Espresso Martini recipe
The drink that wakes you up and keeps you going.
Method: Shake ·
Glass: Coupe glass (chilled) ·
Time: 4 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur (Kahlúa or Mr. Black)
- 1 oz Fresh Espresso (hot, just pulled)
- 0.25 oz Simple Syrup (optional, to taste)
How to make a Espresso Martini
- Pull a fresh shot of espresso (or use strong cold brew concentrate).
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake HARD for 15 seconds — the espresso needs vigorous shaking to create the signature crema.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Float three coffee beans on top of the crema.
Garnish
Three coffee beans floated on the crema.
Pro tip
The secret to a perfect crema is fresh espresso and hard shaking. The natural oils in fresh coffee create that beautiful foam layer. Old or cold coffee won't foam the same way.
History of the Espresso Martini
Created by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell in 1983 at Fred's Club in London. A young model (rumored to be Kate Moss) asked him for something that would 'wake me up, then f*** me up.' He combined vodka with espresso and a star was born.
Flavour profile
Coffee, Bitter-sweet, Rich, Smooth
Variations
- Salted Caramel Espresso Martini — Add 0.25 oz salted caramel syrup
- Rum Espresso Martini — Replace vodka with aged rum for warmth
- Irish Espresso Martini — Use Irish whiskey and add a float of cream
Practise making the Espresso Martini in the free Virtual Bar game.