Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Espresso Martini

5 from 3 votes
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Posted: 05/28/22

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

A sophisticated martini with a caffeine kick, the Espresso Martini is frothy, rich,and made with only three ingredients. Espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur combine to create an indulging and boozy cocktail for all coffee lovers.

three martini glasses of Espresso Martini garnished with espresso beans

A vodka martini that is easy to make and enjoy, this Espresso Martini is sure to perk you up! The after-dinner caffeinated delight was created in London and is pure magic.

What’s in an Espresso Martini

An Espresso Martini is made up of just three ingredients, and an equal ratio of each.

  • Espresso. If you don’t have espresso, substitute a strongly brewed coffee (that has been chilled) or cold brew coffee concentrate. These strongly brewed espresso alternatives will help keep the flavor as well as the temperature of the drink ideal.
  • Coffee-flavored Liqueur. The most common coffee liqueur is Kahlua. With its delightful and sweet coffee flavor, it also stars in the Mudslide. See more on Kahlua below.
  • Vodka. Even though there are other strong flavors in this cocktail, use a vodka that you enjoy the flavor of. See more below on which vodka is best.
cocktail shaker pouring Espresso Martini ingredients into a martini glass surrounded by espresso beans

What is Kahula?

Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur that is made with rum, sugar, and coffee. Since standard Kahlua is only made with those three ingredients, it is dairy free.

How To Make Espresso Martini

  1. Make Fresh Espresso. Let your espresso chill in the freezer for a few minutes prior to preparing the cocktail to prevent the hot liquid from melting the ice and diluting the drink.
  2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso to the shaker with ice.
  3. Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds. The longer you shake it, the more head that will form on your drink.
  4. Strain into your chilled glass quickly. This will ensure the foam comes out and into your drink rather than remaining in the shaker.
man's hand pouring cocktail shaker of Espresso Martini ingredients into a martini glass surrounded by espresso beans

How To Serve

Serve your Espresso Martini in a chilled martini glass and garnish with espresso beans. Enjoy or serve immediately to enjoy the cocktail while it is fresh and cold.

FAQ

How Do You Make the Espresso Martini Frothy

The frothy foam texture on top of an Espresso Martini is one of the best parts of the cocktail. Be sure to use freshly brewed espresso (that has been chilled for a few minutes in the freezer) and strain into your glass quickly after shaking vigorously.

What Vodka is Best

Good vodka can fortunately be found at all price points. The best quality vodkas for the price are Grey Goose and Belvediere. For a budget-friendly vodka, we recommend using Tito’s.

How much caffeine in a shot of espresso

There is 64 mg of caffeine in one shot of espresso.

three martini glasses of Espresso Martini garnished with espresso beans

Other Fun Drinks

Try making an Espresso Martini with Baileys! Simply swap out the Kahlua for Baileys Irish Cream for a creamy espresso martini.

three martini glasses of Espresso Martini garnished with espresso beans
5 from 3 votes

Espresso Martini

Serves: 1 drink
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
The Espresso Martini is a frothy and sophisticated cocktail with a boozy caffeinated kick. Espresso, vodka and Kahlua combine to create an indulging and boozy cocktail for all coffee lovers.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 2 oz Coffee Liquor
  • 2 oz Espresso

Instructions

  • Make Fresh Espresso, chill if stronger drink desired
  • Add ice to a shaker
  • Add vodka, coffee liquor and espresso to shaker
  • Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds, longer to get more head on your drink
  • Strain into glass quickly to ensure the foam comes out and into your drink
Author: Nathan Longley
Course: Drinks
three martini glasses of Espresso Martini garnished with espresso beans

Did You Make This

Espresso Martini

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Nathan Longley has been his wife’s personal bar tender for as long as he can remember. While he most often enjoys a cold beer, he is known to love our vodka gimlet.

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