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.

This is relatively a young cocktail when compared to something like Cosmopolitan, Hot Toddy, or an Old Fashioned. It 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.”

Let me tell you, this martini will do the trick for sure. It will satisfy any sweet craving you might have (specially if you add a touch of creme de cocoa), it will keep you awake all night, and it’s got some sneaky potency.

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 he 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.

Some More Martini Recipes

• Chocolate Martini
• Lemon Drop Martini
• Cosmo Martini
• Pear Martini
• White Chocolate Mocha Martini

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Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles in October 2020.