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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Tried this recipe?Mention @InspireTravelEat or tag #InspireTravelEat!

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.

What is the secret to a foamy espresso martini? ›

Shake until your shaker is visibly frosted. Shake back and forth, but also swish it back and forth. Shake as hard as you can for at least a minute. This will get the fresh oils from the coffee beans in your espresso to bubble up and make that delicious froth you want at the top of your espresso martini.

What can you use instead of Kahlua in espresso martinis? ›

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 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? ›

Kahlua is the most popular choice here, but testers prefer the less sweet flavour of Tia Maria, though feel free to substitute your favourite coffee liqueur.

Do you need Kahlua for Espresso Martini? ›

While it's traditional to use Kahlua in your espresso martini, Bailey's actually can add a nice creaminess and can also be added together for a nice kick!

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!

What kind of person drinks Espresso Martini? ›

Espresso Martini

Coffee, alcohol and sugar - the ultimate combination made for those who live to “work hard, play harder”. If that's you, you're a type A personality who is enviably outgoing, extremely ambitious and rigidly organised. You give 100% to everything you do, both professionally and socially.

How do you get thick crema on an Espresso Martini? ›

How to Make a Foamy Espresso Martini
  1. Use freshly brewed espresso. Freshly brewed espresso as crema (foam that comes out of the espresso machine) that helps make a thick foamy top. ...
  2. Shake vigorously!
Nov 16, 2022

How do I get more crema on my Espresso Martini? ›

A "Boston Shaker" is recommended, this has a long glass at one end, and since the success of an Espresso Martini rises or falls on the shaking, the longer shaker increases the trajectory making a better crema, as does the double straining when you pour.

Do bartenders like making espresso martinis? ›

But if you're a mixologist at work, it's a nightmare. In fact, bartenders notably dislike making these co*cktails because of the prep time, complications, and cleanup of the espresso step alone.

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!

Can you use strong coffee instead of espresso for espresso martini? ›

You can make an espresso martini without an espresso machine using cold brew or drip coffee. Cold brew coffee yields a strong coffee concentrate that can be a substitute for espresso. If you're looking for a milder flavor and a drink that is not as strong, try using brewed coffee.

What kind of vodka do you put in an 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.

Do you use rum or vodka for espresso martini? ›

Rum adds complexity and flavor

Adding depth and complexity to a classic espresso martini doesn't take much. Food and Wine suggests swapping out the vodka for rum. Rum makes the espresso martini more well-rounded and even adds a hint of vanilla.

What can I use instead of coffee liqueur in espresso martini? ›

If you're craving an espresso martini, but you've run out of coffee liqueur, it's possible to use strong espresso coffee (preferably brewed in a coffee machine with plenty of foam) combined with 1-2 tbsps of brown sugar instead.

Is espresso martini vodka or gin? ›

The espresso martini, also known as a vodka espresso, is a cold caffeinated alcoholic drink made with espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka. It is not a true martini as it contains neither gin nor vermouth, but is one of many drinks that incorporate the term martini into their names.

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