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ESPRESSO MARTINI

This is the only Espresso Martini recipe you’ll ever need. It’s tasty, edgy and sophisticated – three awesome reasons why it’s the most popular coffee cocktail in the world.
Reviews
4.2 from Reviews
Pouring Espresso Martini
2 espresso martini's on a table
Two espresso Martini
Hand holding espresso martini against a yellow background

Taste : Sweet & Coffee

Skill Level : medium

Prep Time : 5 Mins

INGREDIENTS

1 part Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur

1 part Absolut Vodka

1 part Espresso

3 Whole Coffee Beans

Ice

30 ml Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur

30 ml Absolut Vodka

30 ml Espresso

3 Whole Coffee Beans

Ice

1 oz Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur

1 oz Absolut Vodka

1 oz Espresso

3 Whole Coffee Beans

Ice

HOW TO MAKE

  1. Fill a shaker halfway with ice. Add Kahlúa, Absolut Vodka and espresso.
  2. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until the shaker feels cold.
  3. Strain into a martini or cocktail glass and garnish with coffee beans.
Espresso martini how to mix

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

Cocktail Shaker

We used a Boston cocktail shaker, but a mason jar or blender bottle work just as well. In fact, you can use almost any container with a tight-fitting lid.

Fine Strainer

This removes any ice shards and stray coffee grounds. Straining also helps create the froth on top of the drink. If you don’t have a strainer, you can use a fine-mesh sieve or colander.

Coffee Machine or Espresso Maker

It doesn’t matter whether you use a high-end machine, a pod system or a stovetop percolator – anything works as long as you have a creamy espresso. Don’t have an espresso machine? You can also use instant coffee or cold brew. However, it won’t give you that signature frothy finish.

Jigger or Shot Glass

You’ll need something to measure the ingredients. If you don’t have a jigger, use a 30 ml or 1 oz shot glass instead.

Martini Glass

We suggest using a martini glass to showcase the rich color and creamy froth. Our favorite tip: chill the glass by placing it in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving to keep your cocktail cool for longer.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT ESPRESSO MARTINI AT HOME

Creating the perfect Espresso Martini is easy! Simply follow our step-by-step guide for a velvety, creamy cocktail every time:

Ice pour into shaker

1. Fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes.

Place a few large ice cubes in a shaker. Large ice cubes work best because they melt more slowly, preventing the drink from becoming too diluted.

Kahlua Pour into cocktail shaker

2. Add the Kahlúa.

Pour 1 part (30ml, 1 oz) Kahlúa over the ice. Kahlúa coffee liqueur is the signature ingredient that gives the espresso martini a hint of sweetness.

Absolut vodka being poured into shaker

3. Pour in the Absolut Vodka.

Add 1 part (30ml, 1 oz) vodka to the shaker. The vodka will mix naturally with the Kahlúa and round out the flavor of your drink.

Espresso Pour into shaker

4. Add the espresso.

Slowly pour 1 part (30 ml, 1 oz) of fresh (cooled) espresso. You can also use cold brew, coffee pods or high-quality instant coffee.

Step – 3 Making Espresso Martini

5. Shake hard for 15-20 seconds.

You’ll know you’re done when the outside of the shaker has started to frost and your hands start to feel cold. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Step – 4 Making Espresso Martini

6. Strain into a martini glass.

Use a fine strainer to pour your mixture into the glass. This keeps any ice shards out and helps create the froth.

Step – 5 Making Espresso Martini

7. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Coffee beans give the Espresso Martini its iconic look. The beans represent health, wealth and happiness. But we think they add an elegant touch.

Our Espresso Martini pro tips

1. Use Quality Espresso

We love to use freshly brewed espresso made from high-quality dark roast coffee beans. But as always, use the espresso that tastes best to you. Hot tip: Make sure it cools down before adding it, otherwise it will melt the ice and make the cocktail taste diluted.

2. Garnish Like a Pro

Get creative. Try chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for a sweet and indulgent finish. Chocolate-covered coffee beans work, too, and a pinch of instant coffee adds a lovely aroma. Our personal favorite, a dusting of cinnamon, gives the drink a cozier feel.

3. Experiment with Variations

Our favorite variation is the Mexican Espresso Martini, made with tequila instead of vodka. We also love mixing in our other Kahlúa flavors, like Salted Caramel or Mint Mocha. If you can’t get your hands on those, try adding a splash of flavored syrups like hazelnut or vanilla, or try another favorite, the Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini. Find more inspiration on our Espresso Martini Variations page.

 4. Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a splash of simple syrup to your mix. It enhances the sweetness without overpowering the rich coffee flavors, giving you a balanced cocktail. For our favorite recipe with simple syrup, check out the Vodka Espresso.

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About the Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a deliciously smooth and indulgent cocktail where the intense boldness of coffee meets the elegance of a classic drink. It’s a delightful blend of espresso, Kahlúa and Absolut Vodka, shaken to frothy perfection. Perfect for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, this icon is tasty, edgy and sophisticated – three awesome reasons why it’s one of the most popular coffee cocktails in the world.

History of 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. As the story goes, she came into his bar and asked for a drink to “Wake her up and then (something we can’t say here).” So Bradsell combined some freshly brewed espresso with Kahlúa, vodka and sugar, gave it a shake and strained it into a martini glass, crafting what would become an iconic cocktail. Over the years, he refined and simplified the recipe into the beloved classic known as the Espresso Martini.

What Does an Espresso Martini Taste Like?

The Espresso Martini boasts a rich blend of flavors. Robust espresso provides a strong coffee base, while Kahlúa adds smooth sweetness with hints of vanilla and caramel. Absolut Vodka gives a crisp finish, resulting in a velvety, frothy drink that’s both sweet and slightly bitter.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
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Easy to Make

Despite its sophisticated appearance, the Espresso Martini is surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple steps and only three ingredients, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced mixologists.

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Unbeatable Taste

Rich espresso pairs perfectly with sweet Kahlúa and smooth Absolut Vodka, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

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Perfect for Any Occasion

This classic cocktail works as a pre-dinner drink, a brunch cocktail or a drinkable dessert. Whatever the occasion, we find its stunning presentation always impresses our guests.

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Totally Customizable

Play with the sweetness, try different coffee blends, or add a flavored syrup or liqueur for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so you can always enjoy a version that’s perfect for you. Check out our Espresso Martini Variations.

Espresso Martini FAQs

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