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!

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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

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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.

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Video

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

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

FAQs

Is Kahlua or Baileys better for espresso martini? ›

Kahlua is a coffee liqueur with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of caramel. It is a good choice for espresso martinis that you want to have a strong coffee flavor. Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur with a creamy texture and a flavor of chocolate, vanilla, and cream.

What liquor is best for an espresso martini? ›

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 is the best coffee for an espresso martini? ›

Our preferred coffee for the Espresso Martini is the Brazil Santos Sweet Cup. By using freshly roasted and freshly brewed coffee, the espresso is still degassing, which creates that awesome creama on the espresso, leading to a beautiful, thick foam on the Espresso Martini.

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

The most satisfying part of an Espresso Martini is the foam. To create this, firstly you need to tap and swirl the shaker after adding the ingredients. Once you've done this make sure you shake the shaker hard for 20-30 seconds, this allows the natural oils in the coffee to combine with the air bubbles.

How to get creamy top on espresso martini? ›

The key to achieving maximum fluffiness is to shake your ingredients vigorously. When you look into the shaker and see it's all frothy and beautiful, pour it into a chilled martini glass and enjoy!

Why do you put Kahlua in espresso martini? ›

Kahlúa adds sweetness to your Espresso Martini, balancing out the other ingredients. And it helps create that velvety mouth-feel. What's a non-alcoholic alternative to Kahlúa in an espresso martini? As Kahlúa adds the sweetness and heavy mouth-feel, you'll need an alternative for that sensory experience.

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.

What is a substitute for Kahlua in an espresso martini? ›

For anyone unfamiliar, Bailey's Irish Cream is a whiskey-infused liqueur with flavors of chocolate and vanilla. It's sweet, creamy, and delicious and by using Bailey's instead of Kahlua, the espresso martini is transformed into more of a dessert-like drink, perfect for indulging in after dinner.

What is the best thing about espresso martini? ›

This coffee co*cktail is strong, sweet, and delicious with a creamy, foamy top and topped with coffee beans. It makes the perfect after-dinner drink after a big meal but is just as good to get the party started!

How do you judge an espresso martini? ›

Ideally, there are strong notes of coffee that are complimented by hints of sugar and cream. Bad espresso martinis typically taste too strongly of stale coffee, or are too sweet like crème liquor. As with all good things in life, a 10/10 'tini has balance.

Are you supposed to eat the espresso beans in an espresso martini? ›

This is the co*cktail's trademark and are said to represent health, wealth and happiness and come from the traditional serving of Sambuca in Italy, where the beans are called con la mosca, which means “with the fly”. You can chew and eat the coffee beans in both co*cktails but it is a personal choice!

How do you elevate an espresso martini? ›

For a luscious twist, consider adding a touch of coffee liqueur and a hint of simple syrup, striking that impeccable balance between bitterness and sweetness.

What is the base of an espresso martini? ›

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.

Why add salt to espresso martini? ›

The liqueur and syrup give them subtle sweetness, the vodka adds a smooth element, and the espresso brings earthy bitterness. An elegant sprinkle of flaky sea salt finishes the drinks off, and balances the espresso's bitterness.

Which is better Kahlua or Baileys? ›

Flavor & Texture

The classic Kahlua taste is a unique blend of coffee, rum, sugar, and vanilla that produces a rich, velvety flavor that pairs with nitro cold brew wonderfully. If you prefer a creamier, smoother texture reminiscent of melted ice cream, Baileys may be the best choice.

Does Kahlua go in an espresso martini? ›

Kahlúa adds sweetness to your Espresso Martini, balancing out the other ingredients. It also helps create that velvety mouthfeel.

Do you put Baileys or Kahlua in coffee? ›

Kahlua is a dark liquid without the creaminess of Baileys. They both taste of coffee but kahlua is much stonger. If you want one to add to coffee I'd suggest Kahlua, but if you want one to sip alongside your coffee I'd suggest Baileys.

Does Baileys go in an 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!

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