There’s something undeniably fun about an Espresso Martini. It’s bold, a little sweet, and brings just the right amount of caffeine buzz. Whether you’re winding down from dinner or kicking off a night out, this cocktail has a way of making any moment feel a bit more special. I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s what I’ve learned to make it smooth, frothy, and full of flavor every time.
Eggnog Espresso Martini
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso (or very strong coffee)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
– 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: 3 whole coffee beans
Equipment
– Shaker (cocktail shaker or a mason jar with a tight lid)
– Strainer
– Martini glass or coupe glass
– Espresso machine or strong brewed coffee from a French press or moka pot
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your martini or coupe glass into the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep the drink. This helps keep your cocktail cold and smooth.
- Brew your espresso. Make it fresh and strong. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a moka pot or French press with a high coffee-to-water ratio. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the ice too fast.
- Shake it up. In your shaker, add:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz cooled espresso
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 0.25 oz simple syrup (or more if you like it sweeter)
Fill the shaker with ice, seal it tightly, and shake hard for about 20 seconds. You want the outside of the shaker to feel icy cold-that’s your sign it’s ready.
- Strain and serve. Discard the ice from your glass if you were chilling it. Strain the cocktail into the glass. You should see a creamy foam on top-that’s from shaking the espresso with ice.
- Garnish. Drop three coffee beans on top for a classic finish. It’s not just for looks-they give a little aroma boost when you sip.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh espresso. That crema you see on top? It only happens when your coffee is fresh and hot when shaken.
- Shake it like you mean it. A strong shake with plenty of ice is key to getting that smooth foam on top.
- Adjust sweetness. Everyone’s taste is different. Start with 0.25 oz of simple syrup and add more if you like it sweeter.
- No espresso machine? Use strong brewed coffee-just let it cool slightly before shaking.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add the fresh espresso and shake with ice. Best enjoyed freshly shaken!
Storage
This cocktail is best served immediately after shaking. Leftovers won’t keep well, as the foam disappears and flavors flatten. If you must store, refrigerate up to 2 hours and shake again before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Espresso Martinis shine after dinner. They’re a dessert and a pick-me-up all in one. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-cocktail snacks: a few squares of dark chocolate. The bitterness pairs beautifully with the sweet coffee notes.
Great Pairings
- Chocolate desserts – Think flourless chocolate cake, tiramisu, or chocolate truffles.
- Cheese board – A mix of creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and blue cheese is surprisingly good with the coffee and booze combo.
- Salted nuts – A simple handful of almonds or cashews balances the sweetness and adds crunch.
Substitutions
– No vodka? Try white rum or even bourbon for a twist.
– No coffee liqueur? Mix equal parts brewed coffee and a splash of vanilla extract as a quick stand-in.
– Watching sugar? Use a sugar-free syrup or honey in place of simple syrup.
Fun Variations
Chocolate Espresso Martini
– Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) chocolate syrup to the shaker.
– For a fun touch, drizzle chocolate inside the glass before pouring.
Spiced Espresso Martini
– Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker.
– Sprinkle a little on top of the foam for a cozy aroma.
Amaretto Espresso Martini
– Replace the coffee liqueur with 0.5 oz (15 ml) Amaretto.
– Garnish with an orange peel twist for a nutty-citrus finish.
Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini
– Use 1 oz strong coffee, 0.5 oz almond or vanilla syrup, and 1.5 oz cold water or non-alcoholic spirit.
– Shake with ice and serve in a fancy glass for the full effect.
Common Questions
Can I make it without an espresso machine?
Yes! Use very strong brewed coffee. Just make sure it’s freshly made and cooled a bit before shaking.
What kind of vodka should I use?
Go for a clean, smooth vodka. It doesn’t have to be top-shelf, but better quality makes a smoother cocktail.
How do I get that foam on top?
Shake hard with lots of ice. The combo of fresh espresso and cold ice is what makes the magic happen.
Is it better before or after dinner?
Definitely after. It’s like dessert and coffee rolled into one glass.
Can I make a batch for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and keep the mix chilled. Shake each one fresh with ice before serving for the best foam.
How many is too many?
They’re delicious, but also strong. One or two is usually plenty-especially with caffeine in the mix.
Wrap-Up
The Espresso Martini is one of those cocktails that feels like a treat every time. It’s simple to make, always impressive, and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick with the classic or try a twist, you’re in for a smooth, bold, and satisfying sip. Cheers to your new favorite after-dinner drink!
