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Espresso Martini Recipe

5 from 12 votes

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This Espresso Martini is a delicious coffee cocktail recipe. Great for cold weather and after dinner drinks or holiday party beverage. Just 3 ingredients and easy to make.
A glass full of the coffee cocktail with beans all around it

Calling all coffee lovers! You will LOVE this Espresso Martini! Just three ingredients for a coffee flavored cocktail.

A glass full of the coffee cocktail with beans all around it

Espresso Martini

Even as a coffee lover, I never thought I would like cocktails made with coffee. It seemed that they would be too sweet or too creamy.

And so I was honestly not expecting to ever enjoy any type of coffee cocktail. But I was so wrong!

This coffee martini is an amazing balance of sweet and bitter. You will love it at happy hour or even as an after dinner drink alongside some Coffee Shortbread!

Closer view of the drink with coffee beans

What is in an Espresso Martini?

These are the ingredients you need for the drink:

  • Brewed Espresso
  • Vodka
  • Coffee Liqueur
  • Espresso Beans (for garnish)

What gives espresso martini the foam?

The foam is a classic part of the martini, and delicious!

It is made from the oils in the coffee being shaken vigorously and injected with air in the shaker. So shake hard!

Some of the foam might get stuck on the sides of the shaker, so swirl it around before quickly pouring it out to get as much foam as you can into that glass.

What can you use instead of a cocktail shaker?

No cocktail shaker? No problem!

Find another vessel that has a lid, such as a to-go coffee cup, tumbler, or even a clean jar.

Two full Espresso Martinis with beans around them

What’s the difference between a Black Russian and an espresso martini?

A Black Russian cocktail is made with just two ingredients: vodka and coffee liqueur.

The espresso martini takes it up a notch with the addition of fresh brewed espresso.

Why is there 3 coffee beans in an espresso martini?

I always thought that this was just a fun garnish, but there is an origin to the three beans floating on top.

In Italy, three coffee beans are served on top of Sambuca (an Italian liqueur) and represent health, wealth, and happiness.

So this garnish is a nod to that classic.

Top view of the cocktail with three coffee beans floating on top

Do I have to use espresso?

While named specifically for espresso, you can also make this cocktail with either chilled coffee or cold brew. Just swap them out for the same portions.

I prefer espresso over the other options because it has a deeper, darker, roasted flavor. If you use coffee or cold brew, the roasted flavor might be lighter since it is not as dense (coffee uses more water than espresso). But use any option that you like!

An Espresso Martini in a glass with coffee beans around it

Is Kahlua or Tia Maria better for espresso martini?

Either options will taste great. Kahlua is the more popular and commonly known brand.

In taste difference, Tia Maria is a little less sweet. There are also many other brands of coffee liqueur out there.

Ultimately, go with what you like – all of them will taste great!

How to Make Espresso Martini

Brew your espresso and let it chill to at least room temperature or colder.

Put the chilled espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur in a cocktail shaker with a big scoop of ice and shake until the shaker is very cold, about 30 seconds.

Pour into the martini glass and place the three espresso beans on top, if using. Serve immediately.

Closer view of an Espresso Martini in the glass
Pin image of an Espresso Martini with beans behind it and title at top
A glass full of the coffee cocktail with beans all around it

Espresso Martini

This Espresso Martini is a delicious coffee cocktail recipe. Great for cold weather and after dinner drinks or holiday party beverage. Just 3 ingredients and easy to make.
5 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: International
Keyword: 30 Min or Less, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 328kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce espresso chilled (½ an espresso shot) (or cold brew, or chilled coffee)
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur
  • ice
  • 3 coffee beans for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Brew your espresso if you have not already and put in the refrigerator to chill. It should be at least room temperature, ideally cold, before making the drink. You can also use cold brew coffee.
  • Put the espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds until the shaker is very cold.
  • Immediately pour into the martini glass. For optimal coffee foam on top, pour quickly (not slowly).
  • Place three coffee beans on top for garnish and serve immediately.

Notes

One ounce is two tablespoons if you wish to measure this way instead.
Chilling the espresso can be done in advance. The 3 minutes is how long it takes once the espresso is chilled. For a fast chilling, place in a freezer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 1003mg | Sugar: 13g | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Martini Recipes

By on September 8th, 2021

About Kim

Kim has grown up with a passion for cooking good food! You can find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, making dog treats, and eating Italian food!

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10 thoughts on “Espresso Martini Recipe”

  1. 5 stars
    Espresso martinis are my all time favorite! And that’s so cool about the espresso beans had no idea there was something to it. Making myself one This weekend can’t wait!

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness, doesn’t this drink sound delicious! I am a fan of both – espresso and martinis! What a great idea to mix together!

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    This cocktail combines my two favorites – cocktails and coffee haha. I have a friend who loves this cocktail, can’t wait to make it for her next time she comes over!

    Reply
  4. 5 stars
    This may be my new favorite cocktail! It is so delicious and it’s even better homemade. Thanks for sharing your recipe, I can’t wait to make these again 🙂

    Reply
  5. 5 stars
    I live in Italy but didn’t know the significance of the 3 coffee beans in Sambuca! Love that! I also love coffee flavoured drinks so am going to definitely give this espresso martini a try. I’m sure it’s going to be a new favourite!

    Reply
  6. 5 stars
    I haven’t had an espresso martini before but I’m so tempted to make one now! What a fabulous treat…so elegant too!

    Reply
5 from 12 votes (1 rating without comment)

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