Before the negroni and the spritz took center stage, the espresso martini was the drink of the moment. Popular with coffee lovers and tired pre-gamers alike, this classic cocktail was born in the 1980s but saw a resurgence in popularity in the last few years (and we totally see why). Whether you’re searching for the perfect brunch cocktail, an after-dinner treat, or simply need some extra caffeine before your night out, the espresso martini is the perfect way to get a little buzzed while also getting a bit perked up. Here’s how to make it the best it can be:
The coffee:
If you can’t get a fresh shot of espresso, no need to fear! Though a freshly pulled shot really pulls this drink together, we have found we get similar results with 1 oz. cold brew coffee concentrate. No espresso machine but craving that signature taste? Visit your local coffee shop and pick up a couple of shots.
The best alcohol for an espresso martini:
Along with your coffee component and simple syrup, you need a coffee liqueur and vodka to complete your martini. We recommend Kahlúa—a recurring character in many of our coffee cocktails—but you can use any coffee liqueur you prefer, like Mr. Black. Choose your favorite vodka or consult our tried-and-tested list of our favorite vodka brands.
How to make a frothy espresso martini:
The key to that signature frothy espresso martini? Using a fresh shot of espresso, and shaking it along with your other ingredients in a shaker vigorously for long enough to chill it all and create a foam. Once strained, you’re going to want to double-strain it into your glass, and voila! A chilled, frothy espresso martini is at your fingertips.
The garnish:
We gave this drink a bit of a fancy garnish, but it’s way easier than it looks. Simply cover half the glass with a napkin or paper towel, then dust the rest with either cocoa or espresso powder. Top the other side with coffee beans, and you’re ready to serve. Follow our video above for a step-by-step guide to the garnish.
Variations:
While this classic recipe deserves all the hype, you can experiment to make this espresso martini work for you. Don’t like sugar in your coffee? Go ahead and remove that simple syrup! More of a cream and sugar type of person? Add in 1/2 oz. Baileys to make it creamy.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Before the negroni and the spritz took center stage, the espresso martini was the drink of the moment. Popular with coffee lovers and tired pre-gamers alike, this classic cocktail was born in the 1980s but saw a resurgence in popularity in the last few years (and we totally see why). Whether you’re searching for the perfect brunch cocktail, an after-dinner treat, or simply need some extra caffeine before your night out, the espresso martini is the perfect way to get a little buzzed while also getting a bit perked up. Here’s how to make it the best it can be:
The coffee:
If you can’t get a fresh shot of espresso, no need to fear! Though a freshly pulled shot really pulls this drink together, we have found we get similar results with 1 oz. cold brew coffee concentrate. No espresso machine but craving that signature taste? Visit your local coffee shop and pick up a couple of shots.
The best alcohol for an espresso martini:
Along with your coffee component and simple syrup, you need a coffee liqueur and vodka to complete your martini. We recommend Kahlúa—a recurring character in many of our coffee cocktails—but you can use any coffee liqueur you prefer, like Mr. Black. Choose your favorite vodka or consult our tried-and-tested list of our favorite vodka brands.
How to make a frothy espresso martini:
The key to that signature frothy espresso martini? Using a fresh shot of espresso, and shaking it along with your other ingredients in a shaker vigorously for long enough to chill it all and create a foam. Once strained, you’re going to want to double-strain it into your glass, and voila! A chilled, frothy espresso martini is at your fingertips.
The garnish:
We gave this drink a bit of a fancy garnish, but it’s way easier than it looks. Simply cover half the glass with a napkin or paper towel, then dust the rest with either cocoa or espresso powder. Top the other side with coffee beans, and you’re ready to serve. Follow our video above for a step-by-step guide to the garnish.
Variations:
While this classic recipe deserves all the hype, you can experiment to make this espresso martini work for you. Don’t like sugar in your coffee? Go ahead and remove that simple syrup! More of a cream and sugar type of person? Add in 1/2 oz. Baileys to make it creamy.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Directions
-
- Step 1
In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup. Cover and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty and foam forms, about 15 seconds.
- Step 2Double strain into a coupe glass. Cover half of top of glass with a paper towel. Dust the exposed half with espresso or cocoa powder. Garnish plain side with coffee beans.
- Step 1
