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Espresso Martini cocktail
Alcoholic Cocktail Cocktail glass Medium

Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a delightful blend of rich coffee flavor and smooth vodka, making it the perfect pick-me-up cocktail. Its creamy texture and hint of sweetness from Kahlua create a luxurious experience that is both energizing and indulgent.

3 Ingredients
5 min Prep Time
Cocktail glass Glass
Chilled Best Served
strong sweet creamy

Ingredients

  • Vodka spirit 50 ml (1.69 oz)
  • Kahlua liqueur 10 ml (0.34 oz)
  • Sugar syrup syrup 1 dash

How to Make a Espresso Martini

Pour ingredients into shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into chilled martini glass

Bartender Tip

💡

Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor and a nice crema on top.

History of the Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell in London, who was inspired by a request from a customer for a drink that would 'wake her up and then f*** her up'.

About the Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a cocktail that belongs to the alcoholic family of cocktails. It is traditionally prepared with Vodka, Kahlua, Sugar syrup and served in a Cocktail glass.

Best enjoyed at parties, during celebrations, as a nightcap.

As with all alcoholic beverages, please enjoy this cocktail responsibly.

IBA NewEra

Did You Know?

The Espresso Martini was created in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell in London, reportedly at the request of a model who wanted a drink that would 'wake her up and then f*** her up.'

Espresso Martini Variations

Vanilla Espresso Martini This variation adds a hint of vanilla flavor, enhancing the sweetness and complexity of the drink. Swap: Replace Kahlua with vanilla coffee liqueur.
Mocha Espresso Martini Incorporates chocolate liqueur for a rich mocha flavor, perfect for chocolate lovers. Swap: Swap Kahlua for chocolate liqueur.

Pairs Well With

Chocolate cake Tiramisu Cheesecake

Quick Facts

~200
Calories
Medium
Strength
5 min
Prep Time

Common Mistake

A common mistake is over-shaking the cocktail, which can lead to a watery texture and loss of the creamy froth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of vodka is best for an Espresso Martini?

For an Espresso Martini, a high-quality, neutral vodka is recommended to allow the coffee and Kahlua flavors to shine. Brands like Grey Goose or Belvedere are popular choices among cocktail enthusiasts.

Can I use fresh espresso instead of instant coffee in an Espresso Martini?

Absolutely! Using freshly brewed espresso gives the cocktail a richer flavor and aroma. Just ensure it's cooled down before shaking it with the other ingredients to avoid diluting the drink.

How can I make my Espresso Martini less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of your Espresso Martini, you can decrease the amount of Kahlua used or substitute it with a drier coffee liqueur. Additionally, you can adjust the sugar syrup to taste.

Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic version of an Espresso Martini?

Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic Espresso Martini by substituting the vodka and Kahlua with non-alcoholic vodka alternatives and coffee syrup. This allows you to enjoy the coffee flavor without the alcohol.

What is the best way to achieve a frothy top on my Espresso Martini?

To achieve a frothy top, shake the cocktail vigorously with ice for about 15-20 seconds. This aerates the mixture and creates a beautiful crema on top, which is characteristic of a well-made Espresso Martini.

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