Espresso martini

Espresso Martini

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A modern classic cocktail combining rich espresso with smooth vodka and coffee liqueur, topped with a signature creamy foam.

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Rocks Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (130ml)
  • Vodka 
    45 ml
  • Coffee Liqueur 
    20 ml
  • Strong Espresso 
    30 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1) 
    10 ml
  • Coffee bean 
    3 beans
Recipe credit: Dick Bradsell, 1980s

Instructions

Step

Brew a fresh shot of espresso using high-quality dark roast beans and allow to cool to prevent excessive dilution.

Step

Fill cocktail shaker with plenty of ice to ensure proper chilling and dilution.

Step

Add 45ml vodka, 20ml coffee liqueur, 30ml cooled espresso, and 10ml simple syrup to the shaker.

Step

Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the espresso oils and create the signature creamy foam.

Step

Double strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass to remove ice shards and achieve smooth texture.

Step

Float three coffee beans on the foam as garnish and serve immediately.

Equipment

Shaker
Fine Mesh Strainer
Jigger

Description

The Espresso Martini is a sophisticated cocktail that perfectly marries the worlds of coffee and spirits. Created in the 1980s by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell, this drink has become a modern classic, beloved for its rich coffee flavor, smooth finish, and striking presentation with its signature foam top.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (130ml)
Calories
180
ABV
25 %
Alcohol
26 g
Carbs
12 g
Carbs from Sugar
10 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.5 g
Sodium
5 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor and crema - avoid instant coffee or French press as they lack the necessary oils for proper foam formation.

  • Shake as vigorously as possible - the more aggressive the shake, the better the foam and texture will be in the final cocktail.

  • Let the espresso cool slightly before adding to prevent excessive dilution while maintaining the drink's strength and preserving the crema.

  • Taste your coffee liqueur first to determine sweetness level - adjust simple syrup accordingly as some brands are much sweeter than others.

  • Always serve in a well-chilled glass to maintain the drink's temperature and preserve the beautiful foam layer longer.

The foam depends on fresh espresso with natural oils and vigorous shaking. Ensure you’re using freshly brewed espresso (not cold brew or instant) and shake very hard for at least 15-20 seconds. The espresso oils emulsify during shaking to create the signature foam.

While fresh espresso is ideal, you can substitute with 30ml of strong cold brew concentrate or very strong coffee that’s been cooled. However, the foam will be less pronounced as these methods don’t produce the same oils that create the signature crema.

Start by tasting your coffee liqueur and espresso to gauge their natural sweetness and bitterness. If too bitter, increase the simple syrup gradually. If too sweet, reduce or omit the simple syrup entirely, or choose a less sweet coffee liqueur like Mr Black instead of Kahlúa.

The three coffee beans are traditional and symbolic, representing health, wealth, and happiness. They also add an aromatic element as they release coffee oils on the surface of the drink, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Related Coffee, Creamy, Sweet cocktails

Carajillo

A classic Spanish and Mexican cocktail combining Licor 43 and freshly brewed espresso, shaken to create a luxurious foam and served over ice.

Carajillo

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Vodka
    45 ml
  • Coffee Liqueur
    20 ml
  • Strong Espresso
    30 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1)
    10 ml
  • Coffee bean
    3 beans

Method

  1. Brew a fresh shot of espresso using high-quality dark roast beans and allow to cool to prevent excessive dilution.
  2. Fill cocktail shaker with plenty of ice to ensure proper chilling and dilution.
  3. Add 45ml vodka, 20ml coffee liqueur, 30ml cooled espresso, and 10ml simple syrup to the shaker.
  4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the espresso oils and create the signature creamy foam.
  5. Double strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass to remove ice shards and achieve smooth texture.
  6. Float three coffee beans on the foam as garnish and serve immediately.