The espresso martini is a classic co*cktail that’s been around since the mid-1980s and is still popular today.
It was invented by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell, who named it the “Vodka Espresso.”
Quest for the Best Espresso Martini
The basic espresso martini recipe is made with vodka, espresso, and a coffee liqueur, mixed with ice, and strained into a martini glass. It is a smooth and creamy drink with a kick of caffeine and a hint of sweetness.
But just as James Bond likes his martini shaken and not stirred, you might like espresso martini stronger, with more caffeine, or sweetened with chocolate. So, the perfect recipe is different for everyone. No worries, though, as we’ve got you covered with five of the best ways to make espresso martinis and a few little surprises – like homemade Kahlua!
Our Picks for the 5 Best Espresso Martini Recipes
- Traditional, but with bitters
- Elevated with espresso-infused vodka
- No espresso machine required
- A chocolatey twist
- No vodka
- Homemade Kahlua
- Espresso vodka
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Just a touch of bitter
The first recipe is pretty straightforward but with a different flavor profile, thanks to a dash of angostura bitters.
Espresso Martini – with bitters
Spillin’ the Beans
A relatively traditional take on the espresso martini with bitters that offset some of the sweetness
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Cuisine Beverages
Servings 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso (freshly brewed)
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1/8 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 teaspoon confectioners sugar (optional)
Instructions
Combine the espresso, vodka, Kahlua, simple syrup, and angostura bitters in a co*cktail shaker
Add ice, and shake for 30 seconds or so
Pour the mixture into a martini glass (or 2!)
Combine the heavy cream and sugar in a cup and use a milk frother to add some thickness (but not as thick as whipped cream)
Dollop the thickened cream on top and add a few espresso beans for the perfect presentation
Notes
- To make simple syrup, boil equal parts of sugar and water together for a few minutes
- If you’re using homemade Kahlua, you might omit the simple syrup as it tends to be sweeter than typical Kahlua
Keyword coffee drinks, espresso, espresso martini
3 Ways to Make Espresso
- Nespresso
- Moka pot
- AeroPress
A double shot with espresso-infused vodka and crema
You can buy a bottle of espresso-infused vodka. But if you’ve got an extra 24 hours before co*cktail time, you can make your own. We’ve got a super-simple recipe at the bottom of this post.
Espresso Martini – with espresso-infused vodka and crema
Spillin’ the Beans
An espresso martini with an extra caffeine kick from espresso-infused vodka
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
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Servings 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces espresso-infused vodka
- 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a co*cktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes – if you don't have a co*cktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or other jar with a tight lid
Shake well 20 to 30 seconds
Pour into a martini glass and add an extra dash of simple syrup if you like a sweeter drink
To create a thick crema on top, you can use a cold brew coffee concentrate, an aerolatte device, or a milk frother to gentle foam the top layer of the beverage before pouring into the glass.
Notes
If you’re using cold brew concentrate, place a few drops of it on one side of the glass than slowly fill the glass with the martini.
Keyword coffee co*cktails, coffee drinks, espresso, espresso martini
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Espresso Martini with no brewing required
Instead of pulling shots of hot espresso, you can use espresso powder or premade cold brew for this recipe.
Espresso Martini – with instant espresso powder
Spillin’ the Beans
An espresso martini made with instant espresso powder instead of a shot of espresso
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Cuisine Beverages
Servings 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (or 1 ounce of premade cold brew)
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
Instructions
Fill a co*cktail shaker halfway with ice cubes
Add all four ingredients (use more simple syrup if you like a sweeter co*cktail)
Shake for 15-30 seconds
Place a strainer over a chilled martini glass and pour the liquid through the strainer
Garnish with a few coffee beans
Notes
Note: If you don’t like the idea of using espresso powder but want an alternative to brewed espresso, you can use premade cold-brewed coffee
Keyword coffee co*cktails, coffee drinks, espresso, espresso martini
Adding chocolatey goodness
The 3 c’s – coffee, chocolate, and cream make this recipe a real winner. If you drink mochas, you’ll love this one.
Espresso Martini – with chocolate and whipped cream
Spillin’ the Beans
A chocolatey version of the coffee co*cktail using chocolate liqueur and additional garnishes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
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Ingredients
- 2 shots freshly brewed espresso
- 1 ounce chocolate liqueur
- 2 teaspoons sugar or simple syrup (divided)
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/8 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Make the whipped cream first by combining 1 teaspoon of the sugar and the heavy cream
Use a handheld mixer, whisk, or milk frother to whip the cream, and set aside.
Combine the espresso, vodka, chocolate liqueur, and sugar or simple syrup in a co*cktail shaker with ice
Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds
Divide the mixture between 2 martini glasses (pouring through a strainer to keep the ice out of the glass)
Add a dollop of your homemade whipped cream and some chocolate shavings to garnish
Notes
You can take this drink to the next level by dipping your martini glass into melted dark chocolate and then sprinkling with a little cocoa powder before adding the beverage.
Keyword coffee co*cktails, coffee drinks, espresso, espresso martini
No vodka? No problem!
Of the five best espresso martini recipes, this is the most unusual. It replaces vodka with dark rum and amaretto liqueur for an entire different taste sensation!
Espresso Martini – no vodka
Spillin’ the Beans
Instead of a traditional espresso martini with vodka, this recipe uses dark rum and amaretto liqueur
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Cuisine Beverages
Servings 1 serving
Ingredients
- 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1/2 ounce Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur)
- 1/4 ounce amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 ounce heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar or simple syrup (optional)
Instructions
Brew your double shot of fresh espresso (or other strongly brewed coffee) and add to a shaker
Fill the shake halfway up with ice cubes
Add the dark rum, Kahlua, and amaretto to the shaker
Shake well – 20 to 30 seconds
Strain the mixture into a martini glass
Spoon the heavy cream on top and swirl into the beverage
For a slightly sweeter drink, add simple syrup or sugar on top – or use a sugar-rimmed glass
Keyword coffee co*cktails, coffee drinks, espresso, espresso martini
Up Your co*cktail Game
Not only do we have five of the best recipes for espresso martinis, but you can elevate your mixology skills with homemade espresso-infused vodka and homemade Kahlua.
Homemade Kahlua
Spillin’ the Beans
A recipe from 1993 that's still timeless using vodka and espresso powder for homemade Kahlua
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Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon Hershey's chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup instant coffee or espresso powder
- 2 cups vodka
Instructions
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil
Then, add vanilla, Hershey's syrup, and coffee granules
Simmer on low for a few minutes
Let the mixture cool
Add the vodka, stir, and pour into a serving container (a mason jar is ideal)
Notes
This recipe is easy to tweak to taste. Some recipes use far less sugar and water, so you could reduce them to 2 or 3 cups for a less sweet version.
Espresso-infused vodka
Spillin’ the Beans
In just 24 hours, you can have a delicious espresso-infused vodka that elevates coffee co*cktails, like the espresso martini
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 day d
Cuisine Beverages
Equipment
1 large mason jar or similar container with a lid
Ingredients
- high-proof vodka (125 to 190 proof)
- freshly brewed espresso
Instructions
Fill your mason jar about 3/4 of the way up with vodka
Add two to four ounces of freshly brewed espresso, depending on how strong you prefer
Cover the jar and store in a dark, cool location for 24 hours or more to give the espresso time to infuse the vodka
If any espresso grounds remain, strain the liquid
Optional: you can further enhance the flavor by adding cocoa powder or flavored syrups like vanilla for added complexity
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months (but it won't last hat long!)
Keyword coffee co*cktails, espresso, espresso martini
Elevating the Espresso Martini
To switch things up with your espresso martinis, you can choose different types of alcohols. For example, use whiskey or rum instead of vodka, as we provided in one of our best espresso martini recipes. For extra fun, try experimenting with different liqueurs such as Baileys Irish Cream or Amaretto Disaronno, which both pair nicely with espresso flavors. Just remember to adjust your measurements accordingly since these liqueurs are much stronger than vodka.
Another way to change the flavor profile is to add different mixers such as cream or almond milk. To add some extra sweetness, you could also use flavored syrups like hazelnut or cinnamon instead of simple syrup or Kahlua. They’ll create interesting flavor combinations, but won’t be for everyone.
Lastly, don’t forget that finishing touches like a sprinkle of cocoa powder, coffee beans, chocolate curls, cinnamon sticks, or dark chocolate swirls. Espresso martinis will let your inner barista, mixologist, and designer shine!
