With a recent, but rich and stimulating history, just like the cocktail itself, the Espresso Martini Recipe is a creation from the legend Dick Bradsell and a late British bartender in the late 1980s.
Picture this: Tucked away behind a secret door, down a cobblestone alley in the heart of London, lies a speakeasy as enigmatic as the city itself. As you walk through the secret entrance, unveiling history and leaving behind the murmur of the busy city. Greeted by those in the know, the rich aroma of coffee beans lingers like a promise in the dimly air with soft jazz in the background. Imagine tasting the forbidden elixir of the night on your lips with a whisper of bold espresso, a zesty hint of citrus, and a silken precision of the distilled essence of vodka.
Best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for coffee lovers!
How to Make Vodka Espresso Martini
Here are the simple ingredients you need:
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 oz Freshly Brewed Espresso
- Optional: 1/4 to 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (for sweetness)
Garnish ideas:
- 3 Coffee beans (classic)
- Cocoa powder
- Shaved chocolate
- Orange peel
Best substitute for ingredients:
- Vodka – Grey goose or any other unflavored vodka
- Kahula – Bailey’s irish cream
- Simple syrup – Any sugar syrup
- Espresso – Cold brew coffee concentrate, instant espresso (espresso powder)
How to Mix the Best Espresso Martini Cocktail
Step 1: Start by brewing a shot of espresso – the better the quality of the beans, the better it will taste – allow it to cool to room temperature before mixing the cold espresso with the rest.
Step 2: Meanwhile, chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before mixing.
Step 3: Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, then add your favorite vodka, coffee liquor, cooled espresso, and simple syrup (optional).
Step 4: Cap the shaker and shake it all vigorously for about 10-15 seconds – tip: aim for a good chill and a nice frothy layer from the espresso.
Step 5: Strain the espresso mixture into the chilled glass with the froth settling on the top.
Step 6: For a classic Espresso Martini, place 2-3 coffee beans on top of the creamy foam.
Note: Did you know that the coffee beans symbolize health, wealth, and happiness?
Serve immediately and enjoy it fresh!
Tip: It makes a perfect after-dinner drink!
Expert Tips for Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe
- Let the espresso cool off to room temperature before mixing it, otherwise the cocktail will turn out super watery due to the ice cubes melting.
- Always use freshly brewed espresso coffee – yes, it takes longer but it will make a world of difference in taste. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use cold brew concentrate as an alternative for the strong coffee taste.
- With such few ingredients, the quality of them makes a big difference. Use high-quality vodka and coffee-liqueur to keep it smooth.
- To avoid small coffee grounds or ice shards in your cocktail, use a fine strainer as you’re pouring into the cocktail glass to create a beautiful foam.
- Make a Baileys espresso Martini for a creamier espresso martini
- To make one of those contemporary classic cocktails, use a mason jar to make a lightly sweetened iced espresso cocktail – based on personal tastes, add some other fruity twists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Perfect Espresso Martini
If you have more questions that weren’t answered here, feel free to comment below!
What garnish should I use for an Espresso Martini?
If you’re looking for a traditional Espresso Martini, then garnish with three coffee beans where each represents health, wealth, and happiness. Further, for that elegant look, sprinkle some cocoa powder or add a twist of orange peel on top.
How strong is an Espresso Martini?
As the Espresso Martini consists of Vodka and coffee liqueur, it has a higher alcohol content than most cocktails, making it a stronger drink with a caffeine kick coming from the Espresso.
Can I batch make Espresso Martinis for a party?
Espresso Martini Cocktails are best made fresh, however, if you want to prepare for a party, you can pre-mix the vodka and coffee liquor in a batch – then all you have left to do is the fresh espresso!
Picture Perfect Vodka Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you need:
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur such as Kahlúa
- 1 oz Freshly Brewed Espresso
- Optional: 1/4 to 1/2 oz Simple Syrup for sweetness
Garnish ideas:
- 3 Coffee beans classic
- Cocoa powder
- Shaved chocolate
- Orange peel
Best substitute for ingredients:
- Vodka – Grey goose or any other unflavored vodka
- Kahula – Bailey’s irish cream
- Simple syrup – Any sugar syrup
- Espresso – Cold brew coffee concentrate instant espresso (espresso powder)
Instructions
- Start by brewing a shot of espresso – the better the quality of the beans, the better it will taste – allow it to cool to room temperature before mixing the cold espresso with the rest.
- Meanwhile, chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before mixing.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, then add your favorite vodka, coffee liquor, cooled espresso, and simple syrup (optional).
- Cap the shaker and shake it all vigorously for about 10-15 seconds – tip: aim for a good chill and a nice frothy layer from the espresso.
- Strain the espresso mixture into the chilled glass with the froth settling on the top.
- For a classic Espresso Martini, place 2-3 coffee beans on top of the creamy foam.
Serve immediately and enjoy it fresh!