Nothing beats a creamy espresso martini that you can make 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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Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this Espresso Martini Recipe
- Espresso Martini Ingredients
- What Makes an Espresso Martini Foamy?
- Variations and Substitutions
- How to Make An Espresso Martini
- Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Espresso Martini
- How to Batch Espresso Martinis for a Party
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love!
- Best Espresso Martini Recipe
My absolute favorite cocktail is an espresso martini. Period.
Some like it creamy, some like it dark! 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!
Like it even creamier? Try my White Russian Recipe!
Why you’ll love this Espresso Martini Recipe
- It actually foams. A creamy, frothy, perfect cocktail.
- It’s balanced. Rich and coffee-forward without being overly intense or sweet.
- Five minutes, four pieces of equipment. A shaker, a glass, an espresso maker (or a workaround), and a strainer.
- It works as a pre-dinner pick-me-up or an after-dinner drink. This cocktail is super versatile.
- It scales for a crowd. Make them for twelve people or just for yourself!
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)!
What Makes an Espresso Martini Foamy?
When you shake the drink hard with ice, you’re forcing air into it, and the coffee oils trap that air in tiny bubbles. Pour the cocktail into the glass, the bubbles rise to the top, and you get that signature foam layer!
If you aren’t achieving the beautiful foam, it could be for three reasons:
- Old or stale espresso. If you brewed your espresso fifteen minutes ago, you’re already losing foam!
- Drip coffee or cold brew. They’ll work in a pinch (cold brew concentrate is the better option), but the foam will be noticeably thinner.
- Wimpy shaking. If you can’t hear the ice clattering hard against the metal, you’re not shaking enough. Put some muscle into it!
Variations and Substitutions
- 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: try Cold Brew Coffee 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.
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 glass.
- Garnish with a pinch of instant espresso or coffee beans.
My Pro Tip
Pro Tips for Making the Perfect 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.
How to Batch Espresso Martinis for a Party
If you’re hosting and you want to serve these without spending the whole night shaking away, here’s what you do!
Combine the vodka, Kahlua, and Baileys, and place in a sealed container in the fridge up to 48 hours ahead, brewing your espresso and shaking each cocktail right before guests arrive.
Don’t make the whole cocktail ahead and leave in the fridge. You always want to brew the espresso fresh and shake to order. Plus your guests will love the feeling of being at a fancy bar when you pour the espresso martini into their glass!
Frequently Asked Questions
Kahlua is a rum-based coffee liqueur that has a darker, stronger coffee flavor.
Baileys is an Irish cream that adds richness and smooths out the coffee flavor. I use both because together they give you the best of each, rich coffee depth with a creamy finish.
Yes. Strong cold brew concentrate is the best substitute, with strong brewed coffee as a backup. Just know your foam will be thinner.
Three usual culprits: you didn’t shake hard enough, your espresso was too old, or you used drip coffee or instant coffee.
Shake aggressively for at least 15-20 seconds, use fresh espresso, and pour fresh into a chilled glass.
A standard espresso martini has roughly the same alcohol content as a glass of wine, plus the caffeine of a single espresso shot.
A chilled coupe is my favorite. It shows off the foam and is easier to drink from than a traditional V-shaped martini glass. Whatever you pick, freeze it for at least 20 minutes before serving!
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If you’ve tried this 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.
Omg I finally did! I’ve always wanted to make an espresso martini and this recipe was INCREDIBLE. I loved the 50/50 kahlua/baileys. It’s like a little bit of cream in my coffee. How do I go back to martinis at the bar? lol
HA I feel the same way! They’re just too good 😉
Cheers,
Grace
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!! 🙂
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 don’t 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 🙂 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 🙂
Cheers!
Grace