Espresso Martini

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An Espresso Martini recipe is a classic and elegant cocktail. It combines the fun of a cocktail, with a kick of caffeine. This version is strong on the coffee flavor and light on the sweetness, for a true coffee lover’s cocktail!

I have been wanting to share an espresso martini recipe for some time. I love coffee and I love a fun drink, so it just makes sense to have a great recipe on hand. However, there’s a ton of variation between recipes. So in order to create the best version, I did a lot of tasting. For about the past 6 months, when we go out and I see one on a menu somewhere, I order and try it. While there’s variation between restaurants, most commonly the recipes you see are similar and use Kahlua, but that wasn’t really my favorite. Today I’m sharing my favorite based on all of my sampling and testing.

Why This Is The Best Espresso Martini Recipe

So why did I finally decide on this as being the BEST espresso martini, after trying so many? There are a few reasons!

• Made with vodka. As mentioned, Kahlua is quite common in espresso martinis. But through all my testing and tasting, I found it wasn’t my favorite. It’s a little sweeter, plus it overpowers the espresso and you mostly taste the Kahlua. Baileys was another addition that was common, but definitely gives a different and sweeter flavor. I found that my favorites were ones that used neither. So this recipe uses espresso vodka instead. It keeps the espresso flavor front and center. I also used vanilla vodka, to add a touch of flavor without sweetening things up too much or overpowering the espresso.
• Only 4 ingredients. Martinis are proof that simple is sometimes better. I kept this recipe super simple with espresso, two types of vodka, and simple syrup.
• Not too sweet. As I mentioned above, my biggest issue with many espresso martinis was that they were just too sweet. The vanilla vodka adds a little bit of sweetness, along with a bit of simple syrup. It adds a nice balance to the espresso flavor without turning this into a dessert cocktail or overpowering the espresso.
• Strong espresso flavor. Adding the espresso vodka really leveled up the espresso flavor in this recipe, instead of watering it down like Kahlua or Baileys. This is definitely a drink for those who LOVE coffee and espresso!

Recipe Ingredients

My version of this classic cocktail is made with just 4 ingredients. The exact measurements of each can be found in the recipe card below.

• Espresso – Good espresso is, of course, a trademark of an espresso martini. Be sure to use a good, strong espresso that you regularly enjoy drinking.
• Vodka – As I mentioned above, I opted to use vodka over coffee liqueur in my martini. I used 2 parts Stoli vanilla vodka to 1 part Van Gogh double espresso vodka. The combination enhances the espresso flavor and adds a hint of sweetness without making it too sweet.
• Simple syrup – I found that adding a bit of simple syrup was necessary since this recipe doesn’t have the ultra sweetness added from the Kahlua or Bailey’s. Feel free to add more or less to taste.
• Ice
• Espresso beans – Optional but they make a nice garnish.

How To Make an Espresso Martini

It takes just a few minutes to prepare an espresso martini at home! More detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

• Prep the espresso. Make the espresso and then let it cool to room temperature. I sometimes put it in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process. Chill the martini glass for about 5 minutes.
• Shake. Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until foamy and very cold.
• Enjoy. Pour the cocktail through the shaker strainer into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with espresso beans if desired.

Helpful Tips

Here are a few things I’ve found helpful to keep in mind as I developed this recipe, as well as an option if you don’t have an espresso machine.

• Use cold brew concentrate. If you don’t have an espresso machine, swap the espresso for a cold brew concentrate. The flavor is a touch different, but it works.
• Cool the espresso. Be sure to cool the espresso, either by making it ahead and letting it cool to room temperature on the counter or popping it in the fridge to speed it up. If it’s still hot, it will cause the ice to melt and dilute the martini. If you are planning to make many for a party, make the espresso ahead and cool it.

How To Get The Foam On Top

This is all about the shaking! Shake the cocktail vigorously with ice to not only to make the drink ice cold but also to get the signature foam on top. The more you shake, the more foam you get.

Can This Be Prepared Ahead?

Since a good espresso martini is shaken and then poured with the foam on top, it’s not a drink that can easily be made in advance. BUT what I often do is make the espresso ahead of time, especially if I plan on making several espresso martinis. Then I don’t have to wait for it to cool and as I’m preparing them, I can just add everything to the shaker and go.

More Drink Recipes To Try

• Homemade Apple Cider
• Rosewater Rosé Sangria
• Homemade Eggnog
• Classic Hot Toddy

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