Name: Absolutely the Perfectly Crafted Espresso Martini, Shake Up Your Night!
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1.5 Ounces Stoli Vanilla; 1 Ounce Kahlua; 1 Ounce Freshly Brewed Espresso (Slightly cooled); 1/2 Ounce Simple Syrup, optional (To add sweetness); 3 Espresso Beans for Garnish

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Some cocktails are timeless, but every now and then, one comes along that feels like an instant classic. The Espresso Martini is just that—a smooth, bold, and energizing cocktail that brings the best of coffee and cocktails together in one glass.

According to Ketel One, this drink was first shaken up at London’s Soho Brasserie for a model who asked for something that would “wake her up.” Mission accomplished—the Espresso Martini has been keeping nights lively ever since.

What makes this cocktail stand out is its versatility. Sure, it’s the ultimate after-dinner pick-me-up, but it also works beautifully as a pre-night-out drink. With its blend of caffeine and spirits, it’s equal parts indulgence and energy boost.

Espresso Martini with Three Espresso Beans

What is the Secret to a Good Espresso Martini?

At its core, the Espresso Martini is simple: fresh espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa), and a touch of simple syrup for added sweetness. The key is quality—good espresso brings the bold flavor and that gorgeous crema, while the vodka and liqueur balance bitterness with smooth sweetness.

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Espresso Martini Ingredients

Stoli Vanil Vodka
Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
Freshly Brewed Espresso
3 Espresso Beans for garnish
Optional, Simple Syrup

Tips

Use good quality spirits. The better the ingredients, the better your cocktail will taste. I like to use either Stoli (Stolichnaya), Absolut, or Cîroc for martinis. They are good-quality, mid-priced vodkas.

When making freshly brewed espresso, I use my Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machine.

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Coffee or Cream? The Best Liquor for an Espresso Martini

There’s no clear winner between Kahlúa and Baileys—it really comes down to what you’re in the mood for.

Kahlúa is bold and sweet, with its rich coffee flavor, making it the go-to choice for a classic espresso martini.

Baileys, on the other hand, brings creaminess with hints of chocolate and vanilla, giving the cocktail a more indulgent, dessert-like twist.

So, whether you want your drink to be coffee-forward or silky and sweet, the choice is all yours.

Bar Tools

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Easy to Read Measuring Cap - Included — Easy to Read Measuring Cap – Included

Martini or cocktail, a good shake makes all the difference in the world so buying a cocktail shaker can seriously step up your at-home drink game. Think about it: no more settling for boring mixed drinks when you can whip up bar-quality cocktails in your kitchen. It’s not just about the fancy presentation (although that’s a fun bonus) but also about how it makes mixing drinks easier and more fun.

I have at least a dozen shakers, but one favorite. The shaker doesn’t leak; you won’t have to hit the shaker against the sink to get the top off, and the cap will measure from 1/2 to 1.5 ounces with clearly marked labels. Measure the perfect amount every time. And it is dishwasher safe!

Plus, once you get the hang of shaking, you’ll feel like a total pro, impressing your friends and yourself with your newfound bartending skills. So why not add a little shake, shake, shake to your life and upgrade your happy hour?

The Right Glass Matters

The crystal-cut martini glass provides an unparalleled and elegant drinkware experience. Its clarity, precise lines, and faceted angles define the impeccably crafted Gem Martini Glass. I love the entire collection. Although they state “Hand wash only,” I put mine on my dishwasher’s top rack.

Chill Your Glass, Elevate Your Sip

For the perfect frosty sip, chilling your martini glasses is a must! Simply tuck your glasses into the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving. I like to lay mine down in the ice bucket, cushioned with shelf liner fabric so they don’t slip or scratch. When it’s cocktail time, you’ll have beautifully chilled glasses ready to make every sip crisp and refreshing.

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How to Make an Espresso Martini

For an extra frosty martini, chill your glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes before preparing your cocktail.

Froth That Wows – The Secret to a Frothy Espresso Martini

Let your espresso cool slightly.

Pour the Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, freshly brewed espresso and simple syrup (optional) into a shaker half full of ice.

That signature foamy top? It’s all about technique. Shake it hard for 30 seconds. The crema from the espresso and the oils whip into a thick, velvety foam, making this drink so irresistible.

Pour the strained ingredients into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with 3 Espresso Beans

Best Espresso Martini with Three Coffee Beans

The three coffee beans on top of an espresso martini aren’t just for looks—they carry meaning. This garnish comes from an old Italian tradition, where Sambuca is often served with three beans to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.

While the espresso martini itself is a modern creation, the idea of using three beans goes back much further in Italian culture, sometimes even tied to the symbolism of the Holy Trinity. Today, it’s a stylish way to add good luck and a little extra charm to your cocktail.

How to Get That Perfect Foam Every Time

Brew fresh espresso for that rich crema.
Shake vigorously with ice for at least 30 seconds.
Try a dry shake first (no ice), then shake again with ice.
Chill your glass so the foam holds longer.
Double strain to keep pesky ice chips out.
Use a milk frother for guaranteed cloud-like foam.

Froth Troubleshooting – Key Reasons for Lack of Froth

If your martini looks a little flat, here’s why:

Stale coffee won’t create crema—fresh espresso is a must.
Weak shaking won’t aerate enough—go all in for at least 30 seconds.
Cold Brew Coffee – Cold brew or pre-ground coffee won’t produce the necessary crema, the essential layer of foam-like bubbles.
Over-dilution from too much ice can kill the foam.

Love Cold Foam on your Espresso Martini but Don’t Know How to Make it?

Making cold foam is a simple process that can elevate your coffee, cocktail, or iced beverage. Start by choosing your milk; whole milk froths easily and has a rich, full flavor that delivers a more authentic coffeehouse result.

If using a dairy substitute like nut, oat, or soy milk, they are easy to froth. However, the foam disappears faster than dairy products, so froth your milk immediately before drinking for the most satisfying experience.

Espresso Martini with Cold Foam Dancing Bear

Frother for Cold Foam — **YouTube How to Make Cold Foam**

Pour about 4 ounces of milk into a cold frothing pitcher or a glass. This will top two cocktails. I use an inexpensive frother to make cold foam. Submerge the frothing wand just below the surface of the milk and press and hold the power button, moving the frother up and down until the milk begins to foam, doubles in volume, and achieves a light, frothy texture.

To add flavor, mix in 1 tablespoon of flavored syrup before frothing. Once the milk has a creamy, airy consistency, gently pour it over your iced coffee, cocktail, or tea. The cold foam will float on top, providing your drink a smooth, velvety texture.

Espresso Martini Variations and Fun Twists

Espresso Martini, Ocean House 19 Willemstad, Curacao

At Ocean House 19 Willemstad, Curacao, they add half an ounce of Drambuie to the Espresso Martini recipe and top it with cold foam. This Espresso Martini was one of the best I’ve had.

Chocolate Espresso Martini: Add half an ounce of chocolate liqueur for a hint of chocolate goodness.
Almond Espresso Martini: Prefer an almond flavor? Add half an ounce of Amaretto.
Espresso Rumtini: Replace the vodka with a gold rum.
Espresso and Cream Martini: Add half an ounce of Baileys Irish Cream for that coffee and cream flavor.
Tequila (Reposado or Blanco tequila) takes the place of vodka, bringing layered flavor and a bolder coffee profile

Espresso Martini with Drambuie and Cold Foam

Final Sip

When coffee and cocktails collide, you get the Espresso Martini—a drink that’s as much an experience as it is a cocktail. It’s bold, smooth, and full of energy, showing off a bartender’s creativity with every sip. This isn’t just a drink, it’s a little bit of magic in a glass—one that can turn an ordinary night into something worth celebrating. Cheers to the perfect mix of coffee and cocktails!

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