Why This '80s Cocktail Is Now One of the Most Popular in America
The espresso martini is officially back — and I am definitely on board. I loved it in the ’90s and I still love it today: After all, it’s basically a caffeine boost accompanied by a boozy hug.
As it turns out, most bartenders hate making espresso martinis (because not only do you have to make the cocktail, but you also have to pull a shot of espresso and cool it down fast), which is all the more reason to make your own at home. It really couldn’t be easier: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add vodka (psst, we asked three bartenders for their favorite brand), coffee liqueur, a shot of espresso, and simple syrup; then shake, strain, and enjoy.
I tried a few different ratios before I landed on this one, which really allows the coffee flavors to shine. Here’s how to do it.
Why You’ll Love It
It tastes like a cocktail rather than a sweet treat. More often than not, espresso martinis veer into dessert cocktail territory. Going a bit heavier on the vodka keeps things from becoming overly sweet.
You don’t need to go out to enjoy one. This recipe easily walks you through the ins and outs of making this classic cocktail at home. Plus, it gives you flexibility to use what you have on hand, whether it’s espresso or cold brew coffee.
Key Ingredients in an Espresso Martini
Espresso: The final flavor of the cocktail is heavily influenced by the espresso you start with, so make sure to use one that you actually like to drink. It’s also important not to add piping hot espresso to your cocktail; allow it to cool first so it won’t melt the ice and dilute the drink too much once added to the shaker.
Vodka: A smooth, neutral spirit that tempers the drink’s sweetness.
Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa is the go-to pick for this cocktail, but it’s just one of many brands of coffee liqueur out there, so use whichever one you have or can find.
Simple syrup: Balances the other ingredients in this cocktail. If you prefer a less sweet, more coffee-forward drink, skip this.
How to Make an Espresso Martini
Prepare your espresso. Pull a shot and give it ample time to cool off to room temperature (or stick it in the fridge to speed up the process).
Shake and strain the cocktail. Place the espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until frosty, then strain into a martini glass.
Choose your garnish journey. You can, of course, enjoy it as is, or garnish the top by dusting coffee grounds or instant espresso onto the surface (or finely grate coffee beans over the top), or decoratively place a few coffee beans in the center of the drink.
Helpful Swaps
If making espresso at home isn’t up your alley, don’t fret! You can pull it off just as easily with store-bought or homemade cold brew coffee. It won’t be as foamy as one made with espresso, but it’ll be just as tasty.
Not a fan of vodka? Although not traditional, there are plenty of other options: I’ve seen people make “martinis” with bourbon, mezcal, and tequila.
When making simple syrup, try infusing it with cinnamon, cardamom, or any spice that plays well with coffee.
More Coffee Cocktails
Espresso Martini Recipe
Our rendition of the classic cocktail is a keeper.
Prep time 5 minutes
Serves 1
Ingredients
1 ounce espresso or cold brew coffee
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Ice
Garnish options: coffee beans, finely ground coffee, or instant espresso
Instructions
If using espresso, prepare and let 1 ounce cool to room temperature, or refrigerate before using. Place a martini glass in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 5 minutes to chill.
Place the espresso or 1 ounce cold brew coffee, 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce coffee liqueur, and 1/2 ounce simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add enough ice to fill the shaker halfway. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until very cold and outside of the shaker is frosty, about 20 seconds. Pour through a strainer into the martini glass and garnish if desired.
Garnish options:
Decoratively place 1 or 3 coffee beans directly on top.
Finely grate coffee beans with a Microplane over the top.
Pour finely ground coffee beans or instant espresso into a fine-mesh strainer and dust over the top. You can use this method with a piece of paper over half the cocktail to dust only one half for a more dramatic presentation.
Further Reading
The “Beautiful” $3 Flower Tumblers at Walmart People Are Buying 2 at a Time
Reese’s Just Launched a Limited-Edition Peanut Butter Cup, and It Tastes 4x Better than the Original
