The Best Espresso Martini Recipe
The classic espresso martini is a beloved cocktail among coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. This delicious and indulgent drink combines the bold flavors of fresh espresso with the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of coffee liquor. It’s become one of my absolute favorite drinks to keep me awake when I need a little extra boost.
It's the perfect after-dinner drink or a great way to kick off a night out with friends. In this blog post, I’m sharing the best classic espresso martini cocktail recipe, along with some tips and tricks to make it even better.
What You'll Need:
2 ounces of your favorite vodka
1/2 ounce of Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
1/2 ounce of simple syrup
1 ounce of freshly made espresso or cold brew concentrate
3 espresso beans to garnish
The Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
To make the perfect espresso martini, you'll need to start with good quality ingredients. Use your favorite vodka, preferably a premium brand like Grey Goose or Absolut. For the coffee liquor, I recommend Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur for its rich and intense coffee flavor. As for the espresso, you can either use a shot of freshly made espresso or cold brew concentrate. If you don't have access to an espresso machine, instant espresso or strong brewed coffee can be a great substitute.
Step 2: Add the Vodka, Coffee Liquor, and Simple Syrup to a Shaker
In a metal cocktail shaker, add 2 ounces of your favorite vodka, 1/2 ounce of coffee liquor, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. The simple syrup will add a touch of sweetness to the drink, balancing out the bitterness of the coffee.
Step 3: Add the Espresso or Cold Brew Concentrate
Next, add 1 ounce of freshly made espresso or cold brew concentrate to the shaker. This will give the drink its signature strong coffee taste. If you're using cold brew concentrate, make sure to dilute it with equal parts water before adding it to the shaker.
Step 4: Shake It Up
Add plenty of ice to the shaker and give it a good shake for about 10-15 seconds. The key to a great espresso martini is a hard shake to create a frothy layer on top.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass. The frothy top should form a creamy layer, adding to the visual appeal of the drink.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
To finish off your classic espresso martini, garnish with three espresso beans on top. Not only does it look elegant, but it also adds a hint of coffee aroma to the drink. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious creation.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Classic Espresso Martini:
Use freshly made espresso or cold brew concentrate for the best flavor. Avoid using leftover coffee as it may not have the same intensity.
- If you don't have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar or even a French press can be a great substitute.
For a creamier espresso martini, you can replace the vodka with vanilla vodka. It will add a hint of vanilla to the drink, making it even more indulgent.
To make a Baileys espresso martini, simply replace the coffee liquor with Baileys Irish Cream for a sweet and creamy twist.
If you're not a fan of vodka, you can also use rum, whiskey, or even tequila for a different flavor profile.
For a stronger coffee flavor, add a shot of espresso on top of the drink as a float. It will also add a beautiful layered look to your cocktail.
Why is the Classic Espresso Martini a Must-Try Cocktail?
The classic espresso martini has become a staple in the cocktail world, loved by many for its rich and indulgent flavors. It's a modern classic that originated in the early 1980s when legendary bartender Dick Bradsell created it for a customer who asked for a drink that would "wake me up, and then f**k me up". And thus, the espresso martini was born.
The combination of vodka, coffee liquor, and fresh espresso creates a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The frothy top adds a fun and luxurious touch, making it a great dinner cocktail or a fun drink to enjoy with friends. It's also a great way to get your caffeine fix while enjoying a night out.
Variations of the Classic Espresso Martini:
Over the years, the classic espresso martini has been adapted and reinvented by many bartenders. Here are some fun variations you can try:
Irish Coffee Martini: Add a shot of Baileys Irish Cream to the classic recipe for a creamy and indulgent twist.
Vanilla Espresso Martini: Use vanilla vodka instead of regular vodka for a sweeter and creamier version of the drink.
Cold Brew Martini: Replace the espresso with cold brew concentrate for a smoother and less acidic flavor.
Rum Espresso Martini: Swap the vodka for rum for a richer and more complex flavor profile.
Triple Shot Espresso Martini: Add a shot of espresso on top of the drink for an extra kick of caffeine.
The classic espresso martini is a true martini in every sense, with simple ingredients that come together to create a perfect cocktail. It's a great after-dinner drink or a fun way to start a night out. With its strong coffee flavor and frothy top, it's a must-try for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. So next time you're at a bar or a dinner party, make sure to order or make yourself a classic espresso martini for a truly indulgent experience. Cheers!
The Best Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients:
2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce espresso or cold brew concentrate
Ice
3 Espresso beans to garnish
Instructions:
Add the vodka, Kahlua, simple syrup, and espresso or cold brew concentrate to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Shake well until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with 3 espresso beans (make sure to use 3 for good luck!), if desired.
And that's it! You now have a delicious espresso martini that you can enjoy at home.
So now that you know how to make an espresso martini at home, why not give it a try? It's a delicious and sophisticated cocktail that is sure to impress your friends and family. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of know-how, you now have a delicious espresso martini anytime the mood strikes.
Classic Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce espresso or cold brew concentrate
- 3 Espresso beans to garnish
Instructions
- Add the vodka, Kahlua, simple syrup, and espresso or cold brew concentrate to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with 3 espresso beans (make sure to use 3 for good luck!), if desired.
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Hi, I’m Jessie!
I’m a mom, wife, marketer, cook, and connoisseur of simple and indulgent pleasures.
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