Are you on the hunt for the best espresso martini recipe to impress your guests at your next cocktail night?

You’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll quickly walk through the fascinating backstory of the espresso martini, break down the essential ingredients and tools you actually need, and give you a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe so you can shake a bar-quality espresso martini at home.

Grab your shaker, pull a shot of espresso, and let’s make your new favorite coffee cocktail.

The Fascinating History of the Espresso Martini

The espresso martini, a drink that perfectly embodies late 20th-century cocktail creativity, was born in the vibrant London bar scene.

It’s widely credited to bartender Dick Bradsell, who became famous in the 1980s for his inventive cocktails.

The story goes that at the Soho Brasserie, an unnamed model asked for a drink that could “wake me up and then f*** me up.” Bradsell answered by combining freshly pulled espresso with vodka and coffee liqueur.

The idea was simple but brilliant:

• Use fresh espresso (not instant coffee) for real flavor and aroma.
• Add vodka for clean strength.
• Add coffee liqueur for sweetness and depth.

The drink caught on quickly, fitting perfectly into a time when people were falling in love with both cocktails and espresso culture.

From there, it spread far beyond London, showing up on bar menus around the world.

Today, the espresso martini is a modern classic: strong, smooth, and a little bit glamorous.

Whenever I’m craving something that feels like dessert and a pick-me-up at the same time, this is the cocktail I go for.

Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Espresso Martini

To make a truly great espresso martini, you don’t need a crowded bar cart – just a few high-quality ingredients measured well.

The goal is a drink that’s rich, smooth, and balanced instead of overly sweet or bitter.

Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Vodka

Vodka is the backbone of the espresso martini. It gives the cocktail structure and strength without adding competing flavors.

• Use 1.5–2 oz of a smooth, neutral vodka.
• Choose a quality brand that doesn’t burn or leave a harsh aftertaste.

You want something clean that lets the coffee shine, not a vodka that dominates the glass.

Coffee Liqueur

Coffee liqueur adds sweetness, flavor, and body. It’s what ties the vodka and espresso together.

• Use 1 oz of a rich coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa or another quality brand).
• Look for a liqueur with a real coffee flavor, not just sugar and caramel.

The right liqueur will deepen the coffee notes and give the drink a velvety texture.

Espresso

Espresso is the star. If you cut corners here, the drink will taste flat.

• Use 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, ideally made just before you shake.
• Choose a blend that’s bold and robust, not thin or sour.

Let the espresso cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the ice too fast, but don’t wait so long that the crema completely disappears.

Ice

Ice is more important than it looks:

• It chills the cocktail.
• It adds just enough dilution to round the edges.

Fill your shaker generously with fresh ice so the drink chills quickly and gets that nice, frothy top when shaken.

Aromatic Finish

For a classic finishing touch, garnish with three whole coffee beans.

They add a whisper of coffee aroma while also giving the drink a polished, “cocktail bar” look.

Traditionally, the three beans represent health, wealth, and happiness – a fun detail to share with guests.

When you choose and measure each ingredient with care, you get an espresso martini that feels rich, balanced, and effortlessly impressive.

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Tools You Will Need

You don’t need a full bar setup, but a few simple tools will make your espresso martini smoother, colder, and more consistent.

Cocktail Shaker

A sturdy cocktail shaker is essential. It chills the ingredients quickly and helps create that signature creamy foam on top.

Strainer

A strainer (or a shaker with a built-in strainer) ensures a smooth pour into your glass, free of ice chips and stray grounds. For an extra silky drink, you can pour through a fine mesh strainer as well.

Espresso Machine

A reliable espresso machine or espresso maker will give you the strong, concentrated coffee this drink needs. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a very strong stovetop moka pot can work in a pinch.

Jigger

A jigger is your best friend for consistency. Measuring the vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso gives you the same balanced result every time and makes it easier to tweak the recipe to your taste.

Fine Glass

Serve your espresso martini in a martini or coupe glass. Chilling the glass beforehand helps keep the drink cold and makes the presentation feel more elevated.

With these tools in reach, making a great espresso martini becomes a fun little ritual instead of a guessing game.

Choosing the Right Espresso for Your Martini

The espresso you use is the heart of the drink. A good espresso martini can’t happen with bad coffee.

Quality and Flavor Profile

Choose a blend or single-origin coffee that is:

• Rich and full-bodied
• Able to stand up to vodka and sweetness
• Not overly sour or thin

A top-tier espresso will give your cocktail the depth it needs.

Roast Level

• A medium-dark to dark roast usually works best.
• You want bold flavor without tipping into burnt bitterness.

If your espresso tastes harsh on its own, it will taste harsh in the glass, even with liqueur and simple syrup.

Origin of Bean

Different origins bring different notes:

• Some coffees lean chocolatey or nutty.
• Others have gentle fruit or caramel notes.

If you enjoy dialing in your coffee (and you already care about things like low-acid coffee or different espresso drinks), this is a fun place to experiment and find “your” espresso martini profile.

Freshness

Freshness makes a big difference:

• Grind your beans just before brewing if you can.
• Use espresso pulled specifically for the cocktail, not something that’s been sitting.

Fresh espresso carries its natural oils, crema, and aroma into the drink, which all show up in the flavor and foam.

The espresso isn’t just an ingredient – it’s the central voice in the cocktail. Choosing a rich, freshly brewed shot takes your espresso martini from “fine” to “wow.”

The Best Vodka for Your Espresso Martini

Vodka doesn’t need to be flashy here, but it does need to be good.

Premium Vodka

You don’t have to splurge on the most expensive bottle, but reach for a reliable premium vodka that you’d be happy to sip chilled.

Smooth and Neutral

Look for:

• A smooth mouthfeel
• A clean, neutral flavor

You want a vodka that supports the cocktail, not one that competes with the espresso or coffee liqueur.

Aftertaste & Purity

Avoid vodkas with:

• A strong burn
• A lingering, harsh aftertaste

These will show up in the finished drink and clash with the creamy, coffee-forward profile you’re after.

Distillation & Filtration

Vodkas distilled multiple times and filtered carefully often taste cleaner and softer.

These tend to work beautifully in espresso martinis, letting the coffee notes shine.

Personal Preference

At the end of the day, the best vodka is one you genuinely enjoy.

If you like how it tastes in a simple vodka soda, chances are it will work well in your espresso martini too.

The Secret Ingredient: Coffee Liqueur

Coffee liqueur is the connective tissue of the drink. It brings sweetness, adds coffee flavor, and ties everything together.

Bridge Between Flavors

Good coffee liqueur acts as a bridge between the crisp vodka and the bold espresso, smoothing out the edges and adding a touch of sweetness.

Complexity and Sweetness

Choose a liqueur that:

• Tastes like real coffee, not just sugar
• Has subtle notes of chocolate, vanilla, or cocoa if you like more depth

You want enough sweetness to balance the espresso, but not so much that the drink becomes syrupy.

Brand Integrity & Flavor Profile

Look for brands that:

• Use quality coffee beans
• Have a flavor that complements your espresso rather than overpowering it

If you like experimenting, craft coffee liqueurs can add fun twists (more cocoa, more spice, etc.), as long as they don’t throw off the overall balance.

The right coffee liqueur doesn’t steal the spotlight – it makes every other ingredient taste better.

Mastering the Perfect Ratio

A memorable espresso martini is all about balance: strong but smooth, sweet but not cloying, bold but silky.

A great starting ratio is:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (or to taste)

This is the same ratio used in the recipe card below, so your readers aren’t seeing two different formulas in one post.

From there, you can tweak:

• Want more coffee punch?
  • Increase the espresso slightly and reduce the simple syrup.
• Want it sweeter and softer?
  • Increase the simple syrup or use a slightly sweeter coffee liqueur.
• Want more spirit-forward?
  • Keep the 2 oz vodka and use a bolder espresso.

Start with the base ratio, then adjust in small amounts so you can find your own “house” espresso martini.

Technique Matters: Shaking for the Best Texture

Ingredients get you halfway there. Technique does the rest.

The shake is what gives an espresso martini its:

• Proper chill
• Light dilution
• Signature creamy, foamy top

Lots of Ice

Fill your shaker with plenty of ice. This helps you:

• Chill the drink quickly
• Avoid over-diluting it while you shake

Vigorous Shake

Shake hard for about 15–20 seconds:

• You want the outside of the shaker to feel very cold and frosty.
• The ice should be moving forcefully inside, crashing through the liquid.

As you shake, the espresso’s oils emulsify with the alcohol and syrup, creating that beautiful foam layer that holds the coffee beans on top.

Once you crack the shaker and smell that mix of coffee and spirits, you’ll know you’re close.

Must Try Variations To The Espresso Martini Recipe

Must Try Variations To The Espresso Martini Recipe

Once you’ve nailed the classic, it’s fun to play. Here are eight variations that keep the spirit of the espresso martini but change the mood.

Vanilla Espresso Martini

• 2 oz vanilla-flavored vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a vanilla bean or coffee beans.

Caramel Espresso Martini

• 1 shot espresso
• 2 shots vanilla or salted caramel vodka
• 1 shot coffee liqueur

Shake with ice, strain into a caramel-drizzled glass, and garnish with coffee beans or a dash of cinnamon.

Hazelnut Espresso Martini

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with finely chopped hazelnuts.

Maple Bourbon Espresso Martini

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
• 0.5 oz maple syrup

Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with an orange twist for a rich, warming flavor.

Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini

• 1.5 oz orange-flavored vodka
• 0.5 oz crème de cacao
• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz fresh espresso

Shake with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with an orange twist.

Tequila Espresso Martini

• 1.5 oz silver or reposado tequila
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Shake with ice, strain, and garnish with coffee beans for a bold, unexpected twist.

Baileys Espresso Martini

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur

Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass, and dust with cocoa powder for a creamy, dessert-like drink.

Coconut Espresso Martini

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz coconut cream or coconut milk
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur

Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

You can mention one or two of these in your intro or conclusion as “my favorite ways to switch things up” to make the post feel even more personal.

Best Espresso Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• 3 coffee beans (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Espresso
   Brew a fresh shot of espresso using good-quality coffee beans. Let it cool to room temperature or just slightly warm so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly.
2. Prepare the Cocktail Shaker
   Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. This will chill the ingredients and help create a smooth, frothy texture.
3. Add Ingredients
   Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, and simple syrup into the shaker.
4. Shake Well
   Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold and you can hear the ice moving sharply.
5. Strain and Serve
   Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Chilling the glass in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand makes the drink feel extra crisp.
6. Garnish
   Gently place three coffee beans on top of the foam. Traditionally, they represent health, wealth, and happiness.

Tips:

• Always use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor and foam.
• Feel free to experiment with different coffee liqueurs or adjust the amount of simple syrup to match your preferred sweetness.
• If you enjoy experimenting with coffee, you might also like exploring my posts on low-acid coffee and espresso-based drinks to find beans that work beautifully both in the cup and in cocktails.

Enjoy your best espresso martini – perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a sophisticated, dessert-style cocktail at home.

Garnishing Your Espresso Martini: The Final Touch

The garnish is a small detail that makes the drink feel finished, both visually and aromatically.

Trio of Coffee Beans

The classic garnish is three whole coffee beans:

• They rest gently on the foam.
• They add a subtle coffee aroma.
• They traditionally symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.

After straining the cocktail into your glass, float the beans on the surface. The foam from the shake should be thick enough to hold them. Choosing fragrant, freshly roasted beans adds a tiny extra layer of aroma to the first sip.

It’s a simple step, but it signals the same care and attention you’d expect in a good cocktail bar.

Related Articles:

If you love playing with coffee beyond the cocktail shaker, you might also enjoy these posts:

Unraveling The Mysteries Of Low Acid Coffee

Which is the Best Espresso-Based Drink for You?

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