A frothy, boozy blend of bold espresso, smooth vodka, and just the right touch of sweetness—the espresso martini is having a major moment. No, you haven’t time-traveled to a cocktail bar circa 2002. The espresso martini is back, and it’s better than ever.
With a modern twist on the classic recipe, this iconic drink has reclaimed its place as the ultimate indulgent cocktail. Perfect for a nightcap or a caffeine-fueled celebration, this updated version balances the boldness of coffee with a velvety smooth finish. Get ready to shake up something special!
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How to make an espresso martini
You are going to be shocked by how simple this cocktail is to make!
The Espresso Martini was brought into the world by British bartender Dick Bradsell in the 1980s. According to legend, Bradsell created the cocktail at Soho Brasserie in London when a young model—rumored to be either Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss—asked for a drink that would "wake me up and [mess] me up."
While the original recipe was mostly just vodka, espresso, and Kahlua, the modern Espresso Martini has become more refined and leans toward craft cocktail sensibilities. To make one, combine a shot of vodka, 1 ounce of fresh espresso, ½ ounce of chicory liqueur or coffee liqueur, and ½ ounce of brown sugar syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously, and serve up in a chilled martini glass or Nick and Nora glass!
Why does an espresso martini have 3 espresso or coffee beans as a garnish?
This tradition comes from Italian culture, where coffee beans are often used to garnish a drink called Sambuca con la mosca ("Sambuca with the fly"). The three beans represent health, wealth, and happiness, making them a wish of good fortune for the drinker.
What makes an espresso martini frothy?
The BEST espresso martini is a frothy one! The espresso makes the cocktail frothy, which is why it's so important to use espresso and not coffee in this recipe if you are able to. If you do not have access to an espresso maker, you can use coffee shake the heck out of it to try to get a little froth going, but don't expect it to have that wonderfully rich froth that hangs around while you keep drinking like in the restaurant.
I use espresso from my Nespresso Creatista - a splurge for sure, but probably my favorite thing I've ever purchased for myself, and it makes it super easy to make the perfect espresso martini with a fabulously frothy top to hold those 3 beans on top.
What can you use instead of Kahlua in an espresso martini cocktail recipe?
I actually prefer my espresso martini with no Kahlua! Hoodoo is a chicory liquor and a great alternative to anything you'd usually use Kahlua in -- White Russians, I'm looking at you. Or, you can make your own homemade coffee liquor. If you can find it, Caffe Borghetti Espresso is also wonderful (although admittedly, I struggle to find it here in the South!) Last but not least, Tia Maria is a great alternative to Kahlua as well.
If you love this espresso cocktail, you might also like these other modern classic cocktails:
📖 Recipe
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces vodka use a good quality vodka like Grey Goose
- .5 ounces Hoodoo chicory liquor. if you cannot find it, feel free to substitute with your favorite coffee liquor
- 1 ounce espresso freshly brewed
- .5 ounces brown sugar simple syrup recipe in Notes
- ice cubes enough to fill shaker
- 3 beans espresso beans garnish, optional but lovely
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour all ingredients over the ice. Place the lid securely on the shaker and shake vigorously to combine.
- Strain the ingredients into a cocktail glass, coupe, or Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.
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