Espresso Martini
A cold, creamy and gently bitter coffee drink with a lush foam and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
- Vodka60 ml
- Coffee liqueure.g. Kahlúa22 ml
- Espresso, freshly brewed and cooled30 ml
- Simple syrup, to taste (optional) (1 part Sugar, 1 part Water)15 ml
Method
- Chill a martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Brew an espresso and let it cool, or use cold brew.
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and, if using, simple syrup.
- Shake hard for 15–20 seconds, until a creamy foam forms.
- Strain into the cold martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans and serve at once.
About this drink
The Espresso Martini was created by bartender Dick Bradsell in London in the 1980s, reportedly after a guest asked for something that would both wake her up and get her tipsy. It has since become a classic in cocktail bars around the world, known for its dense foam and intense coffee aroma.
Questions and answers
Why shake an Espresso Martini so hard?
The vigorous shake creates the dense, creamy foam on top, and the coffee's natural oils help keep it stable. Shake too gently and the foam soon disappears.
Can you use cold brew instead of espresso?
Yes, when you do not have an espresso machine to hand. Cold brew is less intense, so use a little more of it to reach the same coffee strength.
