Classic Espresso Martini Recipe

A coffee cocktail served in a coupe glass on a grey counter with a dark background.

5 from 1 vote

Classic Espresso Martini Recipe

Espresso martinis blend the rich flavors of espresso with the sweet notes of coffee liqueur. Sipping one feels like a cozy coffee shop meeting a classy cocktail party!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: General

Servings: cocktail

Calories: 222kcal

Author: Cassie Johnston

Ingredients

Ice
1 ½ ounces espresso or cold brew concentrate cooled
2 ounces vodka
½ ounce coffee liqueur homemade or store-bought Kahlúa
½ ounce simple syrup optional
Coffee beans for garnish

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker with Ice.
Add the 1 ½ ounces espresso or cold brew concentrate, 2 ounces vodka, ½ ounce coffee liqueur, and ½ ounce simple syrup (if using) to the shaker.
Place lid on top and shake vigorously to combine, chill, and froth.
Strain into a martini glass and garnish with Coffee beans.

Notes

The coffee liqueur will add a bit of sweetness to this cocktail, so if you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can omit or reduce the simple syrup.
You can easily double this recipe and still make it in an average-sized (18-20 ounce) cobbler cocktail shaker. Just split the cocktail between two glasses when pouring to serve.
Do not use warm or hot espresso in this recipe. It will melt the ice in the cocktail shaker and water down your drink.
If using freshly brewed espresso, cool it completely (and quickly!) by pouring it into a shallow bowl and placing the bowl in the freezer—it should cool to usable temperature in about 5 minutes.
Cold brew concentrate also works well here and makes this cocktail super quick to make. Just keep it stashed in the fridge for quick martinis whenever you’d like!
We don’t recommend using instant coffee, instant espresso, or regular brewed coffee—you won’t get the frothy top or as strong of a coffee flavor.
To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Cool completely before using in the cocktail—you can use the bowl-in-the-freezer trick to speed up the cooling process.

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