espresso martini in a cocktail glass
Cocktails
July 29, 2021

Espresso Martini Recipe

  • Prep time: 5 min
  • Cook time: 0 min
  • Total time: 5 min

Get your caffeine fix with this bold and boozy espresso martini recipe. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, you’ll love this espresso martini for a fun cocktail at home. Stay energized!

Cocktails
July 29, 2021
Espresso Martini Recipe
  • Prep time: 5 min
  • Cook time: 0 min
  • Total time: 5 min
espresso martini in a cocktail glass

Get your caffeine fix with this bold and boozy espresso martini recipe. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, you’ll love this espresso martini for a fun cocktail at home. Stay energized!

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Espresso Martini Recipe

Get your caffeine fix with this bold and boozy espresso martini recipe. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, you’ll love this espresso martini for a fun cocktail at home. Stay energized!

espresso martini recipe

Espresso Martini Recipe

The date is July 28th, 2021 and espresso martinis are having a moment. Step aside aperol spritzes, your reign as queen of the summer cocktail is over. Espresso martinis are everywhere right now. Every single bar menu I look at it boasts one, every photo I see online is featuring one, and every podcast I listen to is singing the praises of espresso marteens. And, you know what… I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT.

Because espresso martinis are FUN. They’re flirty, vivacious, bold, and actually very tasty. I love espresso martini energy for all of us.

So…what is an espresso martini?

An espresso martini is traditionally made with brewed espresso, coffee liqueur and vodka. It’s bold, sweet, and tastes just like a lightly sweetened iced espresso with just a lil’ vodka in it. Because, well,  that’s pretty much exactly what it is. The rich coffee flavor cuts the alcohol making espresso martinis dangerously easy to throw back. You’ve been warned.

espresso martini recipe

What will you need for this espresso martini recipe?

The beautiful thing about espresso martinis is their simplicity. You’ll only need three simple ingredients to put together this bold espresso martini.

  • Vodka
  • Kahlua or coffee liqueur
  • Espresso or strong coffee

Wait…are espresso martinis dairy free?

I’ve been seeing a lot of espresso martini recipes with heavy cream or Bailey’s, but a true espresso martini is dairy free! Of course, if you want a little creaminess, you can always add a splash of your favorite creamer, but personally I think simple is better! That strong espresso flavor will shine through and the Kahlua provides the perfect amount of sweetness to cut the vodka.

espresso martini in a cocktail glass

How to make an Espresso Martini

And if the ingredient list is simple, the instructions are even more straightforward. But to take any guess work out, here is exactly how to make an espresso martini:

  1. Brew the Espresso. We usually make our espresso in our Nespresso machine, but you can use any espresso machine or even brew a super strong coffee in your coffee machine!
  2. Shake It Up. Place the espresso, vodka, and Khalua in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  3. Strain + Serve. Strain the espresso martini into a cocktail glass (we used a coupe glass, but a martini glass or whatever you’re feeling will be perfect!). I like to garnish espresso martinis with a dusting of espresso powder and a few coffee beans to feel ~fancy~.

Do you need simple syrup for this espresso martini recipe?

Some espresso martini recipes call for simple syrup, but we  feel the Kahlua makes it plenty sweet enokugh to cut the bitter coffee flavor. That being said, if you prefer your drinks sweeter (no shame–I also have a sweet tooth), you can add some simple syrup to taste! To make simple syrup, simple mix together equal parts water and sugar in a pan. Heat until the sugar dissolves and allow to cool. Place in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 month! ENJOY.

Alright my  fellow caffeine addicts, enjoy this espresso martini all summer (and year) long. Stay energized my friends!

And don’t forget to hydrate!

XXX

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Espresso Martini Recipe

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Units:

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce Kahlua (or a comparable coffee liqueur)
  • 1 ounce brewed espresso, cooled.
  • coffee beans, optional garnish

Instructions

    1. Combine the espresso, vodka, and Kahlua in a cocktail shaker with ice.
    2. Shake until well mixed and cold.
    3. Strain the espresso martini into a cocktail glass.
    4. If desired, top with a dusting of espresso powder and coffee beans for garnish. Enjoy responsibly!

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  1. Everything old is new again! I loved imbibing on these a dozen or so years ago.
    They’re a great option for a night at home.