How to Make an Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is more than just a cocktail; it’s a sophisticated blend of rich coffee and smooth spirits that has captured the hearts of nightlife enthusiasts and dinner party connoisseurs alike. Originating in the late 1980s in London, this drink quickly rose from a novel invention to a classic staple on cocktail menus around the world. Its irresistible combination of vodka and espresso offers a perfect pick-me-up quality that makes it ideal for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking to kickstart a lively evening with friends or searching for the ultimate after-dinner cocktail that doubles as dessert, the Espresso Martini fits the bill. Its elegant presentation and invigorating flavor profile make it a popular choice for celebrations, romantic evenings, or any moment that calls for a touch of glamour and a boost of energy.

What is an Espresso Martini?

The Espresso Martini is a cocktail with a storied origin and a punchy profile that has made it a beloved choice among cocktail enthusiasts. It was created in the 1980s by a famous London bartender named Dick Bradsell. As legend has it, Bradsell concocted the drink in response to a request from a young model who wanted something that would “wake her up and then mess her up.” His solution was a smooth, potent mixture of vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar, shaken to perfection.

The taste profile of an Espresso Martini is distinctly rich and robust, marked by a deep, bitter espresso flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet, complex notes of the coffee liqueur. The vodka provides a clean, strong backbone, lending the drink its spirited character without overpowering the coffee elements. The result is a creamy, frothy top layer that offers the first sip a delightful texture, followed by a balanced mix of coffee’s bitterness and the subtle sweetness of the liqueur and syrup.

Key components of an Espresso Martini include:

• Vodka: Acts as the strong spirit base.
• Espresso: Freshly brewed and cooled, it provides the signature coffee flavor.
• Coffee Liqueur: Adds depth and sweetness.
• Simple Syrup: Balances the bitterness of the espresso.
• Ice: Chills and dilutes the mixture just enough to make it smooth and drinkable.

This cocktail is typically served in a martini glass and garnished with coffee beans, enhancing its sophisticated look and adding a hint of coffee aroma right before you take a sip.

How to Make an Espresso Martini

Recipe by Matt Simmons

5.0 from 2 votes

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

285

kcal

The Espresso Martini is a delectable cocktail that combines the robust flavors of coffee with the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of liqueur. This recipe is not only simple, requiring just a few ingredients, but it also offers a unique experience—providing both a burst of energy and a luxurious indulgence in every sip. Perfect for after-dinner drinks or a sophisticated soiree, this cocktail impresses with its frothy top layer and impeccable balance of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a casual enthusiast, mastering the Espresso Martini will add a touch of class to your cocktail repertoire.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka

• 1 ounce espresso, freshly brewed and cooled

• 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

• Ice cubes

• 3 coffee beans (for garnish)

Directions

• Fill a Cocktail Shaker: Start by filling your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice cubes to ensure your drink gets properly chilled without becoming too diluted.
• Add Ingredients: Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of freshly brewed and cooled espresso, 1/2 ounce of coffee liqueur, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup into the shaker. The combination of these ingredients will form the base of your Espresso Martini.
• Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Shaking not only mixes the ingredients thoroughly but also chills the mixture while aerating it slightly, giving your Espresso Martini its characteristic frothy top.
• Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass to prevent any ice chips from entering your drink. Using a fine mesh strainer can help achieve a smoother texture.
• Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish your drink by floating three coffee beans on the surface of the froth. This not only adds a decorative touch but also infuses a subtle aroma of coffee as you sip.

Equipment

• Measuring Jigger
• Cocktail Shaker
• Martini Glass

Notes

• Perfecting the Espresso Shot:
  Use Fresh Beans: For the best flavor, use freshly ground coffee beans. Opt for a dark roast to get the robust coffee flavor that stands up well in the cocktail.
  Proper Extraction: Aim for a balanced espresso shot; it should not be too bitter or sour. Ensure your espresso machine is properly calibrated and that you’re using the right amount of pressure and water temperature.
  Cool It Down: Allow the espresso to cool to room temperature before adding it to the shaker to prevent diluting the ice too quickly.
• Variations on Simple Syrup:
  Vanilla Simple Syrup: Add a vanilla pod to your simple syrup as it simmers to infuse a subtle vanilla flavor, which complements the coffee beautifully.
  Cinnamon Simple Syrup: Include a few sticks of cinnamon in your syrup for a spicy twist, perfect for adding a warm note to your cocktail.
  Hazelnut Simple Syrup: For a nutty flavor, mix in some hazelnut extract or crush hazelnuts into the syrup while it’s heating. Strain before using.
• Cocktail Shaking Techniques:
  Ice Matters: Use large ice cubes that won’t melt too quickly. This helps chill the cocktail without watering it down.
  Shake Time: Shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. The goal is to chill the drink while achieving that creamy froth from the espresso.
  Double Strain: To ensure a smooth pour without any ice shards or coffee grounds, use a fine mesh strainer when pouring into your glass.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 2
• Calories: 285kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 0.5g

Conclusion

The Espresso Martini offers a delightful mix of sophistication and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for any home bartender to master. With its rich, creamy texture and robust coffee flavor balanced by the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of liqueur, it’s a cocktail that promises to impress at any gathering. This drink demonstrates that elegance doesn’t require complexity; with just a few ingredients and a simple shaking technique, you can produce a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to personalize your Espresso Martini. Try various types of espresso, from single-origin to blends, to see how they subtly alter the flavor profile. Infused syrups can introduce a range of flavors, from vanilla and caramel to more adventurous spices like cardamom or ginger, offering new dimensions to this classic drink. Each variation not only adds a personal touch but also deepens your understanding of how flavors work together in mixology.

Whether you’re a novice looking to expand your cocktail repertoire or an experienced enthusiast eager to try new variations, the Espresso Martini provides a perfect canvas for creativity and enjoyment. So gather your ingredients, shake up a storm, and savor the rich flavors of your very own craft cocktail. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions about Espresso Martini

1. Can I make this with regular coffee?
   • While espresso is preferred for its strong, concentrated flavor and the thick crema that contributes to the cocktail’s signature froth, you can use regular coffee as an alternative. Choose a robust, dark roast and brew it strong (double the amount of coffee you would usually use) to mimic the intensity of espresso. Note that the texture might be slightly less creamy and the coffee flavor less pronounced.
2. What alternatives can I use for coffee liqueur?
   • If you’re looking to substitute coffee liqueur, consider using other liqueurs that complement coffee flavors well, such as amaretto for a nutty taste, or a chocolate liqueur for a mocha-inspired twist. For a homemade option, infuse vodka with coffee beans: simply add coffee beans to vodka, let it sit for a few days, and then strain it for a DIY coffee liqueur.
3. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
   • Absolutely! Replace the vodka with a non-alcoholic spirit or more simply with tonic water or club soda for the cocktail’s base. Use decaffeinated espresso if you’re avoiding caffeine, and consider a non-alcoholic coffee liqueur substitute or a coffee-flavored syrup to maintain the cocktail’s flavor profile.
4. How do I achieve the frothy top layer?
   • The frothy top layer of an Espresso Martini is achieved through vigorous shaking. When you shake the mixture of espresso, vodka, and liqueur with ice, it aerates the liquid, introducing tiny air bubbles that create foam. The key is to shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. Using freshly brewed espresso is crucial because the natural oils and fine particles in the espresso help stabilize the foam, making it richer and more durable.