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 is the best coffee for an espresso martini? ›

The best way to get the best taste and mouthfeel from an espresso martini is to use a freshly brewed espresso, using freshly roasted arabica beans. As is the case throughout Recent Beans, we believe your espresso should be made from 100% freshly roasted arabica, to a medium level for those awesome sweet flavour notes.

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? ›

Now, the way to get foam with an espresso martini. is by using fresh espresso, which is full of CO 2. CO 2 is what causes espresso to have cream. Then when you shake it with ice, it aerates the liquid. and the coffee oils wrap around the air bubbles. to make a silky foam.

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.

Should coffee be hot or cold for espresso martini? ›

The shot of espresso in your Martini should always be cold. That doesn't mean it can't be freshly brewed, but should always be popped in the fridge to chill before you add it to your drink. If your Espresso is warm enough to melt the ice in your shaker, it's too hot!

Can you make an espresso martini without Kahlua? ›

What can you use instead of Kahlua in espresso martini? You can use either a freshly brewed espresso (chilled), 1 tsp espresso powder, or 1 tsp instant coffee to get that coffee flavor without the liqueur.

Can you use titos in an Espresso Martini? ›

Shake up a decadent after-dinner drink that adds a jolt of bold espresso and a little sweetness to your smooth Tito's.

Is Grey Goose good for espresso martinis? ›

Perfect dessert drink!

As an accountant I drink a lot of coffee and espresso. After a long day of work this co*cktail is the perfect way to incorporate a drink which I love and Grey Goose vodka.

What vermouth for Espresso Martini? ›

You can prepare this Espresso Martini with the Belsazar Vermouth. Combine all ingredients in a shaker, top off with ice cubes and shake vigorously. Pour into a chilled glass and serve with a coffee bean on top.

Why isn't my espresso martini creamy? ›

If you're not getting a creamy texture, it could be that your espresso is un-frothed. Make sure to froth your espresso before adding it to the co*cktail shaker for the best results - a good frothy foam will make an amazing difference.

How do you get thick crema on an espresso martini? ›

Use freshly brewed espresso.

Freshly brewed espresso as crema (foam that comes out of the espresso machine) that helps make a thick foamy top. If fresh brewed espresso isn't an option, consider using flash frozen coffee like Cometeer.

Why is my espresso martini bitter? ›

5 – The one thing to never do to your espresso martini

According to Bar Cabinet, it's a big no-no to add ice to the hot espresso coffee used in the co*cktail, because ice makes coffee very bitter.

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.

Why does Baileys curdle in espresso martini? ›

Irish Cream, in general, curdles easily when it comes into contact with acids such as lemon juice. So if you've been shaking up tangy co*cktails in your shaker prior, it's best to clean them thoroughly before making this drink! Use freshly brewed coffee when possible.

How to get creamy top on espresso martini? ›

According to the paleo chef, using the right ratio of ingredients is another crucial element to consider when making your espresso martinis - but it doesn't matter what coffee you use. She added: "The sugar in the coffee liqueur combined with the crema from the coffee helps build the foam on top.

Can you substitute Kahlua in espresso martini? ›

Dark Rum: This helps replace the Kahlua in conventional espresso martinis. Sugar Free Simple Syrup: You have lots of syrup options, including Miss Mary's Sinless Syrups and ChocZero Vanilla Syrup.

References

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