How to Make the Perfect Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a bold, smooth, and slightly sweet cocktail that combines coffee and vodka for a sophisticated drink. Perfect for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, this drink is ideal for after-dinner sipping or a night out.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Espresso Martini, including the best coffee to use, step-by-step instructions, and variations to try.

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1. What Is an Espresso Martini?

The Espresso Martini is a classic coffee cocktail made with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. It was invented in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell in London when a customer requested a drink that would “wake her up and mess her up.”

✔ Strong coffee flavor with a smooth, creamy texture.
✔ Served cold in a martini glass with a signature creamy foam layer on top.
✔ Garnished with three coffee beans, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness.

🡆 Best For: Coffee lovers who enjoy a bold, slightly sweet, and energizing cocktail.

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2. Ingredients for a Classic Espresso Martini

✔ 1 shot (30ml) fresh espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
✔ 45ml vodka
✔ 30ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
✔ 15ml simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
✔ Ice cubes
✔ Coffee beans for garnish

🡆 Key Takeaway: Freshly brewed espresso creates the best flavor and foamy texture.

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3. How to Make an Espresso Martini (Step by Step)

✅ Step 1: Brew Fresh Espresso

• Brew one shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.
• If you don’t have an espresso machine, use strong coffee (cold brew concentrate works too).

✅ Step 2: Fill a Cocktail Shaker with Ice

• Add a handful of ice cubes to chill the ingredients.

✅ Step 3: Add Ingredients

• Pour in vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.

✅ Step 4: Shake Vigorously

• Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds—this creates the signature foamy top.

✅ Step 5: Strain and Serve

• Use a fine mesh strainer to pour into a chilled martini glass.
• The foam should settle on top.

✅ Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

• Place three coffee beans on top for a classic presentation.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

🡆 Key Takeaway: Shaking vigorously creates the best foamy crema layer on top.

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4. Espresso Martini Variations

Want to switch it up? Try these creative Espresso Martini recipes:

✔ Vanilla Espresso Martini – Add ½ tsp vanilla extract for a smooth twist.
✔ Baileys Espresso Martini – Replace simple syrup with Baileys Irish Cream for extra creaminess.
✔ Salted Caramel Espresso Martini – Use salted caramel syrup instead of sugar.
✔ Spiced Espresso Martini – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
✔ Mocha Espresso Martini – Add ½ tsp cocoa powder for a chocolatey flavor.

🡆 Key Takeaway: Customizing flavors makes your Espresso Martini unique to your taste.

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5. Pro Tips for the Best Espresso Martini

✔ Use fresh espresso – Instant coffee won’t create the same rich crema.
✔ Chill the martini glass – Keeps the drink cold longer.
✔ Shake harder than you think – Creates thicker foam.
✔ Strain twice – For a smooth, professional-looking cocktail.
✔ Adjust sweetness – Reduce or add simple syrup to taste.

🡆 Key Takeaway: Small details like proper shaking, fresh espresso, and chilled glasses elevate your cocktail.

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6. Espresso Martini vs. Other Coffee Cocktails

Cocktail	Key Ingredients	Flavor Profile
Espresso Martini	Espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur	Strong, smooth, slightly sweet
Irish Coffee	Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, cream	Warm, rich, creamy
White Russian	Vodka, coffee liqueur, cream	Sweet, creamy, dessert-like
Cold Brew Negroni	Cold brew, gin, Campari, vermouth	Bitter, complex, coffee-forward

🡆 Key Takeaway: The Espresso Martini is one of the best options for a cold, smooth, and sophisticated coffee cocktail.

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Final Thoughts

The Espresso Martini is a perfect blend of coffee and cocktails, ideal for a night out or a fancy homemade treat. By using fresh espresso, shaking properly, and experimenting with flavors, you can make a bar-quality Espresso Martini at home.

So, grab your cocktail shaker, brew some espresso, and enjoy this classic, energizing coffee cocktail! 🍸☕