Espresso Martini
A rich, smooth cocktail combining vodka, coffee liqueur and fresh espresso. Bold coffee flavour, balanced sweetness and a thick crema make it a modern classic.
Espresso Martini Recipe
- Vodka 50 ml
- Coffee liqueur 25 ml
- Cane sugar syrup 10 ml
- Espresso 30 ml
- Ice 150 g
- Coffee beans 3 pieces
Make it properly
- Brew the espresso and allow it to cool slightly.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and cane sugar syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake hard for 15–20 seconds until thoroughly chilled and foamy.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD ESPRESSO MARTINI?
A good Espresso Martini is rich, smooth and well balanced. Vodka provides a clean base, coffee liqueur adds sweetness and depth, while fresh espresso brings bold coffee flavour and aroma. A small amount of sugar syrup rounds out the bitterness without making the cocktail overly sweet.
Shaking hard with plenty of ice is essential. It chills and dilutes the drink while creating the Espresso Martini’s signature creamy foam. Finish with three coffee beans for a simple, classic garnish.
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Espresso Martini: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Espresso Martini, from choosing the right vodka and coffee liqueur to achieving the perfect balance of rich espresso, sweetness and silky foam.
THE STORY OF THE ESPRESSO MARTINI
The Espresso Martini was created in London in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell. The drink combined vodka with freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur, creating a cocktail that delivered both the intensity of coffee and the smooth character of a shaken cocktail.
Despite its name, the Espresso Martini doesn't contain vermouth and isn't a traditional Martini. Its lasting appeal comes from the combination of bold coffee flavour, balanced sweetness and the distinctive creamy foam created by shaking fresh espresso with ice.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR AN ESPRESSO MARTINI
A good Espresso Martini starts with a clean vodka that provides structure without competing with the coffee. Freshly brewed espresso gives the cocktail its intense coffee flavour and helps create the characteristic foam, while coffee liqueur adds sweetness and depth.
A small amount of cane sugar syrup can be used to balance the bitterness of the espresso. For Drinkero's Espresso Martini, we recommend Absolut Vodka, Kahlúa, fresh espresso and MONIN Pure Cane Sugar Syrup.
HOW TO MAKE A SMOOTH, FOAMY ESPRESSO MARTINI
Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and cane sugar syrup to a shaker filled with plenty of ice. Shake hard for 15–20 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail while creating its characteristic creamy foam.
Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. A properly shaken Espresso Martini should develop a smooth layer of foam across the surface. Finish with the traditional garnish of three coffee beans.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ESPRESSO MARTINI
What vodka is best for an Espresso Martini?
Choose a clean, neutral vodka that allows the coffee to remain the dominant flavour. For Drinkero's classic Espresso Martini, we recommend Absolut Vodka.
What coffee liqueur is best for an Espresso Martini?
Kahlúa is a classic and widely used choice. It adds coffee flavour and sweetness while complementing the freshly brewed espresso.
Do you need fresh espresso for an Espresso Martini?
Freshly brewed espresso gives the cocktail strong coffee flavour and helps create its characteristic foam. Let it cool slightly before shaking so it doesn't melt the ice too quickly.
How do you get a thick foam on an Espresso Martini?
Use fresh espresso, plenty of ice and shake hard for 15–20 seconds. The vigorous shaking aerates the cocktail and helps produce the smooth layer of foam on top.
Why are there three coffee beans on an Espresso Martini?
Three coffee beans are the traditional garnish for an Espresso Martini. They are commonly said to represent health, wealth and happiness.
What does double strain mean?
Double straining means pouring the cocktail through both the shaker's main strainer and a fine-mesh strainer before it reaches the glass. This catches small ice fragments and coffee particles, giving the Espresso Martini a smoother, cleaner texture.
Can I make Espresso Martinis for a group?
Yes. The vodka, coffee liqueur and cane sugar syrup can be measured in advance, but brew the espresso and shake each batch close to serving for the best temperature and foam. Drinkero calculates the quantities you need for 6, 12, 24 or 48 Espresso Martinis.