Rich, smooth, and irresistibly elegant — the Espresso Martini is the ultimate fusion of cocktail and coffee. With just three main ingredients, this drink strikes the perfect balance between bitter espresso, smooth vodka, and sweet coffee liqueur. It’s strong, creamy, and the ideal way to end a meal — or start a lively night out.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Drink
This classic cocktail is the perfect marriage of coffee and spirit — the caffeine perks you up, while the vodka chills you out. It’s a crowd favorite for dessert hours, late-night gatherings, or anyone who loves the aroma of freshly pulled espresso.
“It’s kind of like a liquid tiramisu, but with a kick.”
☕ Ingredients
To make one Espresso Martini, you’ll need:
- 1 shot (1.5 oz) espresso – Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor.
- 2 oz vodka – Choose a smooth vodka like Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Tito’s.
- ½ oz Kahlúa – Adds sweetness and a deep coffee note.
- ½ oz simple syrup (optional but recommended) – Balances the bitterness.
- Coffee beans – For garnish.
Pro Tip: Double the recipe in one shaker to make two martinis at once!
🍸 How to Make an Espresso Martini
- Brew your espresso and allow it to cool slightly — you don’t want it melting your ice.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the espresso, vodka, Kahlúa, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. This creates the signature creamy foam.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with 3 coffee beans — a traditional touch said to represent health, wealth, and happiness.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Substitutions: If you don’t have an espresso machine, cold brew concentrate works in a pinch.
- Flavored Vodka: Swap plain vodka for vanilla, caramel, or even pumpkin spice vodka for a seasonal twist.
- Foam Perfection: The key is shaking hard and fast — that’s how you get that velvety crema on top.
- Garnish Upgrade: Dust the top lightly with espresso powder or cocoa for a café-worthy finish.
🕰 A Shot of History
The Espresso Martini was born in 1983 at Fred’s Club in London. Legendary bartender Dick Bradsell created it after a famous model asked for a drink that would “wake me up and f** me up.”* The result? A cocktail that did exactly that — and became an icon.
Bradsell is also credited with inventing the Bramble, another modern classic, but it’s the Espresso Martini that continues to steal the spotlight decades later.
🏠 Home Espresso Makers We Love
Want to craft barista-level espresso at home? Here are some tried-and-true favorites:
- ☕ Café Automatic Espresso Machine – Hands-free espresso made easy.
- Breville Barista Touch – A sleek, high-end machine for aspiring home baristas.
- Nespresso Vertuo – Quick, pod-based espresso or coffee at the press of a button.
- MiniPresso – A portable espresso maker for travelers.
- French Press – A surprisingly good backup for strong, espresso-like coffee.
✨ Final Thoughts
The Espresso Martini is more than a cocktail — it’s an experience. Strong yet smooth, sophisticated yet approachable, it’s the perfect drink to share, sip, and savor.
Whether you’re winding down dinner or kicking off a night out, this coffee-kissed classic always hits the right note.
