The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (2024)

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How do you make an easy espresso martini? It can be overwhelming figuring out how to make an espresso martini as you might wonder if you need to have an espresso machine.

That’s the big question that puts people off, do I need an espresso machine to make an espresso martini and the answer is, no, you don’t need an espresso machine! It is great if you do but not necessary!

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (1)

This easy espresso martini recipe and a bloody caesar are tied for the drinks I make this most as both have their necessary functions and both taste incredible. See here for the 6 best shot recipes for hosting as well!

This is a great recipe version because it is dummy proof and really is just a few simple ingredients and you are done. No espresso machines, no icing down hot espresso or coffee… it’s much more simple than that.

This has become a go to when hosting or as a pre-drink before heading out to get that extra boost of energy. Everyone absolutely loves this drink, it is extremely simple and provides the best start to your night. See our article for the 7 Best Easy Craft co*cktails.

I am officially too old for Red Bull vodkas because they give me the worst anxiety the next day and ummm… other things. This will be a game changing energy drink for you, looks nice for hosting people or even use it as a good start before you take off on a date night.

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (2)

The goal is for your creations to make people happy and with a little espresso you can scientifically stimulate people there right from the jump. Make this your own as well, if you don’t like it too sweet than maybe skip the vanilla vodka and just go with straight vodka.

You can make this with just 3 ingredients if you want… really you just need two if you don’t have it all and it still comes out great! This recipe is very versatile so have some fun with it.

Maybe add a little chocolate syrup, use Baileys instead of Kahlua or use coffee instead of espresso. Really you can make this as fancy and complex as you want or just stick to the few recipe basics.

The most important rules to making co*cktails

When making a drink for people and you want them to love the experience you need to appeal to 4 senses. You must make it taste good of course so follow this recipe and the ideas along with it.

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The drink needs to have a pleasant aroma and appeal to the sense of smell. Thus, to do that you need to add a garnish. What makes a craft co*cktail is that addition of the herb or spice to make it pop. This is why co*cktails from mixologists always have mint or sprigs in them.

A drink should also look beautiful and appeal to site. You eat and drink with your eyes first and no one wants to eat or drink something that looks gross or doesn’t look appetizing.

Finally, when people are enjoying their drink you need to give them a nice ambiance and setting. I can help you with the first 3 but the ambiance is on you… music, clean up, give them a shot so they are already getting drunk and everything is fun… up to you :).

One AMAZING way to add to your drink ambiance and appeal to all senses is infuse your liquor. Infusing liquor is the greatest lie in drink creation as what sounds extremely impressive is really just you pouring liquor into a jar and adding 1-2 ingredients then letting it sit for 1-7 days… or even 1 hour! From there just lie to your guests ;)… it’s a small fib.

Listen to our travel podcast if you want some travel tips & a laugh

Infused liquor makes you look like some planned, smart super-hero that would do anything when hosting people. It will impress them and has you already 5 steps ahead on appealing to all of the senses.

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (4)

If you are a tequila person this recipe is amazing with Patron XO Cafe. From here you can make a Mexpresso Martini, which is amazing a well! Straight tequila doesn’t translate as well but if you get that Patron XO Cafe then you are cooking with dynamite.

I legitimately like the tequila version more and it has a unique flair! That version of Patron is a little harder to find but most alcohol only stores like Total Wine and everywhere will have it. It is tough to find at grocery stores and gas stations etc though. However, it isn’t very expensive and is a great option for this recipe.

Is there a shot version of an espresso martini?

I am glad you asked. You can also make this a shot! Essentially the Shaft shot is an espresso martini, except you just put it in a rocks glass, use a straw and suck it down as fast as you can. For the full recipe of the shaft here is the link to the 6 best shots ever.

The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (5)

Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe

Quick and easy espresso martini! How to make the best espresso martini, easily!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: APERTIF, Brunch, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: adult drinks, hosting, martini

Prep Time: 1 minute min

Cook Time: 1 minute min

Total Time: 3 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vanilla vodka or espresso tequila Espresso Tequila (Patron XO Cafe or Avion Espresso Liqueur). Espresso or Vanilla Vodka (Van Gogh and Smirnoff are options). You could also use regular vodka or tequila
  • 1 shot Kahlua Leave out if want a stronger martini. Sub Irish cream liquor if no Kahlua.
  • 2 shots Chilled espresso Espresso cold brew or Starbucks small espresso shots work great as well.
  • 3-4 cubes Ice

Optional

  • 1 shot Irish cream liqueur
  • Ground cinnamon sprinkled on top to garnish
  • Cinnamon stick or coffee beans for garnish
  • 2 oz chocolate syrup

Instructions

  • Put all ingredients into a co*cktail shaker and shake. Can stir as well if no shaker option.

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  • Garnish with coffee beans, ground cinnamon stick or cinnamon.

    The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (7)

Video

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The Best Simple Espresso Martini Recipe | Inspire • Travel • Eat (2024)

FAQs

What liquor is best for an espresso martini? ›

Vodka: I add 1 ½ oz. of vodka for the perfect ratio of booze to coffee. Vodka is the signature alcohol for a classic espresso martini—use another, and it just won't be the same. While you don't have to reach for top shelf, I suggest using a brand you enjoy drinking.

How do I get the most foam on my espresso martini? ›

To get a very frothy top on top of your espresso martini, you need to shake, shake, shake the mixture for a few seconds past when you think your arms will fall off (minimum 20 seconds). Be sure to use regular ice cubes, or even crushed ice, not large square "display" ice cubes.

What coffee is best for espresso martini? ›

The best way to get the best taste and mouthfeel from an espresso martini is to use a freshly brewed espresso, using freshly roasted arabica beans. As is the case throughout Recent Beans, we believe your espresso should be made from 100% freshly roasted arabica, to a medium level for those awesome sweet flavour notes.

Is Kahlua or Baileys better for espresso martini? ›

With its creamy texture and sweet flavor, Baileys is often used in dessert co*cktails like mudslides and chocolate martinis. When deciding between Kahlua vs Baileys, consider Kahlua's rich coffee flavor that makes it a popular choice for coffee-based co*cktails like the classic Espresso Martini.

Is Kahlua or Tia Maria better for espresso martini? ›

A Bartender's Go-To Espresso Martini Recipe

Per Overproof's report, overall, Kahlúa leads as the top coffee liqueur brand, and Tito's Handmade Vodka leads as the top vodka brand by the percentage of branded menu mentions.

Do you need Kahlua for Espresso Martini? ›

Kahlúa adds sweetness to your Espresso Martini, balancing out the other ingredients. It also helps create that velvety mouthfeel. What's a non-alcoholic alternative to Kahlúa in an espresso martini? Kahlúa adds the sweetness and smooth texture, so we recommend substituting with one part chocolate or vanilla syrup.

Is Tito's good for Espresso Martini? ›

For starting the party or ending the evening on a high note, just mix up Tito's Handmade Vodka and freshly brewed espresso. It's more than a trend, it's a Tito's Espresso Martini. Simple, smooth, and naturally gluten-free. We'll cheers to that.

What is a dirty Espresso Martini? ›

Celebrate the holiday season with the coziest and most delicious Dirty Chai Espresso Martini. Homemade chai tea simple syrup mixed with your favorite vodka, Kahlúa and a strong shot of espresso. This is the perfect co*cktail to end the night!

How do you get thick crema on an espresso martini? ›

She added: "The sugar in the coffee liqueur combined with the crema from the coffee helps build the foam on top. If your ingredients are too diluted the martini won't have as lovely of a foam." While ice can dilute the drink with a small amount of water, you should use a generous amount of it in the shaker.

What vodka for espresso martini? ›

The best vodka for an espresso martini is often a premium or high-quality vodka known for its smooth and clean taste. Some popular choices include Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Ketel One. The goal is to use a vodka that complements the rich coffee flavours without overpowering the co*cktail.

How do you make your own espresso martini just add vodka? ›

Presented in a large glass bottle full of coffee beans and sugar, simply fill the bottle with the suggested spirit (vodka), leave it to infuse for a minimum of 3-5 hours then strain 150ml into a shaker with ice and shake. Finally, pour it into your favourite co*cktail glass and enjoy!

What kind of person drinks espresso martini? ›

Espresso Martini drinkers have a 'work hard, play hard attitude and are happy to take the lead in both professional and social situations.

Does Baileys go in espresso martini? ›

An Espresso Martini is a classic co*cktail made with freshly brewed espresso, Baileys, and a splash of vodka, delicious. Learn how to make an Espresso Martini at home and shake up your next co*cktail party. So, grab a few friends and try taking your martinis to the next level. It all starts with Baileys and espresso!

What vermouth for espresso martini? ›

You can prepare this Espresso Martini with the Belsazar Vermouth. Combine all ingredients in a shaker, top off with ice cubes and shake vigorously. Pour into a chilled glass and serve with a coffee bean on top.

What liquor goes well with espresso? ›

Here are six spirits that make an excellent addition to your coffee.
  • Rum + Coffee. While rum and coffee taste great by themselves, pairing them together creates an even better drinking experience! ...
  • Chocolate Liqueur + Coffee. ...
  • Sambuca + Coffee. ...
  • Whisky + Coffee. ...
  • Tequila + Coffee. ...
  • co*cktail Bitters + Coffee.

Is espresso martini better with vodka or tequila? ›

The liquor base for an espresso martini co*cktail is vodka. We recommend choosing a premium unflavored vodka made with the finest ingredients to help the drink truly shine. The drink also incorporates a coffee liqueur.

What alcohol do you put in espresso? ›

Whether it's a warming cup of hot coffee, a quick shot of espresso, or an iced coffee drink, some distilled spirits work better with coffee than others. When you want to spike your coffee, dark liquors like brandy and whiskey, and sweet nutty or creamy liqueurs are among the best choices.

Do you use rum or vodka for espresso martini? ›

Depending on your mood, any of the Dos Maderas line will mix well in an Espresso Martini. The original recipe called for Vodka but any light, medium or older cask aged Rum will pair well with the powerful aromas of the coffee and the natural vanilla of these rums will play well together.

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