How To Make A Classic Espresso Martini Cocktail At Home

You know that feeling when you’re not ready to call it a night but you also wouldn’t mind a little pick-me-up? That’s where the Espresso Martini steps in.

It’s got the kick of fresh coffee, the chill of smooth vodka and just enough sweetness to keep things flirty. It’s not a dessert, not a shot, but somehow does the job of both.

This one’s a go-to for when you’re winding down but not tapping out. It’s luxe but not fussy. Easy to pull off, hard to forget.

Shake it right and suddenly you’re sipping on a cocktail that feels like you’ve got your whole night figured out, even if it’s just you, your couch and the last slice of tiramisu.

Where the Espresso Martini Came From and Why It’s Still a Power Move

The Espresso Martini may taste like a modern classic but it actually came on the scene in the 1980s. London bartender Dick Bradsell created it after a model asked for something that would “wake me up”. His answer? Vodka, coffee liqueur and a shot of fresh espresso. Instant icon.

Originally called the Vodka Espresso it eventually got the glow-up name we know now. And yeah, it stuck for a reason.

It’s got that perfect mix of strong, smooth and sweet. The coffee hits first, then the vodka rolls in with a clean finish and the liqueur ties it all together without going full dessert mode.

Add that creamy layer on top and those three little coffee beans and you’ve got something that’s equal parts bold and bougie.

The Espresso Martini isn’t just a drink—it’s a moment. It lives at the edge of the night when you’re not quite done and want something that gets it.

Tips to Make a Solid Espresso Martini

You don’t need a bar setup or a latte art degree to pull off a good Espresso Martini. You just need solid ingredients and a good shake. The goal? Cold bold and smooth with that creamy top that makes it feel a little extra.

• Brew a fresh espresso shot: Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt your ice and mess with the shake.
• Use a clean vodka you like: It’s doing a lot of the lifting so don’t cheap out here.
• Add coffee liqueur like Kahlúa: Brings that sweet roasted flavor and softens the bitterness.
• Simple syrup is optional but helpful: Just a little balances it out especially if your espresso’s on the strong side.
• Shake it hard with ice: You want foam not a lazy swirl. 15 to 20 seconds full tilt.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass: Always cold. Always clean.
• Garnish with 3 coffee beans if you’re feelin classy: They’re more for the vibe than the flavor but they look good doing it.

That’s it. Shake it right and the Espresso Martini comes through like it always does—strong smooth and ready to keep the night going.

What To Pair an Espresso Martini With

The Espresso Martini has that bold coffee bite with a little sweet edge so it pairs best with rich desserts or cozy late-night snacks. You want flavors that can hang with the espresso without trying too hard.

Chocolate mousse or flourless chocolate cake: Rich creamy and just indulgent enough

Tiramisu or cannoli: Classic coffee-friendly desserts that match the vibe

Salted caramel brownies: Sweet meets salty with the espresso cutting through

Biscotti or shortbread cookies: Crunchy and simple but still feel right with that luxe cocktail

Croissant with Nutella or butter: Flaky warm pastry with a little richness on the side

Think end-of-night mood. Soft lighting something sweet and the Espresso Martini rounding it all out like the last word in a good convo.

How to Make a Classic Espresso Martini

This one right here? It’s the kind of cocktail that knows how to end a night right. The Espresso Martini hits you with that fresh-brewed espresso boldness, smooth vodka glide and a little coffee liqueur sweetness just to keep it flirty.

Shake it like it owes you money, pour it cold and boom… you’ve got yourself a glass of grown-up magic.

Flavor-wise, it’s like dessert had a shot of espresso and decided to flirt back. Rich, just sweet enough and lowkey addictive. Perfect for those nights when you want one more drink… but make it fancy.

Ingredients

• 1 shot (1 ounce) of freshly brewed espresso
• 1.5 ounces Vodka
• 0.5 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 0.5 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Coffee beans for garnish

Zero-proof version: Use NA coffee liqueur or espresso concentrate with a bit of simple syrup and shake it up like usual

Instructions

1. Brew Espresso: Start by brewing a shot of fresh espresso. Allow it to cool slightly.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the brewed espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur and simple syrup.
3. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish: Add a few coffee beans on top for garnish. Serve immediately.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 433 kcal
• Fat: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 69g

Espresso Martini Variations to Keep the Night Going

Once you’ve got the classic Espresso Martini down it’s easy to remix it depending on your mood or what’s in the cabinet. These twists keep it fun without losing that strong smooth core.

• Cold Brew Martini: Swap the espresso for cold brew if you want it smoother and a little less bitter
• Mocha Martini: Add a splash of chocolate liqueur or a spoon of cocoa syrup for a rich dessert vibe
• Spicy Espresso Martini: A dash of chili syrup or a few dashes of cayenne for heat that sneaks up
• Tequila Espresso Martini: Switch vodka for tequila or mezcal if you want something smoky and bold

No matter how you mix it the Espresso Martini keeps that late-night energy going. It’s strong it’s smooth and always ready for one more round.

Or you may wish to try a Chocolate Martini for a change.

To pin for later:

Continue to Content

Yield: 1

Espresso Martini Cocktail

Print

Elevate your holiday party with these irresistible espresso martinis! Perfectly smooth, rich, and delicious. Cheers!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 30 ml of freshly brewed espresso
• 45 ml Vodka
• 15 ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 15 ml simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Coffee beans for garnish

Instructions

1. Brew Espresso: Start by brewing a shot of fresh espresso. Allow it to cool slightly.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the brewed espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur and simple syrup.
3. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish: Add a few coffee beans on top for garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Zero-proof version: Use NA coffee liqueur or espresso concentrate with a bit of simple syrup and shake it up like usual.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 433Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 882mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 10gSugar: 35gProtein: 12g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.