeter drink is desired.
7. Fasten the cover onto the shaker tightly and shake it with all of your might for approximately 15-20 seconds until the contents are thoroughly mixed, very cold, and a bit bubbly.
8. Pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, making sure to strain it well to leave behind any ice and ensure the smoothest, silkiest texture possible.
9. Precisely place three coffee beans on top of the foam for garnish, conventionally symbolizing well-being, prosperity, and joy.
10. Enjoy your correctly blended Espresso Martini the instant it leaves your grasp.