Posted By: Tastefully Grace /
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5 from 37 votes
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.
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.
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 co*cktail 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 provide a caffeine boost, making them a favorite for coffee lovers like me.
- Versatility: as a dessert co*cktail, 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 Recipe 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 co*cktail 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.
Brew your espresso.
- Add.
To a co*cktail shaker, add ice, then coffee liqueur of choice, vodka, then espresso.
- Shake.
Shake co*cktail for at least 15 seconds.
- Strain.
Strain co*cktail into a martini glass (or other glass you’d like!).
- Garnish.
Garnish with a pinch of instant espresso or coffee beans.
Recipe 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: 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.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You really only need a few tools to make an espresso martini at home:
- co*cktail shaker and strainer (or mason jar or blender bottle with lid)
- A jigger (or 1 tablespoon measure which is close to ½ ounce)
- A martini glass (or other glass) to serve!
- An espresso maker or some way to make espresso.
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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail vigorously will yield that frothy, foamy “head” on your co*cktail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I make an espresso martini frothy?
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!
Can I use decaffeinated espresso to make an espresso martini?
Yes, I do this all the time!
What do I use if I don’t have a co*cktail shaker?
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.
Can you make an espresso martini ahead?
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 co*cktail shaker, in the fridge, except the ice. Add ice last minute, shake, and serve!
Can you make multiple espresso martinis at once?
Yes, you can typically make and shake 2-3 martinis in one shaker at a time.
Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso?
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!
More Drink Recipes You’ll Love!
- Mango Smoothie
- How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
- Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
- Apple Martini Recipe (Appletini with Cider)
Best Espresso Martini Recipe
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.
5 from 37 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Course: co*cktails, Drinks
Cuisine: English
Keyword: any season
Servings: 1 martini
Calories: 198kcal
Author: Tastefully Grace
Equipment
co*cktail 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 co*cktail shaker, add ice, then coffee liqueur of choice (I like adding a ½ ounce of both Baileys and Kahlua!), vodka, then espresso.
Shake co*cktail vigorously for at least 15 seconds.
Strain co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail vigorously will yield that frothy, foamy “head” on your co*cktail.
Nutrition
Serving: 1martini | Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 33mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.04mg
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