You may be a bit skeptical after reading the name of this recipe. A coffee-spiked martini? Really?
But don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
ABOUT THE CLASSIC COFFEE COCKTAIL
Though it’s not technically a martini (because it doesn’t have gin or vermouth), the after-dinner drink gets its name from the glass in which it’s typically served. True martini or not, this beverage is most definitely one of our favorite grownup drinks.
The espresso martini is a relatively new beverage, only bursting onto the scene in the early 1980s when a model walked into the Soho Brasserie in London and asked bartender Dick Bradsel to make a drink that would wake them up.
The end result, consisting of two types of coffee liqueur, espresso, vodka, and sugar syrup, did precisely that.
Though no one but Bradsel knows the identity of the model who can be credited as the inspiration for the cocktail, we at Roasty think they, whoever they may be, deserve quite a thank you, as their simple request on a night out has become a now-classic drink.
MAKE THE LEGENDARY ESPRESSO MARTINI AT HOME
@roastycoffee The best getting ready to go out drink #espressomartini #drinktok #espressotok ♬ Under The Table – Fiona Apple
View our Google web story here.
YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces espresso
- 1/2 ounce Kahlúa
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- shaker and strainer
- ice cubes
THE PROCESS:
Step 1:
Begin making this cocktail by pulling out your espresso machine and brewing a shot.
In this case (and pretty much every other case, if you really care about fresh flavors), you’ll want to use freshly ground coffee beans to make your brew.
Go ahead and pull a couple of the whole beans out of the package and set them aside; you’ll need them at the end of the recipe.
Step 2:
Pour all the ingredients — the vodka, espresso, Kahlua coffee liqueur, and simple syrup — into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until the coffee concoction is smooth and chilled.
Step 3:
Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker into a martini glass, drop two to three of the coffee beans you set aside earlier on the beautiful foam on top of your drink, and prepare to sip your own rendition of the post-dinner cocktail!
FAQ
How Much Alcohol Is in an Espresso Martini?
Our recipe has 2 ounces of alcohol for an Espresso Martini – 1.5 ounces of vodka with 0.5 ounces of Kahlua.
How Do You Make an Espresso Martini Frothy?
You can achieve a quality foamy top on your Espresso Martini with two things – lots of shaking and good, fresh espresso or coffee.
The fresher your espresso is, the frothier it gets with vigorous shaking. Use lots of ice to help break up the drink, allowing more air to be infused while shaking, yielding a foamy drink.
Using a drink strainer on top helps make your drink have an even better micro-foam that will hold up the coffee bean garnish.
When To Serve One, and What To Serve With an Espresso Martini?
Espresso Martinis make for a fantastic brunch menu item.
With the jolt of caffeine from the espresso and vodka, this drink gets you ready to party and have a good time. It pairs well with chocolate croissants or a brownie, making it an excellent dessert drink!
How Do I Make My Espresso Martini Feel More Creamy?
You can get a thick cream top simply by using fresh espresso (with freshly roasted and ground beans) and making sure to shake your drink thoroughly and strain it.
If you like to add more of a cream base, try adding a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream, coffee creamer, or Baileys to get a creamy Espresso Martini.
Sit Back and Enjoy!
This cocktail is a great choice for many coffee lovers, whether they’re enjoying a wild night out with friends or ending an evening at home with a nightcap.
So, the next time you want to expand your horizons and try a new adult beverage, don’t forget about this delicious coffee cocktail.
Its distinctive taste and gorgeous foam layer are what make it so adored by so many, and who knows? It just may land on your list of favorite drinks, too!
Happy (Responsible) Caffeinating!
Espresso Martini Cocktail
When booze and coffee collide! Get the best of both worlds with this coffee martini! Add more Kahlua if you're feeling frisky!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 ½ ounces of espresso
- ½ ounce of Kahlua
- ½ ounce of simple syrup
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a glass.
- Serve topped with espresso beans.
