Nothing beats an espresso martini that you can enjoy right at home! This 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.
This espresso martini recipe gives YOU the power to choose! 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.
Looking for a dessert to accompany your after-dinner espresso martini? Try this Heavenly Chocolate Pots de Creme Recipe.
What You Need to Make This Espresso Martini Recipe
- 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 (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
Full instructions in the recipe card; this is just an outline!
- Brew.
Brew your espresso.
- Add.
To a cocktail shaker, add ice, then coffee liqueur of choice, then espresso.
- Shake.
Shake cocktail for at least 15 seconds.
- Strain.
Strain cocktail into a martini glass (or other glass you’d like!).
- Garnish.
Garnish with a pinch of instant espresso or coffee beans.
Tips to Make the Best Espresso Martini
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An espresso martini is a shaken, chilled cocktail made from vodka, espresso and coffee liqueur. It can be caffeinated or decaffeinated.
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 protein shaker or a mason jar as an alternative. You might not be able to achieve as frothy of an espresso martini, but that’s okay!
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.
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love!
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (see post above for alternatives)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur Baileys, Kahlua or 50/50 both
- 1 ounce espresso one shot of espresso
- Handful of ice
- Instant espresso 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!), 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.
