The BEST Espresso Martini Recipe
Over the last two years I have been on a serious espresso martini kick. After ordering one in more restaurants, bars and airports than I can count, I went on the hunt to learn how to make a great one at home. I’ve tried many different recipes, and I think the below combination is perfection.
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The Ingredients
The right ingredients make a massive difference in the outcome and taste of your espresso martini. You cannot just use any vodka, liqueur or espresso - I promise it won’t taste the same. It may also not feel the same- for me, I do not have good reactions to cheap vodka. Iykyk.
Vodka
The recipe starts with 2 ounces of vodka. For the vodka, I prefer to use vanilla flavored vodka for the added flavor. I like Absolut Vanilla Vodka. If you do not have vanilla vodka, you can just use another good vodka. I like Tito’s- just don’t use anything cheap.
Coffee Liqueur
You will need 1 ounce of good coffee liqueur for 1 serving. I like to make 2 servings at a time- to either share or just have one big drink. I recommend using Black’s Coffee Liqueur. It is a rich, delicious cold brew coffee liqueur that adds the perfect espresso flavor. I have tried this recipe with Kahlua, but it is too sweet and doesn’t have enough coffee flavor for my taste.
Espresso
Espresso is a key ingredient in the espresso martini. For a while I struggled with this one because I do not have an espresso machine. If you have an espresso machine, you can use that to make fresh espresso shots for your martini. If not, I recommend buying I recommend buying an unsweetened cold brew (I like STōK) and save yourself a ton of time! You also don’t have to worry about hot espresso melting your ice. Even if you do have an espresso machine (I do not), having cold brew espresso ready to go in the fridge makes this recipe so quick, so easy and so good!
I have linked a simple syrup recipe above, but you can find this same recipe anywhere- it is just equal parts water and sugar. It is so easy to make, so you should do this and do not buy the overly priced and unnatural simple syrup they sell at the store. I recommend just doing 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar at a time. You will need 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
Milk
I also like to add a 1/2-ounce of almond milk to my espresso martini. I think this ingredient is controversial as many would not add milk, at all. I like the added creaminess that a touch of milk provides, but if you prefer it more bitter, you can leave this out.
The Recipe
Make Your Drink
Start by putting your martini glasses in the freezer to get them frosted (I am partial to coupe style glasses like the one pictured above and linked below).
Using a cocktail shaker, fill with large ice cubes. Add all ingredients to shaker. Shake vigorously- but not so much that you break the ice (unless you like tiny ice pieces in your martini, in which case, shake away!). Immediately pour into the frosted martini glasses and serve.
Enjoy! Let me know what you think!
Espresso Martini
Strong, delicious and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vanilla Vodka
- 1 ounce Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur
- 1 ounce Espresso Cold Brew
- 1/2-ounce Simple Syrup
- 1/2-ounce Milk of choice
Instructions
- Place your martini glass in the freezer to get them frosted.
- Using a cocktail shaker, fill with large ice cubes.
- Add all ingredients to shaker.
- Shake vigorously- but not so much that you break the ice (unless you like tiny ice pieces in your martini, in which case, shake away!).
- Immediately pour into the frosted martini glass and serve.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh espresso beans.