The espresso martini is one of the most popular cocktails in the modern bar. Credited to Dick Bradsell at Fred's Club in London, it was supposedly created in the 1980s at the request of a fashion model who wanted an energizing cocktail. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and chilled espresso, the espresso martini certainly fits the bill, and its simplicity allows you to replicate it at home.
Since its debut, there have been many variations on the espresso martini. This particular recipe adds creme de cacao to the mix. The sweet chocolate liqueur gives the spiked coffee cocktail a mocha-like taste that makes it even more irresistible. Skip that ingredient if you like and explore the other substitutions to find your ideal espresso martini.
This delicious and caffeinated vodka martini is a great after-dinner drink. It's also a perfect happy hour cocktail when you need a little pick-me-up.
As with any vodka martini, the vodka you choose will determine the overall quality of the drink. However, the coffee and chocolate are decadent flavors, and there are some fantastic budget-friendly vodkas available that work well in this drink.
The espresso is the most important ingredient. If you have an espresso machine, pull a few shots, and put them in the freezer for a quick chill. It's important to add cold espresso to the shaker, or your ice will melt too quickly.
Variations:
No espresso machine? Brew coffee in a stovetop espresso pot, or use a ready-to-drink espresso or cold-brew coffee concentrate.
Many espresso martini recipes use as much as 1 ounce of simple syrup instead of chocolate liqueur. Some coffee liqueurs can be too sweet for this substitution and really don't need any additional sweetener. Eliminate the chocolate liqueur or start with 1/4 ounce of syrup to maintain a balanced drink.
Kick your espresso martini up another notch and use an espresso-flavored vodka.
Skip the crème de cacao and start with chocolate vodka, adding 1/4 ounce more to make up for the liqueur. Vanilla vodka works as well.
Light and vanilla rums are good vodka substitutes in the espresso martini.
Give the martini a latte-like feel with a 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of Irish cream, another cream liqueur, or half and half. Dairy milk substitutes—particularly vanilla almond milk—work well, too.
Which Coffee Liqueur Is Best for an Espresso Martini?
Kahlua is typically the go-to coffee liqueur for the espresso martini, but there are other options. Tia Maria is a well-known and popular alternative that's not as sweet. You can also try the coffee liqueurs from brands like Firelit, Leopold Bros., New Deal, or St. George Spirits. If you're feeling crafty, make your own coffee liqueur.
How Do You Make the Espresso Martini Frothy?
The frothy top is one of the best parts of an espresso martini. It gives it that coffee shop feel, just like a shot of espresso. To ensure it appears on your martini, use freshly brewed (but chilled) espresso, shake the cocktail very well, and strain it into the glass quickly.
