Nothing beats an espresso martini that you can enjoy right at home! This easy espresso martini recipe is the best, with tips and tricks along the way to make that restaurant-quality, showstopping frothy finish and deliciously balanced coffee flavor.
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Some like to use Kahlua, that yields an intense coffee flavor. Some like the creaminess of Baileys. Some like to both Kahlua and Baileys (like me!) to enjoy the best of both worlds! Regardless of your coffee liqueur preference, I’ll show you how to make the espresso martini of your dreams, from start to finish.
We all know that espresso martinis make the best after dinner drink before dessert with a cheese board and bacon jam or with something sweet like these wicked good brown butter chocolate chip cookies. You also can’t go wrong with an espresso martini pre-dinner during cocktail hour as a pick-me-up!
There’s so many reasons to love this espresso martini recipe. Here’s just a few reasons why you’ll love it!
- Best flavor: this espresso martini recipe is the perfect mix between coffee flavor and creaminess, the two essential components of a great espresso martini!
- Coffee kick: coffee lovers! Espresso Martinis, like a White Russian provide a caffeine boost, making them a favorite for coffee lovers like me.
- Versatility: as a dessert cocktail, an aperitif, or a happy hour favorite, espresso martinis are great for any occasion.
- 4 ingredients: espresso martinis are great to make at home because they only require 3-4 ingredients (vodka, espresso, and Kahlua and/or Baileys).
- Customization: The classic recipe can be personalized with different vodka brands, coffee liqueurs, amounts of espresso, and garnishes based on your preferences.
Espresso Martini Ingredients
- Vodka – good quality, unflavored vodka is the classic base for an espresso martini.
- Coffee liqueur – use whatever coffee liqueur you like! I recommend Kahlua for a strong coffee tasting espresso martini, or Baileys for a creamier espresso martini. My secret trick is to use both Kahlua and Baileys for a creamy, yet rich coffee flavored espresso martini.
- Espresso – you’ll need one shot of espresso for this recipe! You can use regular or decaf espresso.
- Ice – you’ll need a handful of ice to chill your drink down while shaking it.
- Instant espresso or coffee beans (optional garnish) – I love garnishing my cocktail with some instant espresso instead of coffee beans, so that way you aren’t trying to sip around the coffee beans floating in your martini (which is the traditional way)!
How to Make An Espresso Martini
Let’s make an espresso martini at home, and it’ll be the best you’ve ever had! Full instructions in the recipe card; this is just an outline!
- Brew your espresso.
- To a cocktail shaker, add ice, then coffee liqueur of choice, vodka, then espresso.
- Shake cocktail for at least 15 seconds.
- Strain cocktail into a martini glass (or other glass you’d like!).
- Garnish with a pinch of instant espresso or coffee beans.
My Pro Tip
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
Add ½ ounce simple syrup if you like your martini extra sweet!
You can use gin instead of vodka if preferred, however keep in mind that gin has a more floral, herbaceous quality.
Garnish your cocktail with a pinch of instant espresso (my favorite way), coffee beans (the classic way), chocolate covered espresso beans, or a dusting of cocoa powder. I prefer the instant espresso garnish so that way you aren’t trying to push away coffee beans with your lips while drinking!
Shaking your cocktail vigorously will yield that frothy, foamy “head” on your cocktail.
Helpful Swaps and Variations
- Vodka Alternatives: Rum adds a sweet, molasses flavor. Tequila would add a more earthy, agave taste. Bourbon has more caramel, vanilla notes.
- Kahlua Alternatives: try using Tia Maria, Mr. Black, or all Baileys.
- Baileys Alternatives: you can try RumChata (cinnamon and vanilla flavor), Amarula (fruit and cream), or a nut-based liqueur like Frangelico. You can also use all Kahlua!
- Espresso Alternatives: trycold brew concentrate or strong brewed coffee.
- Flavor Enhancers: add a splash of vanilla extract, peppermint schnapps, or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key to frothy espresso martinis is to shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds in a shaker before serving. You’ll get a nice foamy “head” that way!
Yes, I do this all the time!
You can use a blender bottle or a mason jar as an alternative. You might not be able to achieve as frothy of an espresso martini, but that’s okay! If you don’t have a jigger, use a tablespoon measure which is close to 1/2 ounce.
Yes, you can make espresso martinis up to 24 hours ahead, but nothing beats freshly made martinis with fresh espresso. Leave all ingredients in your cocktail shaker, in the fridge, except the ice. Add ice last minute, shake, and serve!
Yes, you can typically make and shake 2-3 martinis in one shaker at a time.
Espresso has a more intense coffee flavor and is creamier than espresso, but brewed coffee will work if you don’t have access to espresso!
Vodka, and both coffee liquers (Bailey’s and Kahlua) make the best espresso martini that’s both creamy and with a balanced coffee flavor!
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If you’ve tried this BEST Espresso Martini Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
Best Espresso Martini Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (or mason jar with lid)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur, Baileys, Kahlua or I like 50/50 both
- 1 ounce espresso, one shot of espresso
- Handful of ice
- Instant espresso or 3 coffee beans, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brew your espresso. Set aside.
- To a cocktail shaker, add ice, then coffee liqueur of choice (I like adding a ½ ounce of both Baileys and Kahlua!), vodka, then espresso.
- Shake cocktail vigorously for at least 15 seconds.
- Strain cocktail into a martini glass (or other glass you’d like!), leaving ice in the shaker.
- Garnish with a pinch of instant espresso (my favorite way), or coffee beans.
Video
Notes
- Add ½ ounce simple syrup if you like your martinis extra sweet!
- Garnish your cocktail with a pinch of instant espresso (my favorite way), coffee beans (the classic way), chocolate covered espresso beans, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- I prefer the instant espresso garnish, so that way you aren’t trying to sip around the coffee beans floating in your martini!
- Shaking your cocktail vigorously will yield that frothy, foamy “head” on your cocktail.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I saw five star reviews on this recipe while browsing for an espresso martini recipe.
You Nailed it. Very good
Jennifer,
Thank you for your kind words!! ๐
Grace
Added a few spoonfuls of frothed half n half.
Yum! Love that!
Thanks for your review,
Grace
This looks easy and delicious! I’m looking to make this for company. Is there an easy way to prepare the coffee ahead of time? I don’t have an espresso machine, but my coffee maker does allow for 4 oz shot of coffee. Is there a good k-cup you might recommend?
Hi Sharon,
Espresso is more intense and creamier than espresso, but brewed coffee will definitely work if you donโt have access to espresso! I would use whatever grounds you use to brew your morning coffee but make the coffee stronger than usual. You can make espresso martinis up to 24 hours ahead. Leave all ingredients in your cocktail shaker in the fridge, except the ice. Add ice last minute, shake, and serve! Or you can chill the coffee until you’re ready to use it, and shake everything last minute (preferred method). I hope this helps ๐ Enjoy!
Grace
Do you use instant espresso?
Hi Zoe,
I use freshly brewed espresso but you can use instant! I usually garnish with a little instant espresso as well. I hope this helps!
Grace
Awesome recipe…I used Bean, GlenPharmer Distillery for the Vodka, It’s infused with Vanilla and Espresso…
Hi Donna,
That sounds fantastic! That’s for letting me know ๐
Cheers!
Grace