Espresso Martini (Classic Recipe with Perfect Crema)
The espresso martini is the perfect after-dinner cocktail – combining rich coffee with smooth vodka and a velvety crema. This classic recipe delivers the perfect balance of bitter and sweet, with a signature foam that rivals any coffee shop.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Martini glass
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Fine strainer For double straining
- Coffee maker or espresso machine
- Ice bucket
Ingredients
- 2 oz premium vodka
- 1 oz fresh espresso cooled
- 1 oz coffee liqueur Kahlúa or Mr. Black
- ½ oz simple syrup adjust to taste
- Ice cubes
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Brew espresso: Brew 1 oz fresh espresso and let cool for 5 minutes. Hot coffee will melt the ice and dilute the cocktail.
- Chill glass: Place martini glass in freezer for 5 minutes.
- Shake: In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously: Shake for 20-30 seconds – this creates the signature crema and frothy top.
- Double strain: Strain into the chilled martini glass using a fine strainer to remove any ice particles for a silky smooth texture.
- Garnish: Top with 3 coffee beans (representing health, wealth, and happiness – a traditional Italian garnish). Serve immediately.
Notes
Barista Secrets:
- Use freshly brewed espresso – Creates the best crema and flavor
- Let espresso cool – Hot coffee melts ice and dilutes the cocktail
- Shake vigorously 20-30 sec – Creates the signature foam top
- Double strain – Removes ice particles for silky smooth texture
- Use premium vodka – Smoother taste and better mouthfeel Variations:
- Vanilla Espresso Martini: Add ¼ oz vanilla syrup
- Spiced Espresso Martini: Add ½ oz spiced rum + pinch of cinnamon
- Caramel Espresso Martini: Add ½ oz caramel syrup
- Vegan Espresso Martini: Use agave syrup instead of simple syrup
- Non-Alcoholic: Use cold brew concentrate + coffee syrup What the 3 coffee beans mean:
Health – Wealth – Happiness (Italian tradition) Best served fresh and shaken to order. Do not make ahead.
- Use freshly brewed espresso – Creates the best crema and flavor
- Let espresso cool – Hot coffee melts ice and dilutes the cocktail
- Shake vigorously 20-30 sec – Creates the signature foam top
- Double strain – Removes ice particles for silky smooth texture
- Use premium vodka – Smoother taste and better mouthfeel Variations:
- Vanilla Espresso Martini: Add ¼ oz vanilla syrup
- Spiced Espresso Martini: Add ½ oz spiced rum + pinch of cinnamon
- Caramel Espresso Martini: Add ½ oz caramel syrup
- Vegan Espresso Martini: Use agave syrup instead of simple syrup
- Non-Alcoholic: Use cold brew concentrate + coffee syrup What the 3 coffee beans mean:
Health – Wealth – Happiness (Italian tradition) Best served fresh and shaken to order. Do not make ahead.