So, you love coffee. You love cocktails. You especially love feeling like a fancy adult who knows what they’re doing when they shake up something cool and caffeinated at home. Well, friend, have I got a drink for you?

This espresso martini is not just another drink. It’s a vibe. It’s that fancy dinner party closer, that “I’m still awake at midnight and want to feel classy” treat, that “let’s impress a date without lighting anything on fire” move.

It’s for people who know that caffeine and vodka can be besties in a glass. Smooth, bold, with a little bit of bite—it’s your favorite barista and your favorite bartender teaming up for a good time.

The best part? You don’t need to be some cocktail wizard to pull this off. If you’ve got an espresso shot and a little shake in your soul, you’re halfway there. This guide is for the home bartenders, the caffeine queens, the cocktail nerds, and the curious sippers.

Whether you’re prepping for a fancy dinner or just want a Thursday night treat that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if you absolutely do not), this drink’s for you.

Let’s dive into the frothy magic.

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Details
Yield	1 cocktail
Serving Size	1 glass
Prep Time	5 minutes
Make Time	2 minutes
Total Time	7 minutes
Calories per Serving	~210 calories
Primary Cooking Method	Shaking (cocktail shaker)
Occasion	After-dinner, Parties
Diet Type	Vegetarian

Calories are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Espresso Martini Recipe

Recipe by Angela JonesCourse: CocktailCuisine: Modern EuropeanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

glass

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

210

kcal

The espresso martini is the ultimate pick-me-up-meets-party drink. It’s the cocktail you pull out when you want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat (or your budget). A perfect combo of vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso—it’s basically a classy jolt of caffeine with a booze chaser. Let’s break down the magic.

Ingredients

For One Espresso Martini
2 oz vodka (chilled)
1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
1 oz freshly brewed espresso (hot and strong)
½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice (for shaking)
3 whole coffee beans (for garnish)

Directions

Brew the Espresso
Get that bold base ready. Start with your favorite high-quality espresso beans—nothing stale or pre-ground. Brew a strong shot of espresso (about 1 oz). The flavor of your martini depends heavily on this step, so go rich and robust. If you’re using a stovetop Moka pot, let it brew fully and pour while it’s hot and aromatic. Let it cool for a minute or two after brewing to avoid killing the ice too quickly in the shaker.
Chill the Glass
Because warm martinis are a no-no. While your espresso cools slightly, prep your glass. Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes. If you’re pressed for time, just fill it with ice water and let it sit while you shake your cocktail. A frosty glass makes a massive difference in presentation and taste.
Assemble Your Shaker
Load the flavor bomb. Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice. Then pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and that shot of cooled espresso. Don’t worry about layering—it all gets shaken up anyway. But make sure your espresso isn’t piping hot when it hits the ice, or you’ll end up with a watery mess.
Shake Like a Pro
Channel your inner bartender. This is not a gentle swirl situation. You want to SHAKE. Hard. About 20 to 30 seconds of vigorous shaking will chill the drink thoroughly and whip up that beautiful, creamy foam on top—thanks to the espresso oils. When your shaker feels like it’s about to give you frostbite, you’re ready.
Strain the Cocktail
Make it smooth and silky. Remove the ice from your martini glass. Using a fine mesh strainer (along with your shaker’s built-in strainer), pour the drink into the glass. This double strain ensures a silky texture without random ice shards floating around. You’re aiming for that iconic velvety layer of crema to settle on top.
Garnish and Serve
Seal the deal with coffee beans. Gently place 3 whole coffee beans on the surface of the foam. Why three? Tradition. They represent health, wealth, and happiness. It’s optional, but come on—they look chic. Sip immediately while the crema is still proud and foamy.

Extra Tips

Use high-quality espresso beans—this isn’t the place for mediocre coffee.
Shake hard and fast to get that signature frothy crema on top.
Chill everything—your shaker, your glass, even your ingredients if possible.
Always double strain to avoid little ice bits in your smooth cocktail.
Garnish right before serving; the coffee beans look best on fresh foam.
Try flavored vodka (like vanilla or caramel) for a twist without overpowering the coffee flavor.

Equipment List

Cocktail shaker (a must!)
Fine mesh strainer (for that smooth pour)
Jigger or measuring shot glass
Espresso machine or stovetop Moka pot
Martini glass or coupe glass
Ice cube tray

Substitution Options

No Espresso Machine?

If you don’t own an espresso machine, no worries. A stovetop Moka pot or even strong brewed coffee from an Aeropress will get you close to the espresso flavor. Just make sure it’s bold and unsweetened.

No Simple Syrup?

You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved. Prefer something more natural? Maple syrup or agave nectar also work, though they’ll slightly tweak the flavor.

Need It Vegan?

Good news—it already is! But if you’re using flavored syrups or liqueurs, double-check labels for hidden dairy or honey.

No Coffee Liqueur?

Kahlúa is classic, but other coffee liqueurs like Tia Maria, Mr Black, or even a homemade version (vodka, brewed coffee, and sugar) can substitute beautifully.

Want Less Alcohol?

Cut the vodka to 1 oz and increase the coffee or simple syrup slightly. You’ll get all the flavor with a gentler punch.

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to be the host who looks cool and collected while serving killer cocktails? You can prep parts of this espresso martini ahead of time to save yourself from last-minute chaos. Brew your espresso earlier in the day and store it in the fridge—it’ll mix even better when cold. You can also pre-mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup in a sealed container and stash it in the fridge. When it’s showtime, just shake with ice and pour. You’ll still get that dreamy foam and flavor, minus the kitchen scramble.

Storage Instructions

While espresso martinis are best enjoyed fresh, you can store the mixed (but unshaken) ingredients in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just keep the espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and syrup sealed in a container. Don’t shake with ice or garnish until right before serving, or you’ll lose that luscious crema. If you’re making a batch, keep it chilled and give it a good shake right before pouring each glass.

FAQ Section

Can I make an espresso martini without an espresso machine?
Yes! A strong shot of coffee from a Moka pot or an Aeropress will work just fine. The key is bold, fresh coffee with a rich flavor that can hold up to the vodka and liqueur.

Why is my espresso martini not foamy on top?
Foam, or crema, depends on how hard you shake and how fresh your espresso is. Use freshly brewed espresso and shake vigorously with lots of ice for 20–30 seconds. A dry shake (without ice) followed by a regular shake can also boost foam.

What kind of vodka should I use?
A good quality, smooth vodka works best since it’s the base of your drink. You don’t need ultra-premium, but avoid the bargain bin stuff. Flavored vodkas like vanilla or caramel can add an extra twist.

How sweet should it be?
Totally up to you! Start with ½ oz of simple syrup and adjust from there. Some coffee liqueurs are sweeter than others, so tweak based on what you’re using and your own taste.

Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Multiply your ingredients and combine everything (minus the ice and coffee beans) in a large container. Store it chilled. Shake individual servings with ice right before pouring to preserve the foam.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving:

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugars: 13g
Alcohol: ~14% ABV (based on standard ratios)
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Fiber: 0g

Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on specific brands of vodka, liqueur, and how much syrup you use.

Final Sips

That’s it—your ultimate guide to pulling off an espresso martini like a total pro. Whether you’re celebrating, caffeinating, or just shaking up your usual drink routine, this cocktail brings the perfect mix of punch and polish. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and has that espresso kick that hits just right.

So next time you want to look (and feel) like you have your life together—even if your socks don’t match—grab that shaker and brew some bold magic. You’ve got this. Cheers!

Bold & Boozy Espresso Martini Recipe

Recipe Snapshot