Espresso Martini Recipe

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This classic Espresso Martini recipe is easy to make in less than 5 minutes. All you need is vodka, Kahlua, espresso, simple syrup a few coffee beans.

Espresso martini recipes are always popular around the holidays and are often a Christmastime favorite.

This recipe is for a classic, original (and strong!) espresso martini, but there are so many variations of espresso martinis that you can try (see below).

If you are looking for some more cocktails that are great for the holiday season, try this Gingerbread Martini, this Baileys Hot Chocolate or this RumChata Eggnog Cocktail.

Jump to:

• Recipe Highlights
• Key Ingredients
• Step By Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• Recipe FAQs
• Espresso Martini Variations
• 📖 Recipe

Recipe Highlights

• Classic Recipe — An espresso martini is a classic cocktail, and while there are lots of variations on this recipe, sometimes the original is always the best.
• Holiday Favorite — Espresso martinis are great any time of the year, but they are especially popular around Christmastime.
• Customizable — This is a strong cocktail, but there are lots of suggestions for how to customize this recipe to make your perfect drink.

Key Ingredients

• Vodka: Vodka is the base of an espresso martini. You can use whatever type of vodka you like. If you want a sweeter drink, you can use a flavored vodka, such as vanilla vodka or whipped cream vodka. If you don’t like vodka, you can use white rum or gin instead.
• Kahlua: Kahlua is the most commonly used coffee flavored liqueur in espresso martinis. However, you can use whichever type of coffee flavored liqueur you like. For a holiday variation, you can replace the Kahlua with Baileys or Frangelico.
• Espresso: Use high quality, freshly brewed espresso. Not only will freshly brewed espresso make your cocktail even more delicious, it will help achieve the beautiful frothy top once poured.
• Simple Syrup: A dash of simple syrup adds a bit of sweetness to balance this cocktail out. You can use premade simple syrup or easily make your own at home with water and sugar (see FAQ section below). For a unique variation, try a flavored simple syrup, such as brown sugar syrup, gingerbread syrup or peppermint simple syrup.
• Coffee Beans: Three coffee beans floating on top of the espresso foam is the classic way to serve an espresso martini. The coffee beans are just for garnish though, so you can skip this ingredient if you prefer.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the vodka, Kahlua, espresso and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds.

Step 2: Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans and serve.

Expert Tips

• Shake well. It is important to shake an espresso martini really, really well. This ensure the drink is ice cold and has a nice, frothy top once poured. You should be shaking the drink for at least 20 seconds and the outside of the cocktail shaker should be frosted.
• Chill your glasses. To make sure your martini stays chilled as long as possible, chill your martini glasses in the fridge or freezer for at least an hour before serving.
• Adjust the strength. Espresso martinis are strong drinks and not everyone enjoys such an alcohol forward cocktail. If this is the case, cut the amount of vodka in half and/or double the amount of simple syrup.
• Make it a mocktail. If you want to make an espresso martini without alcohol, try this recipe for an espresso martini mocktail.

Recipe FAQs

Espresso Martini Variations

If you like flavored espresso martinis, here are some unique recipe variations to try:

• Frangelico Espresso Martini
• White Chocolate Espresso Martini
• Pumpkin Espresso Martini
• Peppermint Espresso Martini
• Baileys Espresso Martini
• Gin Espresso Martini

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📖 Recipe