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This Espresso Martini is the ultimate after-dinner drink or afternoon pick-me-up! It is a classic cocktail that is perfectly frothy, a little sweet, and delivers a delicious jolt of caffeine. Whether you are hosting a girls’ night or looking for a sophisticated brunch cocktail, this easy at-home version is better than what you’ll find at the bar.

espresso martini in a tall clear glass with coffee beans all around the glass.

I am obsessed with Espresso Martinis – I love them when we’re out for dinner or when I’m out with the girls – but did you know it’s so easy to make one at home? I consider this not just a dessert martini but a drink-anytime coffee cocktail (brunch anyone?)

This is a classic cocktail recipe said to be invented by bartender Dick Bradsell in the 1980s. Different restaurants and bartenders will make the recipe differently, whether they use fresh espresso or cold brew coffee, Kahlua or Baileys Irish Cream, a good true martini will have that signature foam on top. Calling all coffee lovers – this is the drink recipe for you – this recipe is my favorite way to make an Espresso Martini.

ingredients in espresso martini standing on a grey platform.

Esspresso Martini Ingredients

  • Vodka: Use your favorite vodka, we love Tito’s. You can also use Vanilla Vodka for a little sweeter cocktail.
  • Espresso: Traditionally these are made with espresso, but if you don’t have an espresso maker, use really strong coffee.
  • Coffee Liqueur: I used Kahlúa, but use whatever coffee liqueur you like best.
  • Simple Syrup: Sugar syrup is easy to make yourself (boil equal parts sugar and water, cool, store in the refrigerator), but they also sell it in the mixer aisle.

Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions. See below the recipe card for even more information: process shots, variations, FAQ and more.

process shot of espresso martini being made and poured.

How to Get the Best Foam on an Espresso Martini

The signature mark of a great espresso martini is that thick layer of foam on top. To achieve this at home, the key is to shake vigorously in your cocktail shaker (or even a mason jar!) with plenty of ice. Shaking hard aerates the oils in the espresso, creating those beautiful bubbles that hold your coffee bean garnish perfectly. The drink will get darker and the foamy top will form as the drink settles.

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espresso martini in a tall clear glass with coffee beans all around the glass.

Dorothy’s Expert Martini Tips

  • Add ice to your cocktail shaker, then add your espresso and kahlua. I always add the vodka last.
  • You can make this decaf – use decaf espresso, strong decaf coffee or decaf cold brew concentrate.
  • If you want a sweeter martini: make this recipe with vanilla vodka.
  • Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with a lid.
  • Place your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the drink to keep it nice and cold longer. Using a chilled glass keeps the martini cold longer.
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espresso martini in a tall clear glass with coffee beans all around the glass.

Espresso Martini Recipe

5 from 7 votes
This espresso martini is the perfect after dinner drink recipe! It mixes coffee and vodka to create this delicious masterpiece!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Yield 1 drink
Serving Size 1 serving
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce kahlua
  • 1 ounce cooled espresso
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • Coffee beans for garnish

Instructions

  • Add vodka, Kahlua, espresso, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
  • Pour into martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans. Serve immediately.
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Recipe Notes

  • You can use vanilla vodka for a sweeter cocktail.
  • If desired, add more simple syrup.
  • If you don’t have an espresso machine, make very strong brewed coffee. On a Keurig, make a 2, 4, or 6 ounce glass. You can also use decaf coffee or cold brew.

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 42mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Author Dorothy Kern

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process shot of espresso martini being made and poured.

How to make an Espresso Martini

  1. Add cooled espresso to your shaker along with the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Shake vigorously.
  3. Pour into a chilled glass.

Variations + Substitutions

Don’t have an espresso maker? Do this instead:

  • Use cold brew coffee or cold brew concentrate.
  • Brew very strong coffee. For a pot of coffee, use the same amount you’d make for 12 cups but make it only 2 cups. For a Keurig, brew it 2 or 4 ounces per kcup.

Flavor Variations:

  • You can make this with gin or tequila instead of vodka
  • If you find espresso vodka, you can use that instead – or vanilla vodka.
  • Use Baileys in place of the coffee liquor.
  • Make a chocolate (mocha) espresso martini – I have a salted caramel mocha version that’s fantastic.

Other Martini Recipes

Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

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5 from 7 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. Perfection! I love making craft drinks, homemade syrups, fresh squeezed juices etc. I love bourbon and tequila. Decided to get on the popular espresso martini band wagon and this recipe does not disappoint. My new favorite cocktail. I use a robust decaf coffee in fear of not sleeping at night.

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