Espresso Martini
Vodka and coffee cocktail with a foamy crema.
Drink details
Glass
Martini Glass
Ice
No Ice
Method
Shaken
Strength
Strong
Servings
1
Recipe
Ingredients
Vodka
50 ml
Coffee Liqueur
30 ml
Simple Syrup
10 ml
Espresso
Strong espresso
1 shot
Garnish
Coffee Beans
3 pieces
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, simple syrup and strong espresso to a shaker with ice and shake well.
- 2
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with three coffee beans.
About the Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a modern cocktail combining vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso. Despite its name, it is not a traditional Martini; instead, it is a rich coffee cocktail known for its dark appearance and characteristic layer of foam. Vodka provides a clean alcoholic base, coffee liqueur contributes sweetness and depth, and espresso supplies roasted coffee flavor and aroma. Served chilled in a stemmed glass, it works especially well as an after-dinner cocktail.
What does an Espresso Martini taste like?
An Espresso Martini tastes rich, roasted and bittersweet, with fresh coffee dominating the flavor. Coffee liqueur adds sweetness and deeper coffee notes, while vodka provides strength without competing heavily with the espresso. When properly balanced, the cocktail retains enough coffee bitterness to prevent it from tasting overly sweet, with a smooth texture and aromatic coffee finish.
Tips for making an Espresso Martini
Use freshly brewed espresso for the strongest coffee aroma, but allow it to cool slightly before mixing. Shake the vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso vigorously with plenty of ice; the forceful shaking chills the cocktail and helps create its characteristic foamy top. Double-strain into a chilled glass for a smooth presentation without small fragments of ice.
