Espresso Martini
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Smooth and boozy, the espresso martini is the ultimate pick-me-up cocktail—perfect for any occasion. Shake it up and enjoy!
The espresso martini is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is super easy to make. With its perfect blend of vodka and espresso, it’s ideal for a little boost after a long day, as an after-dinner drink, for brunch, or even as a batch cocktail for a party.
Fun fact: The espresso martini was invented in the 1980s by a London bartender for a guest who asked for a drink to “wake me up, and then mess me up.” Though I’m pretty sure “mess” wasn’t the exact 4-letter word she used! Either way, that boozy coffee kick is still just as good (and potent) as ever.
What You’ll Need To Make An Espresso Martini
- Vodka: The base of the cocktail. Use your favorite—I’m a fan of Tito’s.
- Coffee Liqueur: Adds coffee flavor and a touch of sweetness. Kahlúa is a classic, but I love Mr. Black for its bold coffee flavor.
- Espresso or Cold Brew Concentrate: If you’re using espresso, make sure it’s cooled to room temperature. If you don’t have an espresso machine, cold brew concentrate is a great alternative—it’s a stronger version of regular cold brew coffee (find it in refrigerated section of grocery stores or coffee shops). If you can’t find it, strongly brewed coffee makes a good substitute. Whatever you choose, go for a rich, bold coffee for the best flavor.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the drink. For a creamier twist, use Baileys Irish Cream instead. If you like your drink less sweet, go easy on the syrup or skip it altogether.
- Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements
How To Make A Really Good Espresso Martini
A great espresso martini starts with vodka—balanced with smooth coffee flavor, just the right touch of sweetness, and a frothy, creamy top.
Start by chilling your martini glass in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes—it’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping your drink crisp and refreshing. While the glass chills, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
Now, shake it like you mean it! The frothy top is part of the magic, so shake vigorously for about 20 seconds—when your hands feel numb, you’ll know it’s ready.
Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass, then garnish with three coffee beans on top—they symbolize health, wealth, and happiness. (Alternatively, you can dust the drink with espresso or cocoa powder.) Serve immediately and enjoy!
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1 oz espresso or cold brew concentrate (see note)
- 1½ oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa or Mr. Black
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Garnish options: coffee beans, instant espresso powder, or cocoa powder
Instructions
- If using espresso, prepare it ahead of time and let it cool to room temperature. Chill a martini glass in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 5 minutes.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously until well-chilled and frothy, about 20 seconds.
- Strain into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with coffee beans, a sprinkle of instant espresso powder, or cocoa powder. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Gluten-Free Adaptable Note
To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.
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Ummmm…. Yummmmmmm….. I have been craving an Expresso Martini and you served up this recipe in my e-mail this morning. This is beyond good. Thank you! Never new about Mr. Black and only $19.99 at my local liquor store. And what is the spice I taste in this drink? Your recipes are soo good, I rarely have to substitute but today I did just cause of what I had on hand. I used the France 5 x distilled Vodka from Costco (soooo good and so much cheaper than Titos). And I used my leftover coffee from this morning for the expresso because I don’t have maker. I’m sure it’s even better with Expresso! I subbed Organic Maple Syrup for the sweet ( just a bit). I love that the ingredients aren’t full of sugar. Thank you!!
Read this recipe today and realized I actually had all the ingredients for this lovely cocktail. This is just delicious and not too sweet-excellent coffee flavor.
Thank you, Jenn, and Happy 2025 to all!!
My favorite martini! Mr.Black makes it so good!
Great traditional recipe, I am also a big fan of Tito’s vodka!
But if you want to “mix it up” then substitute a Vanilla flavored vodka and leave out the simple syrup. The vanilla flavoring adds that touch of sweetness needed.