This martini is a classic coffee cocktail that’s perfect for dessert, brunch, or any occasion really! You can use espresso or espresso powder to make this easy espresso martini.
Topping it with coffee beans works as a simple garnish and adds just the right touch of style to make the drink stand out.
Making cocktails at home does NOT have to be intimidating. At all. This one is super delicious and super easy, and it only calls for three ingredients! An espresso martini is a great to serve to guests just before or after dinner.
This martini grew popular in the 1980s, and it’s easy to see why! Combining the rich, strong coffee flavor with alcohol makes for a delicious drink.
Jump to RecipeLooking for more espresso-flavored ideas?
Before making your espresso martini, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you will want to use espresso instead of regular or instant coffee. It’s important for the flavor profile.
You can use espresso powder instead if you need to. Next, it’s important to let the espresso chill completely before adding it to the ice and alcohol so that it does not melt the ice.
The foam is an important part of this cocktail, both for flavor and presentation. It’s kind of like when you order a latte, the more foam the better!
Ingredients:
- 2 shots (about 1.5 ounces each) espresso (do not use regular coffee, but you can use espresso powder if more convenient. If you’re absolutely having to brew coffee, making it as strong as possible.)
- 2 ounces vodka (any kind is fine.)
- 3 ounces Kahlua
- 2-3 coffee beans for garnish
How to Make an Espresso Martini
- Make your espresso and allow to chill (otherwise, it will melt your ice). If you’re in a hurry you can put it in the fridge.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the espresso, vodka and Kahlua.
- Shake until chilled. This will also create your froth.
- Pour into two chilled glasses.
- Garnish with a few coffee beans.
FAQ
At home I use my DeLonghi Espresso Maker to make espresso. Another option is to use espresso powder. It is most often used in baking to enhance the flavor of chocolate. But in a pinch, you could make homemade espresso, too.
If you have your espresso made ahead of time you can make this drink in under 5 minutes.
When you combine ingredients in your cocktail shaker you’ll want the ice to combine with the espresso to create a foam instead of the hot espresso melting it.
To chill your glasses, simply place them in the freezer for 5-6 minutes before you need them.
Not only is this drink delicious, but it can be a great conversation starter. I know I’m a little bit more talkative when I have a little jolt of caffeine in my system. 🙂
Other Martinis To Try:
Guests will be super impressed by the chilled glasses and coffee bean garnish. It’s the little things, right? Happy cocktail making! xo. Emma
Love this cocktail? Check out The Best Martini Recipes for more!
Espresso Martini- An easy, dessert cocktail with 3 ingredients
Equipment
- 1 espresso machine optional, but recommended
Ingredients
- 2 shots shots espresso about 1.5 ounces each
- 2 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces Kahlua
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Make your espresso and allow it to chill completely.
- To chill your glasses, simply place them in the freezer a few minutes (5-6) before you need them.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the espresso, vodka and Kahlua.
- Shake until chilled. Pour into two chilled glasses.
- Garnish with a few coffee beans and serve.
43 Comments
I love espresso martinis! The first night I got one I stayed up until 3 in the morning on Pinterest. It is very much a classy (and much tastier) Red Bull/Vodka!
I love this! Definitely trying this recipe, was actually thinking of having a dinner party and wanted something nice to serve.
Mmm, this looks delicious! Perfect for fall.
Okay this sounds too good not to try. Thank you for sharing!
xx
youngmildandfree.com
Delicious!
Lulu xx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
How perfect! I love your martini recipes, so keep them coming! This looks so fun. I’ve only chilled beer glasses, so chilling martini glasses will be great to try! 🙂
http://sometimesgracefully.com
This looks DELICIOUS!
Sounds perfect, will have to get some Kahlua and give this a try 🙂
Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten
I make a similar cocktail at my bar, but like to put the espresso in the freezer for a minute before shaking it on ice, just so it doesn’t immediately dilute the drink heavily 🙂 soooo yummy!
I love coffee and this cocktail sounds like a great combo!
This weekend I visited a friend of mine in Dublin and she spent the whole weekend drinking Espresso Martinis! Well, we stopped for lunch and we did some sightseeing too, but yes, lots of cocktails were involved 😉
Anyway! This recipe comes in really handy because she is coming to visit soon, so I’ll be perparing her favourite drink!!
Thanks girls!
xx,
E.
www.theslowpace.com
As a coffee lover… this is straight to the top of my list of ‘things to try!’. Can’t wait! xo Jess
Your Daily Break
what a classy cocktail! i have never had coffee and alcohol together (believe it or not!) but this is a must-try!
xx
I love all of your recipes! : )
Lovely Idea
Those look so yummy, I will have to make them for my hubby, he is an espresso man :). Thanks!
Rachael xx.
these are amazing! although don’t have one too late or you’ll be buzzing all night! and shush don’t tell the kids i think these are stronger than all the drugs they do nowadays!
Barnicles
You always whip up the loveliest cocktails on here! I’d love to try this out at home some day 🙂
I always thought it’d be harder to make!
http://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/balance-me-wonder-eye-cream.html
OOh, fun to serve indeed! 😀
I <3 all the ingredients for this! Pinned:)
Like this idea! Being baristas, we have a commercial espresso machine in our kitchen usually, so I will have to try this. We make White Russians with a shot of espresso and a bit of homemade chocolate ganache and local cream…
EWM
yummy! this looks perfect for fall.
xxoo,
nikki
www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
oh my goodness this sounds absolutely perfect!
Molly {Dreams in HD}
http://dreamsinhd.blogspot.com/
There’s something so delightful about a simple cocktail to make, and this sounds wonderful! Would be an interesting drink to pair with brunch…
Yum! I love easy cocktails, and cocktails that can be hot or cold. Thanks!
http://liveitinerantly.com
Great mix ! Best of both worlds , I looove cofee so this must be very good
Sincerely
Mariana
http://snappingbeautiful.blogspot.mx/
yum! this looks awesome
kw ladies in navy
coffee and liquor: the best of both worlds!
http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-little-things.html
Interesting! Thanks for sharing, guys.
Cheers,
Casey
http://www.kceh.wordpress.com
Yum. Maybe would be even better with chocolate cover espresso beans. Such a great idea. Love looking at all the unique recipe ideas!
Ashley
Ashleyinafashion.blogspot.com
Yum! This is totally great for parties! Thanks for sharing
🙂 Liz @ www.rusticpeach.com
Hot damn. This will be replacing my Black Russian (and Shirley Temple, on occasion)
This does look delicious! I love that you chilled the glasses, might have to try that with other drinks too!
Naomi
LOST+FOUND
It’s so true that cocktails can be intimidating! Three ingredients is right up my alley! 🙂
Jo
http://www.womaninreallife.blogspot.ca/
WOW!
tsiou, from http://www.inwhirlofinspiration.com
Looks yummy and easy!
Not too much of a fan of coffee but this still looks good!
Carina
http://www.carstina.com/
Oooo I’d really love to try this!
martinis & espresso are 2 of my favorite things, so i will be trying this very soon!
it looks delicious.
I cannot wait to try it!
Thanks Emma.
Best,
Karry
http://blog.pixiie.net
The Red Stag in Minneapolis makes a killer espresso martini, and we’ve been meaning to replicate it at home. Thanks for the inspiration to finally do it!
I love coffee, I love vodka and so…I love your cocktail! 🙂 Thank you for sharing this recipe!
I like the simplicity behind this recipe, and with caffeine… I do love my caffeine. 3 ingredients makes this so easy!
M.