Best Espresso Martini Recipe | Ask Chef Dennis

If you’re looking for a cocktail that feels a little classy, a little indulgent, and a whole lot delicious, our espresso martini recipe is just what you’re looking for.

It’s the kind of drink that’s fancy enough for a dinner party, yet casual enough for a quiet night at home.

With cold brew concentrate (or freshly brewed espresso), vodka, coffee liqueur, and just enough sweetness to balance the bitterness, our espresso martini delivers a rich coffee flavor with a smooth finish, and it’s signature creamy foam on top.

Like many famous cocktails, the espresso martini took on a life of its own once bartenders realized how well coffee and spirits went together. It rode the wave of 1980s cocktail culture, fell off for a while, and then came roaring back when craft cocktails and the coffee culture joined forces.

Although it’s called a martini, it doesn’t contain gin or vermouth like a traditional martini. The name comes from the glass and the serving style.

If you enjoy a good martini, make sure to try our Chocolate Martini and Lychee Martini recipes.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients to make our Espresso Martini recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its Place.”

Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have everything you need on hand to make the recipe.

Recipe Variations

Vanilla Espresso Martini: Add a small splash of vanilla syrup or use vanilla vodka to soften the sharper coffee notes and give the drink a smoother, dessert-like finish.

Mocha Espresso Martini: Add a little chocolate liqueur or crème de cacao for a mocha-style spin that feels rich and indulgent.

Baileys Espresso Martini: Swap part of the coffee liqueur or simple syrup for Baileys Irish cream to make the drink creamier and slightly sweeter.

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: Use caramel syrup, add a tiny pinch of salt, or rim with salted caramel for a sweet-and-salty version that’s crowd-friendly and bold.

Bourbon Espresso Martini: Swap the vodka for bourbon for a warmer, deeper flavor with notes of vanilla, oak, and spice.

Dairy-Free Creamy Espresso Martini: Add a splash of oat cream, coconut cream, or dairy-free coffee creamer for a silkier texture without dairy. But go easy, because too much can flatten the drink and kill the clean finish.

Hazelnut Espresso Martini: Add a touch of hazelnut liqueur for a nutty, café-style twist that tastes familiar and comforting.

Cinnamon Espresso Martini: A dash of cinnamon syrup or a light dusting of cinnamon on the foam adds a warm, aromatic edge, making it feel holiday-ready.

Orange Espresso Martini: A small strip of orange peel or a tiny splash of orange liqueur can brighten the drink and add a surprisingly good citrus note.

How to make an Espresso Martini

Follow my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make an Espresso Martini at home.

Add the vodka to a chilled cocktail shaker.

Add the cold brew concentrate to the shaker.

Add the coffee liqueur to the shaker.

Add the coffee liqueur to the shaker.

Add the simple syrup to the shaker.

Add ice to the shaker.

Shake vigorously to chill the cocktail and aerate the ingredients (this creates the foam on top).

Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass, garnish, and serve immediately. After one taste, you’ll agree this is the best espresso martini recipe!

Chef Tips

Use Cold Brew Concentrate or Real Espresso.

Refrigerate the cold brew concentrate. If you use espresso, let it cool off.

Shake It Like You Mean It to create the signature frothy top.

Chill the Glass.

Taste the Balance. Good bartenders taste and adjust.

Double Strain for a Smoother Finish.

The secret to a great espresso martini is balance. You want bold coffee flavor, but you also need enough sweetness to smooth out the edges. And if you want that beautiful frothy top, you’ve got to shake the cocktail hard. This is one of those drinks that looks fancy, but it’s really the technique that makes it memorable.

If you’re looking for a cocktail that feels elegant without being complicated, our espresso martini is guaranteed not to disappoint.

It’s rich, smooth, and impressive enough for guests, but easy enough to make for date nights or quiet, indulgent nights at home.

Serving Suggestions

This is an ideal after-dinner cocktail, but it also plays well at brunches, holiday parties, and small gatherings where you want something that feels a little upscale without turning into a whole production. It pairs well with:

Storage

This drink is best when served immediately after shaking, but you can mix the ingredients in advance. Just wait to add ice and shake before serving.

Recipe FAQs

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