Best Espresso Martini Recipe (2024)

Why you'll love this espresso martini

• co*cktails are so great homemade, so this homemade version is fully approachable for anyone who's never made a martini before.
• The flavors of cold brew, vodka, bailey's, and kahlua are perfectly shaken and tastes fantastic.
• It serves as a delicious after dinner drink, or a drink to share with your besties.

What are the ingredients for this recipe?

1. Vodka:There are so many vodka choices out there, but I tend to stick to either Van GoghVodka, Tito's, Grey Goose, or a classic Ketel One.
2. Coffee Liquor: Kahlua is a very traditional coffee liquor to use in an espresso martinin.
3. Espresso:If you can't use espresso, you can use a black cold brew coffee can or cold-brewed coffee.
4. Bailey's:I added the Bailey's IrishCream in this version, but you can opt to leave it out.

See the recipe card below for specific information about quantities.

Swaps and Substitutions

• Kahlua - instead of using Kahlua, if you don't have it or want to get it, Frangelico will work. I tested this espresso martini with Frangelico, and it was very delicious!
• Espresso - if you don't want to make fresh espresso, cold brew coffee works well.
• Vodka - If you want to use tequila, that will work in an espresso martini. Other than that, I'd stick to vodka.

Step 1: In a shaker, add ice, then pour in the vodka, cold espresso or cold brew, coffee liquor and baileys. Shake until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2: Pour into a martini glass and top with three espresso beans.

How do I pair this co*cktail?

• Whip up a batch of these for a brunch with a crowd-pleasing croissant french toast bake or an apple cinnamon french toast casserole.
• Pair this drink with a fun and entertaining brunch charcuterie board.
• Make this for family and friends after a delicious dinner of tuscan chicken, chicken francese, or pastas like pesto tortellini, rigatoni fiorentina, or a classic baked ziti.

Ways to vary this martini

• Frozen - add the entire co*cktail to a blender with ice and make it a frozen co*cktail!
• Peppermint - add a drop of peppermint to spruce it up.
• Bailey's Irish Cream - I tested this recipe with the addition of bailey's, but you don't have to!

Storage Information

I wouldn't make this martini to reserve for another time or as a leftover.

However, if you have leftovers, you could make it into ice cubes and add to iced coffee! That would be a VERY strong way to start your day.

PRO TIP:

If you are using fresh espresso, the crema (the foam on top) will play a big part in creating the infamous foam at the top of the martini.

If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you for being here!!

Best Espresso Martini Recipe

Morgan Peaceman

This recipe for the best espresso martini is made with delicious bailey's, shaken over ice, and is excellent for a Sunday funday