ESPRESSO MARTINI

Name: Espresso Martini
Cuisine: drinks

HERE’S THE ONLY ESPRESSO MARTINI RECIPE YOU’LL EVER NEED. IT’S TASTY, EDGY, AND SOPHISTICATED—THREE AWESOME REASONS WHY IT’S ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR COFFEE COCKTAILS IN THE WORLD.

INGREDIENTS

Ice cubes

1 part Kahlúa

1 part Absolut Vodka

1 part Espresso

3 Coffee Beans

Ice cubes

30 ml Kahlúa

30 ml Absolut Vodka

30 ml Espresso

3 Coffee Beans

Ice cubes

1 oz Kahlúa

1 oz Absolut Vodka

1 oz Espresso

3 Coffee Beans

HOW TO MAKE

Fill a shaker with ice and add Kahlúa, Absolut, and espresso.
Shake until cold, about 15–20 seconds.
Strain into a martini or cocktail glass.
Garnish with 3 coffee beans for good luck.

ABOUT THE ESPRESSO MARTINI

The Espresso Martini was born from the Vodka Espresso, which was originally created by London bartender legend Dick Bradsell in 1983 (for a very famous model whose name remains a mystery). Over the years he refined and simplified the recipe into what we know now as the Espresso Martini.

Brunch tip: The perfect brunch needs a delicious coffee cocktail. Why not try an Espresso Martini with pancakes or smashed avocado on toast?

Estimated ABV = 19% (Kahlúa Original 16%) Estimated ABV = 20% (Kahlúa Original 20%) The exact value depends on how you mix, which measures you use and even your glass!

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT ESPRESSO MARTINI AT HOME

ESPRESSO MARTINI FAQ

How do I get the perfect foam on my Espresso Martini?

For a perfectly frothy Espresso Martini, just shake the ingredients with lots of ice for 15-20 seconds. The more you shake, the more microfoam builds up, giving you that smooth froth when you pour it into your glass.

What does Kahlúa add to the espresso martini?

Kahlúa adds sweetness to your Espresso Martini, balancing out the other ingredients. It also helps create that velvety mouthfeel.

What’s a non-alcoholic alternative to Kahlúa in an espresso martini?

Kahlúa adds the sweetness and smooth texture, so we recommend substituting with one part chocolate or vanilla syrup.

How do I make my espresso martini creamier?

The froth that develops when you shake the cocktail gives you that creaminess. Make sure you’re shaking up a good froth for 15-20 seconds.

What if I don’t have an espresso maker?

That’s okay! You can use espresso made with a coffee pod machine. You can even use instant espresso.

Regular coffee works, too. If you’re using regular coffee, instead of espresso, you’ll need to use less water when you brew. And, if you’re using filtered coffee, just know that the froth won’t be as thick and creamy.

What’s the best coffee roast for espresso?

Espresso (freshly) roasted coffee! Using good quality medium roasted beans, which you can grind up yourself at home, also works well.

Why should I shake my espresso martini?

Shaking helps build up the microfoam by creating those tiny air bubbles, making your Espresso Martini creamier. The foam is just as important as getting the flavors right in this cocktail.

I don’t have a cocktail shaker. What can I use?

You don’t need one! Use anything with a well-fitting lid, like a protein shaker or mason jar. Just make sure the lid is screwed on tight.

What does an espresso martini taste like?

A well-mixed Espresso Martini is sweet and smooth. It has a pleasant coffee aftertaste with subtle notes of toffee. Mixing it properly ensures a good balance between the sweet and bitter ingredients.

Why do I need to strain my Espresso Martini?

Straining removes any shards of ice that develop when you shake the cocktail. Straining also helps your cocktail look clearer. You don’t need a special strainer; a tea strainer works.