Classic Espresso Martini Recipe
Espresso Martini is a perfect after-dinner cocktail that will satisfy your sweet tooth, relax you, and give you a little jolt at the same time. There are only three ingredients and that's vodka, Kahlua, and espresso.
- When you want an invigorating cocktail, this martini should be your number one choice. It’s the combination of booze with freshly made espresso that will keep you going all night.
- I prefer my espresso martini the classic way so I perfected my recipe (after making it a few hundred times.) There are only three ingredients but they are balanced just right!
- Feel free to add some extra flavor by using Frangelico hazelnut liqueur (my personal favorite) or Creme de Cocoa for a hint of chocolate.
- Did you know that this cocktail was created in 1983 by a legendary British bartender, Dick Bradsell. The legend has it that he created this iconic cocktail for a world-famous model, Kate Moss. Apparently she requested a cocktail that would “wake me up and then f*** me up.”
How To Make Espresso Martini
This is a very simple cocktail where you just combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake it well. The only extra step is making espresso first.
The reason for using fresh, hot espresso in the cocktail is to get the distinct layer of foam at the top.
- Step 1: Make espresso right before preparing the cocktail and use fresh hot espresso. Yes, it will melt some of the ice and dilute the cocktail slightly but that is the best way to get the layer of foam at the top.
- Step 2: Add some ice to the cocktail shaker and pour in vodka, Kahlua, and espresso.
- Step 3: Quickly close the shaker with the lid and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. A nice good shake will also help with the layer of foam.
- Step 4: Pour in the espresso martini into the glasses right away.
- Step 5: Garnish the cocktail with a couple of whole coffee beans on top and serve.
What Ingredients and Tools Do I Need?
- Vodka – for best tasting cocktails, always choose ingredients that you don’t mind drinking straight. If you like the taste of vodka (or the lack of to be more accurate), you will end up with the best cocktail.
- Kahlua – use the brand name or another coffee liqueur but beware the some off-brand ones tent to be either too sweet or too weak in flavor.
- Fresh espresso – it’s best to use fresh espresso and I explain why below.
- Ice – use crushed or cubed ice to shake the cocktail.
- Cocktail shaker
- Martini glass
- Garnish – if you wish, use 2-3 whole coffee beans to garnish your martini.
Why use fresh espresso?
- The only reason to use freshly made, hot espresso is to get that beautiful layer of foam at the top of the cocktail.
- If you use cold, premade espresso, powdered instant espresso, or another coffee then you won’t get much of the foam at the top.
- So if the foam doesn’t matter to you, then free free to use instant espresso, prepare it ahead of time, or even decaf.
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Espresso Martini Recipe
Espresso Martini is a perfect after-dinner cocktail that will satisfy your sweet tooth, relax you, and give you a little jolt at the same time. There are only three ingredients and that's vodka, Kahlua, and espresso.
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Rate
Servings: 1
Calories: 231kcal
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 1 oz fresh espresso
- 2-3 whole coffee beans optional
Instructions
- Brew fresh espresso before starting to make the cocktail.
- Add ice to the cocktail shaker.
- Pour in vodka, Kahlua, and espresso.
- Close the lid and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into the martini glass right away.
- Garnish with a couple of whole coffee beans and serve.
Video
Notes
Additional Flavors:
- Hazelnut – you can add 3/4-1 oz of Frangelico for hazelnut flavor.
- Peppermint – add 1/4-1/2 oz of peppermint liqueur of choice.
- Chocolate – add 3/4 – 1 oz of creme de cacao.
- Creamy – try adding 1/2-1 oz Baileys, Godiva chocolate liqueur, or a splash of half and half if you don’t want extra alcohol.
- Decaf – if you don’t need the jolt, make yourself a decaf espresso martini by using decaf espresso.
Nutrition
Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Sugar: 13g
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Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles in October 2020.
All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.
Yes, please! Looks so good!
If your ice is made from frozen espresso it won’t dilute your drink at all . . . 🙂