Irish Espresso Martini recipe
Irish whiskey, coffee and a cool cream float for a softly roasted nightcap.
Method: Shake ·
Glass: Coupe glass (chilled) ·
Time: 6 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Irish Whiskey (a smooth blend or stout-influenced whiskey)
- 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1 oz Fresh Espresso (hot, just pulled)
- 0.25 oz Simple Syrup (adjust for the sweetness of the coffee liqueur)
- 0.5 oz Lightly Whipped Cream (optional, for a thin float)
How to make a Irish Espresso Martini
- Chill a coupe glass and pull a fresh espresso.
- Add Irish whiskey, coffee liqueur, espresso and syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 15 seconds, then double strain into the chilled coupe.
- Gently float a thin layer of lightly whipped cream over the back of a bar spoon.
- Finish with three coffee beans and a light grate of nutmeg.
Garnish
A thin cream float, three coffee beans and a little freshly grated nutmeg.
Pro tip
Keep the cream float thin enough to sip through. A heavy layer hides the coffee aroma and makes the drink feel like a dessert rather than an espresso cocktail.
History of the Irish Espresso Martini
The Irish Espresso Martini is a contemporary Irish-whiskey interpretation of the London-born Espresso Martini. Irish whiskey brings cereal, vanilla and gentle oak notes, while the cream-and-nutmeg finish nods toward an after-dinner Irish coffee without copying its hot service.
Flavour profile
Coffee, Vanilla, Creamy, Warm
Variations
Practise making the Irish Espresso Martini in the free Virtual Bar game.