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Espresso martini Recipe
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The Drink Dr.
Cocktails
Jan 01, 2023
1 min

Espresso martini RecipeEasy medium recipe • Cocktail glass • 5 min

5 min · Easy · Sweet · Boozy · Strong

Welcome to the exquisite world of the Espresso-Martini - Cocktail, a true masterpiece for coffee lovers and cocktail aficionados alike! Imagine the rich, invigo

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Flavor profile

Sweetness
7
Acidity
4
Bitterness
2
Strength
8
Body
7

Vodka · Sweet · Boozy · Shaken · Strong

Why it works

Shaking chills quickly while adding the dilution citrus drinks need to taste round, not sharp. The vodka provides the backbone; everything else is seasoning around it.

Espresso martini Recipe

Welcome to the exquisite world of the Espresso-Martini - Cocktail, a true masterpiece for coffee lovers and cocktail aficionados alike! Imagine the rich, invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee perfectly balanced with the smooth, crisp kick of premium vodka and a subtle hint of sweetness. This isn't just any drink; it's a sophisticated 'Martini-Style' experience that awakens the senses and delights the palate. Featuring a harmonious blend of robust espresso, luxurious Kahlúa, and your favorite 'Vodka' 'Spirit', this 'Cocktail' is a velvety smooth indulgence that's both invigorating and utterly delicious. Get ready to shake things up and discover your new favorite pick-me-up!

Espresso martini

The Perfect Espresso martini

This classic cocktail is particularly beloved for its unique blend of flavors and elegant presentation.

What Makes It Special

  • Cocktail
  • Cocktails
  • Served Up
  • Shaken
  • Served in Cocktail Glass
  • Martini-Style
  • Vodka
  • Coffee Liqueur
  • Coffee
  • Sweetened

Ingredients (Serves 1)

  • 30 ml Kahlúa
  • 10 ml Sugar Syrup
  • 1 Strong Espresso

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Begin by chilling your elegant 'Cocktail glass'. Place it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare your ingredients. This ensures your Espresso Martini is 'served up' perfectly.
  2. Pour all the measured ingredients – the vodka, Kahlúa, sugar syrup, and the strong, cooled espresso – directly into a sturdy cocktail shaker.
  3. Fill your cocktail shaker generously with fresh ice. This is crucial for achieving that beautiful froth and ensuring your drink is properly chilled.
  4. Secure the lid tightly on your shaker and 'shake well' and vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You're aiming for a frosty exterior on the shaker and a lovely foam to form.
  5. Retrieve your chilled 'Cocktail glass'. Using a cocktail strainer, 'strain' the perfectly mixed and 'shaken' concoction directly into the glass, ensuring no ice shards make it in.

The History Behind the Recipe

The Espresso-Martini has a fascinating, albeit contested, origin story. Legend has it this iconic 'Cocktail' was born in a bustling London bar in the 1980s when a supermodel famously requested a drink that would 'wake me up and then f*** me up.' The quick-thinking bartender combined freshly brewed 'Coffee' with 'Vodka' and 'Coffee Liqueur', creating a potent yet perfectly balanced concoction. It quickly soared in popularity, becoming a staple in high-end bars and a favorite 'served up' 'spirit' mixer for those seeking an energetic yet indulgent drink. Its blend of invigorating 'Coffee' and smooth 'Vodka' made it an instant classic, cementing its place in 'Cocktails' history.

Presentation and Visual Appeal

Prepare to be captivated! This Espresso-Martini is a vision of dark, alluring beauty, 'served in a Cocktail Glass' that has been perfectly chilled to enhance its crispness. The liquid itself boasts a deep, rich brown hue, almost black, crowned with a thick, velvety crema or foam that sits invitingly on top. This froth is a testament to the vigorous 'shaking' process, trapping those incredible coffee aromas. It's a sleek, sophisticated drink that looks as good as it tastes, exuding an air of understated elegance that's characteristic of a finely crafted 'Martini-Style' 'Cocktail'. Garnish with a few whole roasted coffee beans for a classic, sophisticated finish that's both aromatic and visually appealing.

Pro Tips and Variations

This Espresso-Martini is traditionally 'served straight up', meaning without ice, in a chilled glass for that truly elegant, classic feel. For an extra touch of sophistication and a delightful aroma, garnish your finished 'Martini-Style' 'Cocktail' with three coffee beans floated on top of the foam – they represent health, wealth, and happiness! If you prefer a richer flavor, try using a dark roast espresso. For a subtle twist, a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of chocolate bitters can elevate this 'Coffee Liqueur' 'Cocktail' even further. Remember, the quality of your espresso makes all the difference!

This cocktail embodies the essence of classic mixology – simple ingredients combined with expert technique to create something truly extraordinary.

Guided Mode

5 focused steps, big text, no scrolling. Made for messy hands.

Make it better

Only the tools that matter for this drink.

  • Weighted shaker tinsProper seal and agitation for citrus drinks.
  • Hawthorne strainerClean pour, holds back ice.
  • JiggerSours live or die by proportion.
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Espresso martini Recipe

Last updated: September 15, 2026