Wake up and wind down in one sip
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, 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 cocktail!
And I’m so happy to report that this espresso martini is perfect!
Why is this the BEST Espresso Martini?
We’re using freshly brewed espresso. Not only did this deliver the most robust flavor, but it also helped to create a gorgeous foam after shaken.
We can’t skip the coffee liqueur, Kahlua. 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.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Espresso beans. Completely optional, but espresso or coffee beans make a nice garnish. (You could even splurge with some chocolate covered espresso beans!)
- 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.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
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.
FAQs
The best liquor is vodka, since it is generally unflavored, and a coffee-flavored liquor. Kahlua is the best option, but Bailey’s will give it a subtle twist with a little creaminess that pairs well with the espresso flavor.
A dirty chai espresso martini incorporates chai tea, as well as coffee, into a cocktail with vodka and a coffee-flavored liquor.
Yes! You can definitely sub Bailey’s Irish Cream for Kahlua in this modern classic cocktail. Note, it will have more of a whisky flavor, however.
If you make this drink with regular coffee or espresso, then it will have caffeine and give you a boost of energy. However, you can make it with decaf coffee to avoid this effect.
The best way to ensure a frothy martini is using real brewed coffee, filling the shaker full of ice, and straining it into the glass. These simple tips will ensure a decadent, foamy top.
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Espresso Martini Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ½ ounces espresso or cold brew coffee
- 1 ounce Kahlua or other coffee liquor
- Espresso Beans optional
Instructions
- Fill and Shake: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and then add the vodka, espresso, and Kahlua. Shake for 5-10 seconds, or until it gets foamy, and immediately pour into a martini glass.2 ounces vodka, 1 ½ ounces espresso, 1 ounce Kahlua
- Garnish with espresso beans, if desired, and serve immediately in a martini glass.Espresso Beans
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Video
Notes
- Coffee: Freshly-brewed is the best option.
- Prep-ahead: You can brew the coffee a day or two early, simply leave it in the fridge.
- Storage: 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
