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Espresso martini served in a martini glass with espresso martini mix bottle on a tray. Perfect for cocktail lovers.

Coffee-meets-cocktail with a frothy top

Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini

5 minEasy

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

0 min

Total Time

5 min

Servings

1

1 cocktail

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Espresso Martini

Coffee-meets-cocktail with a frothy top

A rich, caffeinated cocktail that blends freshly brewed espresso with vodka and coffee liqueur. This stylish drink delivers a velvety crema top and bold coffee flavor.

5m

Prep Time

0m

Cook Time

5m

Total Time

1

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

SnackVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 5, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

The espresso martini is the ultimate pick-me-up cocktail—energizing espresso shaken with vodka and coffee liqueur into a frothy, sophisticated sipper. The vigorous shake creates the signature foam.

Why This Recipe Works

Shaking the hot espresso with ice creates rapid chilling and the characteristic frothy crema on top. Fresh espresso provides oils and compounds that bottled cold brew cannot replicate.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
  • 1/2 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Ice for shaking
  • 3 coffee beans for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool for 1-2 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.

  3. 3

    Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds—the hard shake creates the foam.

  4. 4

    Double-strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

  5. 5

    Garnish with three coffee beans floated on the foam.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

  • Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor

Substitutions

VodkaDark rum or Irish whiskey

Different flavor profiles that pair well with coffee

KahluaMr. Black or any coffee liqueur

Mr. Black is less sweet with a bolder coffee flavor

AromaBrew

Test Kitchen Pick

Espresso

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the coffee matters

For recipes like this, better coffee pays off quickly. Stronger, fresher beans give you more flavor without having to compensate elsewhere.

This recipe tastes closer to its intent when the coffee is doing real work.

  • More aroma and depth in the final result
  • Useful beyond this single dessert or drink

Good espresso beans are usually a more noticeable upgrade than a more complicated gadget.

Shop espresso for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use freshly brewed espresso, not instant—the crema oils are essential for the frothy top.

  • Shake harder and longer than you think to get the best foam.

Storage

Serve immediately. Not suitable for storage.

Reheating

Not applicable—serve fresh and cold.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 1 servings

Calories220
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein0g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat14g
Fiber5mg
Sugar0g
Sodium12g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cold brew instead?
Cold brew works but produces less foam. Use strong cold brew concentrate.
What if I do not have an espresso machine?
Moka pot coffee or very strong French press coffee works as a substitute.

Explore More

More SnackVegan RecipesGluten-Free RecipesDairy-Free RecipesNo-Cook Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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