Espresso Martini

This classic Espresso Martini recipe only takes 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to make. Yup, no official bartending skills required! Simply combine the correct ratio of vodka, espresso or cold brew coffee, and a hint of Kahlua or other liquor in a cocktail shaker, then serve it up with a foamy finish! This festive drink is perfect to serve for your upcoming holiday party or New Year’s celebration!

Easy Espresso Martini Recipe

There’s this incredible underground cocktail lounge here in Austin that makes the BEST espresso martinis.

Much like my love for recreating restaurant favorites, that affinity also carries through to whipping up cocktails at home.

So recently I got to work trying to match the flavors exactly how I remember them. But it wasn’t just what ingredients they used; I also had to figure out how much and in what ratios they used them.

The first thing I noticed is that they definitely used freshly brewed espresso. Not only did this deliver the most robust flavor, but it also helped to create a gorgeous foam after shaken.

Much like other recipes online, they also used the coffee liqueur, Kahlua. And I see why. It gives the drink a subtle sweetness and creaminess that’s unparalleled with any other liquor.

And lastly—the ratios. These martinis were some of my favorites because they had a HINT of sweetness but weren’t TOO sweet. They were also vodka-forward without being too boozy and a not-too-strong coffee flavor. The perfect after-dinner drink for coffee lovers.

So, I eventually discovered the best ratio was 2 parts vodka, 1.5 parts espresso, 1 part Kahlua. And that’s the exact recipe you’ll find below for the PERFECT frothy espresso martini!

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this espresso martini coffee cocktail recipe include:

• Vodka. While you can use just about any brand of vodka for this drink, it’s best with at least a mid-level type. Cîroc or Grey Goose are great options. Choose your favorite vodka to make a good espresso martini. 
• Coffee. Again, choose one you like! Either a fresh espresso or cold brew will add the most flavor. You can even change things up slightly with a flavored coffee if you feel like it. The key is real brewed coffee for the best and foamiest results. If you have an espresso machine, you’re all set. But a regular machine or French press works well, too.
• Kahlua. This coffee-flavored liquor adds the perfect burst of flavor to this drink. You can sub in another brand if you prefer.
• Espresso beans. Completely optional, but espresso or coffee beans make a nice garnish. (You could even splurge with some chocolate covered espresso beans!)

How to Make Espresso Martinis

See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and complete instructions.

Fill and Shake

Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it completely with ice. Then, pour the vodka, shot of espresso, and Kahlua (or coffee liquor) in.

Shake thoroughly for 5 to 10 seconds, or until it gets foamy. (This is where using freshly brewed coffee, and not a cold brew concentrate, becomes essential! The oils in the coffee are what create the foam when shaking.)

Pour and Garnish

Immediately after you finish shaking, pour the cocktail into a chilled martini glass or other cocktail glass. (Pro Tip: Using a fine mesh strainer will make it foam even better!)

If you like, garnish the drink with espresso beans and a dash of cocoa powder or cinnamon.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: You can brew the coffee a day or two early and simply keep it in the fridge.
• How to store: If you have any of this coffee-infused cocktail leftover, keep it in a jar with a tightly fitting lid, like a mason jar. Leave in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

FAQs

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Real coffee. Use a good, brewed coffee for this martini.
• Fill it up. Be sure to shake the martini with a full cup of ice for the best results.
• Strain it well. A fine mesh strainer will help make the drink frothy, as well.
• Shake, shake. Thoroughly mix the martini for 30 seconds before serving.
• Garnish away. Some espresso beans, a dash or cinnamon, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup make for a fancy presentation.

More Holiday Cocktail Recipes

If there’s one thing people do a lot of during the holiday season, it’s celebrate! Keep it fresh with a steady rotation of fun beverage options—any of these might become your new favorite cocktails.

A Pomegranate Martini is the perfect holiday beverage.

You can’t go wrong with a Cadillac Margarita or a Mexican 75.

This Frozen Peach White Wine Sangria is super refreshing.